(Before we move on, I have to explain that the blueberry puree did not curdle. It’s just the bubbles from the sparkling wine. I swear.)
When I was in my twenties, I had some odd notions of which activities seemed wise. At least, that is my excuse for hurling myself off the side of a 350-foot bridge with nothing but a large conglomeration of elastic bands strapped to my ankles. When friends told me that the bungee jump over the Zambezi River by Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe was, at that time, the highest one in the world, I simply could not resist. As the bungee experts cinched the straps around my ankles and fitted the harness for the post-jump ascent, a strange sense of calm came over me. Perhaps we should call that a haze of stupidity. Whatever it was, it allowed me climb out onto the edge of the bridge without peeing my pants.
At the call of “3…2…1…BUNGEE”, I threw myself off of the bridge, arms outstretched in what was (in my mind) the most graceful swan dive performed outside of the Olympic Games. The air left my lungs and the fall seemed to go on forever as I fell towards the river below. Terrifying? Yes. But what I remember most was the sense of pure exhilaration. As cliche as it may sound, I truly felt as though I could fly. That is a feeling everyone should experience at least one time in their lives.
When I returned to Vancouver after our Zimbabwean adventure, I distinctly remember sitting around the table at a local chain restaurant called Milestone’s with several friends. As I told my bungee story, we sipped on margaritas, Long Island iced teas, and bellinis. Being college students with the newly-legal right to drink, we jumped at the chance to order the restaurant’s signature fishbowl cocktails. The drinks came served in honest-to-God glass fishbowls, with long red straws sticking out at odd angles. Between four of us, we could suck one of those babies down in 10 minutes flat, which proves my point that twenty-somethings are not always as wise as they may fancy themselves.
This blueberry bellini is a rip-off of the classic peach bellini first served in Harry’s Bar in Venice. In this version, blueberries are pureed with a simple syrup and made smooth by a run through a fine-mesh strainer. The blueberry puree is spooned in to champagne flutes and gently mixed with Prosecco, or another sparkling wine. I could have used one of these after my jump.
To make the simple syrup, combine 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup granulated sugar in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil and stir until the sugar dissolves. Let the mixture cool.
Pour 1/3 cup of the simple syrup into the bowl of a blender. Add 16 ounces fresh blueberries (or frozen blueberries, defrosted) and puree until smooth.
Place a fine-mesh strainer over a medium bowl and pour the blueberry mixture into the strainer. Using a rubber spatula, gently press the blueberry mixture through the strainer. Discard the seeds left in the strainer.
Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of the blueberry puree into each of 6 champagne flutes. Add 4 to 5 fresh, whole blueberries to each glass. Fill the glasses with chilled Prosecco (or another sparkling wine). Gently stir and serve.
Other bellini recipes:
Laylita’s Recipes’ Honeydew Melon Bellini
Yum Sugar’s Blood Orange Bellini
The Gourmet Foodie’s Peach Bellini Mimosa
Blueberry Bellini Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 16 ounces fresh blueberries can also use frozen blueberries that are defrosted
- 1 750 ml bottle Prosecco, champagne, or other sparkling wine
Instructions
- To make the simple syrup, combine water and sugar in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil and stir until the sugar dissolves. Let the mixture cool.
- Pour ⅓ cup of the simple syrup into the bowl of a blender. Add blueberries and puree until smooth.
- Place a fine-mesh strainer over a medium bowl and pour the blueberry mixture into the strainer. Using a rubber spatula, gently press the blueberry mixture through the strainer. Discard the seeds left in the strainer.
- Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of the blueberry puree into each of 6 champagne flutes. Add 4 to 5 fresh, whole blueberries to each glass. Fill the glasses with chilled Prosecco (or another sparkling wine). Gently stir and serve.
Nutrition
Elin says
Hi CC…I don't think I want to do the burgee jump..afraid my heart may stop beating LOL! I am afraid of heights :p
Your blueberries bellini cocktail looks great and who would have thought of adding blueberries puree on to a glass of chilled sparkling wine ! Thanks for such great idea 🙂
Angie's Recipes says
This looks so refreshing!
Jessica @ How Sweet says
I love bellinis. I have never tried blueberry but I am sure I would love it!
pegasuslegend says
Wow what a story…there is no way I would be brave enough to bungee jump, matter of fact, the lists goes on an on….pretty undaring I am…I give you lots of kudo's that you have been so daring, as for the drink it sounds amazing love the puree and the bubbly yum!
bellini valli says
Bellini's are my favourite drinks:D Bungee jumping is something I have never tried. I could try it in Nanaimo if I feel so inclined:D
Mrs. L says
I love blueberries so this is right up my alley. Alas, blueberry season is over here so no more blueberries at the farmers markets, but I think some local ones may still be had at some grocery stores. I'll definitely give this a try!
Isabelle says
I love the bellinis at Milestone's… it's always a fun game to try to guess what little plastic animal will be sitting in the glass. 🙂
The blueberry twist sounds really delicious, especially with the lovely wild blueberries that are in season. Thanks for sharing!
tspegar says
i just drooled all over my keyboard and am now dreaming of drinking this. simple, delicious cocktail recipe!
D. @ Outside Oslo says
The bellini is beautiful and looks delicious!
I found your blog through the Foodie Blogroll–great work! And your photos are gorgeous.
Megan Carroll says
ahh the milestone's bellini. I still order them every once in a while even though I know that is not how they are classically made… I just want the little hard plastic animals… your looks great and Blueberry season is just starting here in Vancouver.
Pink Lady Gumbo says
ahhhhhhhhhh, blueberries are my new obsession. just made a cheesecake today with a fresh blueberry sauce, mmmmmmm. these little sweet guys are just so magically delicious…i will definitely be making this drink!
Suzanne aka vivisue says
Great story! Laughed out loud at least 3Xs! I've never had a bellini, but you can bet this will be my first! Pictures are delightful and fresh! I can almost feel a cool breeze coming through the window!
Magic of Spice says
The cocktail is so fantastic!~ But I am still mesmerized by your story…not even in my twenties, lol
OK, maybe if I had 4 or 5 of these:)
marla {family fresh cooking} says
You dare devil! I cannot believe you took the plunge on that bungee. I don't think I could ever go there. I love that you have the risk taker side, so fun! Great cocktail, for not one second did I think it was curdled. xo
Spicie Foodie says
Great story, I am horrified of heights so you are my hero:) The Bellini looks so beautiful and yummy tasting.
Mother Rimmy says
I love the cocktail recipes that people are posting these days. Perfect for summer barbecues and picnics. This looks wonderful. I have blueberries just coming into season.
queenbeeeatsforaday says
Mmmm, so yummy looking I want one for BREAKFAST!
Valerie says
Sounds delicious. I think that using blueberry juice and just floating a few fresh berries in each glass would make for a nicer presentation.
Squeaky Gourmet says
delightful summer drink!
Carol Egbert says
I'll pass on the bungee jump but the bellini looks perfect. One please-thank you!
Maria says
Sunflower had blueberries on sale so I stocked up! Such a pretty drink! I love blueberries!
Michelle @ Brown Eyed Baker says
I love bellinis and this blueberry version looks fantastic!
Tracy says
Looks so pretty and refreshing!
[email protected] says
Love love love this. I'm definitely going to try it. I'm a sucker for a Bellini – add blueberry into the mix and it's just hopeless!
Jason Phelps says
Very nice. Sparkling wine drinks are lot of fun!
Jason
Fuji Mama says
GORGEOUS cocktail! I'm still smiling about this line: "I could have used one these after my jump." Tee hee!
Lindsay says
Check out Lounge Attire’s Cranberry garnishes for your holiday parties!
barbara says
Try something new! Check out Gourmandia for more recipes that will totally blow your taste buds!