Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/162483
realdetails Bellini Bliss Fresh fruit and sparkling wine combine in summer's tastiest signature cocktail TEXT AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISTINA SYMONS Champagne cocktails are a lovely libation at a summer wedding. These fresh fruit versions, a simple spin on the classic Italian Bellini, are deliciously refreshing, colourful and festive. A breeze to make in small or large batches, Bellinis require nothing more than glass flutes, inexpensive sparkling wine and fresh fruit purée. Choose the freshest, most perfectly ripe fruit you can find, local and in season if possible. Peach is traditional, raspberry is flirty and blackberry is absolutely divine. Bellini Cocktail ~ 2 cups fresh ripe fruit (or berries) ~ Sparkling wine Wash the fruit; slice but do not peel. Purée in a food processor or high-speed blender until smooth. Strain the purée into a bowl using a metal sieve. Add two tablespoons purée to each flute. Top with chilled sparkling wine. Or, make a pitcher of Bellinis using one cup purée to one bottle (750 mL) chilled sparkling wine. Stir and serve. Wedding Wines Looking for easy-drinking, budget-friendly sips for your summer wedding? Try these crowd-pleasing selections, priced at only $10 to $17 a bottle. Bubbles Get the party started with: Villa Teresa Organic Prosecco Frizzanti ($17); Yellowglen Pink ($13); or Chamdeville Blanc de Blancs Brut ($14). White Serve light, cool whites such as: St. Hubertus Estate Winery Pinot Blanc (BC VQA, $15); Paul Mas Viognier ($14); and Cono Sur Organic Chardonnay ($14.50). Red Enjoy easy-going reds, such as: Long Flat Cabernet Shiraz 2009 ($10); Jean Bousquet Organic Cabernet Sauvignon ($16); and Inniskillin Merlot Reserve (BC VQA, $17). 68 R E A L WEDDINGS p64-69_Real Details Real Style.indd 68 4/24/12 2:34:05 PM