Bellini... Mimosa's little sister?

Mimosas, a combination of sparkling white wine and orange juice, have become a popular drink in many bars and appears at all sorts of occasions, especially weddings (mmm... what a beautiful bride and groom... even moreso after four mimosas). The sweetness of orange juice definitely helps ease the bitterness of wine for those who don't appreciate the drier side of wine and maaaaybe is a factor for the drink's popularity. The drink also requires only two ingredients, which also helps (2 parts OJ, 3 parts sparkling white)-good for the lazy college bartender... ahem... and pairs deliciosly with Sunday brunch for the early bird drinker (unless you're my cousin and you prefer rum).

For those who're looking for a similar drink that is lighter in flavor but just as full in body and a little more unique, there's the Bellini.

The Bellini is 5 parts sparkling white wine, one part peach puree (usually white peaches). The peach puree is less tart than orange juice and helps lighten the flavor of sparkling wine. Peach puree though can be hard to find which might be why the drink is a little less known (I dare you, go into a college town and ask for a Bellini... the bartender might look at you funny but he'll know a mimosa if you ask for that).

The Bellini would probably be more popular in Italy, where the drink started. If you're interested in trying some, puree some fresh white peaches and add it to your favorite sparkling wine. Or better yet, since I like to eat the few peaches I can afford, you can save your peaches and go to Cost Plus' wine section and look for a bottle of Canella Bellini "Wine Cocktail of Venezia". (picture to come)

Bellini:
5 parts Sparkling wine
1 part peach puree
Mimosa:
2 parts OJ
3 parts sparkling wine
Hibiscus: (replace OJ with cranberry juice)
Lilosa: (replace OJ with grapefruit juice)