Ingredients
- 3 oz Viniq Glow
- 2 oz Champagne
Instructions
Prepare the Glass:
- Rim a chilled champagne flute with sugar.
Combine Ingredients:
- Pour 3 oz Viniq Glow and 2 oz champagne into the flute.
Serve:
- Serve immediately and enjoy your Bellini Glow Cocktail.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
The Bellini Glow is a contemporary take on the classic Bellini, a drink originating in 1940s Venice, Italy, credited to Giuseppe Cipriani of Harry’s Bar. While the original is a timeless classic, this ‘Glow’ version is a modern creation, driven by the specific shimmer liqueur, rather than a historical development.
This cocktail sits firmly in the sparkling wine family, a direct descendant of the Bellini and a cousin to drinks like the Mimosa or Kir Royale. The key differentiator here is the Viniq Glow, which replaces the traditional peach puree or other fruit elements with its unique shimmer and flavor profile, making it distinctively sweet and visually appealing.
You’d typically find this drink at a brunch service, a bachelorette party, or any event where a visually festive and relatively low ABV sparkling cocktail is desired. It’s a popular choice for toasts and casual celebrations, especially for those who appreciate a sweeter, fruit-forward bubbly drink.
The Bellini Glow is a modern creation. The original Bellini comes from Italy, famously created by Giuseppe Cipriani in Venice in the 1940s. This ‘Glow’ version is a contemporary twist, relying on a specific proprietary liqueur for its unique visual and flavor.
What it tastes like
The Bellini Glow leads with the sweet, fruity notes of Viniq Glow, which often features berry or peach undertones depending on the specific product. This sweetness is quickly met by the crisp, dry effervescence of Champagne on the mid-palate, cutting through the liqueur’s richness. The finish is light, bubbly, and pleasantly sweet with a faint lingering fruit flavor, all while maintaining that distinctive shimmer.
With 3 oz of 20% ABV Viniq Glow and 2 oz of 12% ABV Champagne, this five ounce drink clocks in around 17% alcohol by volume. That makes it significantly stronger than a typical beer, which is usually around 5%, but generally lighter than many spirit-forward classic cocktails that often land in the 20 to 25% ABV range.
The technique
Building this drink is straightforward. Start with a chilled champagne flute, which helps keep the drink cold longer. If you’re going for the sugared rim, do that first. Then, simply pour the Viniq Glow into the flute, followed by the Champagne. Pour the sparkling wine slowly and gently to preserve as much of its effervescence as possible.
The most important technique for any sparkling wine cocktail is to pour the bubbly gently. Rapid pouring can cause the carbonation to fizz out too quickly, leaving you with a flat drink. Tilt the glass and let the Champagne run down the side, slowly bringing the glass upright as it fills. This keeps the bubbles lively, which is half the point of a sparkling cocktail.
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Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Viniq Glow
- Use
- Viniq Glow is the specific shimmery, fruit-flavored liqueur that gives this drink its name and visual appeal. It’s typically around 20% ABV and comes in various fruity flavors.
- Skip
- Any non-shimmering fruit liqueur. The ‘Glow’ is the whole point here, so skipping the shimmer means you’re just making a generic sparkling fruit drink without the visual draw.
- Why
- Viniq Glow provides the unique iridescent shimmer that makes this cocktail stand out visually. It also contributes the primary sweet, fruit-forward base flavor, defining the drink’s character.
Champagne
- Use
- A dry sparkling wine works best here. Actual Champagne is great, but a good quality Prosecco or Cava also performs well. Look for Brut or Extra Dry varieties to balance the liqueur’s sweetness.
- Skip
- Flat white wine or overly sweet sparkling wines. The effervescence is crucial for texture and the dryness helps cut the Viniq Glow. A dessert sparkling wine will make the drink cloyingly sweet.
- Why
- Champagne provides the essential effervescence and a crucial dry counterpoint to the sweetness of the Viniq Glow. Its bubbles add a celebratory feel and a crisp finish to the drink.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.
Classic Bellini
- The original peach and prosecco classic.
- Made with fresh peach puree and Prosecco, this is the drink that inspired the ‘Glow’ variation. It’s fruitier and less sweet than the Glow version, with a more natural peach flavor.
Mimosa
- Simple orange juice and sparkling wine.
- A brunch staple, the Mimosa combines orange juice with sparkling wine. It’s typically drier and more citrus-forward than the Bellini Glow, offering a different kind of fruit and fizz.
Kir Royale
- Blackcurrant liqueur and Champagne.
- This elegant French cocktail features crème de cassis, a blackcurrant liqueur, topped with Champagne. It’s tart, sweet, and rich, a more sophisticated take on a sparkling wine cocktail.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
If you can’t find Viniq Glow, you can try substituting with peach schnapps or another berry liqueur for the flavor, and add a tiny pinch of edible glitter for a similar visual effect.
Prosecco or Cava are excellent alternatives. They offer similar effervescence and dryness, making them suitable stand-ins that won’t drastically change the drink’s character.
Skip it. The sugar rim is purely for presentation and an extra touch of sweetness. The drink will taste just fine without it.
A white wine glass or a highball glass will work in a pinch. The visual impact won’t be the same, but the drink will still be enjoyable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Bellini Glow Cocktail?
A Bellini Glow Cocktail contains 3 ounces of Viniq Glow and 2 ounces of Champagne, typically served in a sugar-rimmed champagne flute.
Is Viniq Glow still available?
Viniq Glow is a specific brand of shimmery liqueur. While it was once widely available, its current distribution can vary, and it may be harder to find in some markets. Check with your local liquor store.
What does the Bellini Glow Cocktail taste like?
It tastes sweet and fruity from the Viniq Glow, balanced by the dry, crisp effervescence of Champagne. It has a light body and a sparkling finish.
How strong is a Bellini Glow Cocktail?
This cocktail is approximately 17% alcohol by volume, making it stronger than most beers but generally lighter than many classic spirit-based cocktails.
Can I make a Bellini Glow Cocktail without Viniq Glow?
You can, but it won’t be the same. You’d lose the signature shimmer and specific flavor profile. You could try another fruit liqueur and add edible glitter for a similar visual.
What kind of champagne should I use?
A dry sparkling wine like Brut Champagne, Prosecco, or Cava works best. Avoid overly sweet sparkling wines as the Viniq Glow already provides plenty of sweetness.
Is this drink sweet?
Yes, the Bellini Glow Cocktail is on the sweeter side, primarily due to the Viniq Glow liqueur. The dryness of the Champagne helps to balance it, but it remains a sweet sparkling drink.
Can I make this drink ahead of time?
No, this drink should be made and served immediately. The effervescence of the Champagne will dissipate quickly if prepared in advance, leaving you with a flat cocktail.
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