The colour of Bellini, a cocktail of peach puree and Prosecco sparkling wine, is pretty much akin to the rosy cheeks of an infant. It is instantly attractive. Created in the 1930s by Giuseppe Cipriani, the founder of Harry’s Bar in the city of Venice and named after the artist Giovani Bellini, this aperitif has emerged as one of the most delicious alcoholic beverages in the world. If my word is to be taken, it is undoubtedly the best. Served in chilled champagne flutes, this concoction not only satiates your taste buds but also helps you let your hair down and appreciate the little joys of life. Just don’t end up becoming a member of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Bellini basically is a sweet beverage but you do experience a slight tang after a few sips. The mellow taste of sparkling wine works very well with the strong essence of peach and we collectively need to thank Cipriani for coming up with this nectar. Apart from being served in most fancy restaurants, bottles of Bellini are now found in all big supermarkets across Italy. While the rest of the world is trying its best to catch up and devise versions of their own, the original is pretty much nonpareil. Perhaps there was a reason why geniuses like Ernest Hemingway and Orson Welles nursed a soft corner for Harry’s Bar.