Cipriani Signature Drinks The Luxury in Simplicity
As the 1920s were coming to a close, Giuseppe Cipriani was a young and popular bartender at Venice’s Hotel Europa. One of his regulars — a wealthy American named Harry Pickering — was unexpectedly cut off from his fortune and stranded in Italy. Giuseppe lent him 10,000 lire to get home, never expecting what would come next.
Harry returned to Venice not long after to repay his debt, fourfold. Enough startup capital for Giuseppe to finally open his very own bar. Which, of course, he did in 1931, naming it “Harry’s Bar.”
Renowned for his distinctive hospitality and refined, elegant style, Mr. Cipriani transformed Harry’s into a favorite gathering spot for connoisseurs of the arts — literature, art, and drama. It was, and still is, a place to see and be seen.
And then, in 1948, he created his famous Cipriani Bellini recipe ...
World War II was finally over and like so many, Mr. Cipriani was eager to celebrate peace. Meanwhile, that summer, Venice hosted an exhibition of the great Renaissance painter Giovanni Bellini inside the Palazzo Ducale. Giuseppe had always admired the glowing pink hues Bellini favorited in his works — and was inspired to create a cocktail that mimicked its warmth. Using fresh purée from his favorite white Mediterranean peaches as a base, Giuseppe added the lively bubbles of Italy’s signature sparkling wine, Prosecco. An instant classic was born — a simple symbol of freedom, Italian art, and hospitality. He called it the Bellini.
Four generations of the Cipriani family have stewarded their name through 93 years, becoming a universally recognized icon of hospitality, one that others have yet to succeed in replicating. While their flagship remains the Original Bellini, they’ve added other fine wines and spirits to their range, including (of course) extraordinary Prosecco, a sparkling rosé, spirits, and more. Each one representing equal parts Venetian elegance and Giuseppe’s uniquely simple approach.
Cipriani Drinks Highlights
Cipriani is consistently the top-performing premium Bellini RTD in Value & Volume ($14+).*
Since 1931, four generations have worked to establish Cipriani as a world-renowned brand, starting with Giuseppe Cipriani who invented the Bellini in 1948 — the cocktail is now a globally recognized drink that helped give rise to Cipriani’s fame.
The flagship of Cipriani Drinks remains the Original Bellini — a refreshing mix of 20% real white peach puree and 80% Prosecco. It is a symbol of peace, freedom, and Italian art and hospitality.
Cipriani Drinks also offers a wider portfolio of wines and spirits including Prosecco Brut, Rosé Brut, Amaro 7 Parti, and London Dry Gin.
* Nielsen xAOC + Liq 52 wks – W/E 3/23/24
The Ethos of Venetian Life
Harry’s Bar — thanks to the skill and foresight of its founder, Giuseppe Cipriani — has been a cultural beacon since 1931. Over its 90+ year history, it has drawn a glamorous, illustrious clientele that includes Ernest Hemmingway, Orson Welles, Charlie Chaplin, Truman Capote, George Clooney, Peggy Guggenheim, and countless others. It’s small … but it remains one of the most celebrated establishments in the world, renowned for its iconoclastic approach to its cocktail making and its one-of-a-kind atmosphere.
Cipriani Drinks aims to bring a simple, luxurious taste of the Harry’s Bar experience to consumers, right in the comfort of their own homes, calling to mind warm early evenings strolling the passeggiata along Venice’s famous Calle Vallaresso.
Made With Real White Peaches
Cipriani Drinks uses the freshest European white peaches for the Original Bellini. Sourced from carefully selected suppliers, the fruit is inspected before and after harvest, as well as during all stages of production to ensure top quality. Following basic principles handed down since 1948, the process combines craftsmanship with technological innovation to yield the finest possible peach puree.
Once picked, the peaches are unloaded directly into a bed of water to give them an initial wash and move them gently, without bruising. Then, they are repeatedly washed and receive a manual inspection to remove any leaves and unripe or damaged fruit. The skins and stones are removed by a passer working in cold conditions within a vacuum to preserve the peaches’ natural characteristics. After a gentle pressing, the peach puree undergoes a pasteurization heat treatment, which protects its freshness and flavor without the need for preservatives.
