Quick Johnny Carino’s Peach Bellini Recipe

I first tried a peach bellini at Johnny Carino’s during a friend’s birthday celebration, and I couldn’t believe I’d been missing out on this drink all my life. Growing up, my idea of a fancy drink was sparkling grape juice in a plastic champagne glass.

Making these at home seemed like it would be complicated, but it turns out it’s actually pretty simple. While the restaurant version might have some secret touches, this homemade recipe comes really close to what I remember tasting that night. Plus, you don’t have to wait for a special occasion or drive to the restaurant to enjoy one.

What Kind of Peaches Should I Use?

For this bellini recipe, you’ve got several options when it comes to your peach components. The frozen peach nectar is your main peach base, and you can find this in most grocery stores near the frozen juice concentrates – Goya and Kern’s are common brands that work well. For the garnish, you can use either fresh or canned peaches depending on the season. If you’re using fresh peaches, make sure they’re ripe but still firm enough to hold their shape when sliced. During off-season months, good quality canned peaches in juice (not syrup) make a perfectly fine substitute and are actually what many restaurants use to ensure consistency year-round.

Options for Substitutions

Want to mix up this refreshing drink but missing some ingredients? Here are some helpful swaps:

• Peach nectar: If you can’t find frozen peach nectar, use fresh peach puree or blend canned peaches with their syrup. You can also use peach juice, though you might want to add a bit more to match the thickness of nectar.
• Champagne/sparkling wine: Any bubbly will do! Try Prosecco or Cava – they’re often more budget-friendly. If you need a non-alcoholic option, use sparkling water or ginger ale, but add a splash more peach nectar to make up for the lost flavor.
• Peach schnapps: You can swap this with peach vodka or, for a non-alcoholic version, use peach syrup (the kind used in coffee drinks).
• Light rum: White rum, vodka, or even bourbon can work here. Each will give a slightly different flavor profile, but they’ll all taste good!
• Grenadine: Out of grenadine? Try pomegranate juice mixed with a bit of sugar, or cherry juice for that sweet red color.
• Fresh peach garnish: Canned peaches work just fine for garnish, or try other fruits like nectarines, mangoes, or even a maraschino cherry.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The biggest mistake when making a Peach Bellini is not properly layering the ingredients – pour the heavier alcohols first (rum and schnapps) over crushed ice, then slowly add the wines to create those beautiful distinct layers. Another common error is using warm ingredients, which causes the ice to melt too quickly and dilutes your drink – make sure all your liquids are well-chilled before mixing. When it comes to the peach nectar, avoid using room temperature nectar straight from the can; instead, freeze it into cubes or slush beforehand to maintain the drink’s ideal frosty temperature without watering it down. For the perfect finishing touch, don’t rush adding the grenadine – let it slowly trickle down the side of the glass to create that signature sunset effect, and always save the fresh peach garnish for last to prevent it from sinking to the bottom.

What to Serve With Peach Bellinis?

These sweet and refreshing peach bellinis are perfect for brunch or a summer party, and they pair wonderfully with light appetizers and snacks. Try serving them alongside a cheese and fruit board with fresh berries, grapes, and mild cheeses like brie or mascarpone. For brunch, these cocktails go great with classic items like eggs benedict, French toast, or fresh pastries. If you’re hosting happy hour, some light Italian appetizers like bruschetta, caprese skewers, or prosciutto-wrapped melon make excellent companions to these fruity drinks.

Storage Instructions

Mix Fresh: This peach bellini is best enjoyed right after mixing while the ice is fresh and the bubbles from the champagne are still lively. For the best taste and fizz, I recommend making this cocktail just before serving.

Prep Ahead: If you want to save some time, you can mix the peach nectar, peach schnapps, rum, and grenadine ahead of time and keep this base mixture in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, just add the ice, wines, and garnish for that perfect fresh-made taste.

Garnish Tips: If you’re using fresh peach slices for garnish, you can prep them up to 2 hours before serving – just toss them with a little lemon juice to prevent browning and keep them covered in the fridge. Canned peach slices can be stored in their juice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	0 minutes
Total Time	10-15 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 250-300
• Protein: 0-2 g
• Fat: 0-1 g
• Carbohydrates: 30-35 g

Ingredients

• 1 glass of crushed ice
• 1 1/2 ounces frozen peach nectar
• 1 ounce white wine
• 1/2 ounce champagne or sparkling wine
• 1/2 ounce peach schnapps
• 1/2 ounce light rum
• 2 ounces red wine or italian sangria
• 1/4 ounce grenadine
• Fresh peach slices (peeled or canned for garnish)

Step 1: Prepare the Glass and Ice

Begin by filling a tall serving glass with crushed ice to ensure it is chilled.

Once filled, transfer the ice into a blender.

Step 2: Blend the Peach Mixture

Add peach nectar, white wine, Champagne, peach schnapps, and rum to the blender with the crushed ice.

Blend the mixture until it becomes a smooth and frosty consistency.

Step 3: Prepare the Red Wine Mixture

In a separate mixing cup or glass, combine your choice of red wine or sangria with grenadine.

Stir gently to mix well.

Step 4: Layer the Drink

Begin assembling the drink by pouring a small dollop of the frozen peach mixture into the previously filled serving glass.

Add a small amount of the red wine mixture on top.

Continue layering by adding another dollop of the peach mixture, topping it again with the red wine mixture.

Repeat this process alternately until the glass is filled, ensuring the final layer is the peach mixture.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

For an elegant touch, add a peach wedge or two as a garnish.

Serve the layered drink immediately to enjoy its delightful color contrasts and refreshing flavors.