Countown to Christmas: Day 10 - entertain with ease by offering guests a fresh batch of a special cocktail, perhaps Bellinis?
This season while hosting your holiday soiree offer up a signature cocktail. This one little offering helps to set a festive tone and you also spend less time at the bar preparing individual drinks. You win points for being a stylish and organized hostess.
Perhaps a small batch of Bellinis for incoming guests?
Almost 20 years ago when I first moved to New York City, my good friend Jan and I went to Cipriani restaurant during the Christmas season. As we approached the bar the waiter convinced us to try one of their famous Bellini cocktails. To this day, the Bellini is one of my very favorite Holiday drinks, and it is delicious. I marvel at how easy it is to whip up a few of these for arriving guests when I'm throwing a small gathering.
The original Cipriani (Harry's Bar) opened during the 1930s in Venice, Italy and bartender Guiseppe Cipriani first created the Bellini. Harry's is one of the most famous restaurants in the world, and back in the day legendary figures like Ernest Hemingway would stop in for this delicious cocktail. The story is told that the pink glow eminating from one of their paintings inspired the rosy-colored concoction.
Simply put: Italian sparkling wine (prosecco) and white peach puree.
