Fresh Strawberry Thyme Bellini Recipe
A refreshing and elegant strawberry thyme bellini cocktail made with homemade strawberry-thyme simple syrup, fresh strawberry puree, and sparkling Prosecco. Perfect for brunch or special occasions, this vibrant drink combines fruity sweetness with the herbal aroma of thyme. An alcohol-free version can be made by substituting sparkling cider or water.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Simple Syrup
- 1/4 pint (3 ounces) strawberries, hulled and quartered (about 3 large/6 medium/9 small)
- 1 cup superfine or bar sugar
- 1 large handful fresh thyme sprigs (about 1/4 ounce or 10 grams)
- 6 ounces water
Strawberry Puree
- 3/4 pint strawberries, hulled and quartered (remaining strawberries from the pint)
To Serve
- Prosecco or other sparkling wine, about 16 ounces (1 bottle)
- Extra strawberries for garnish
- Extra fresh thyme sprigs for garnish
- Optional: sparkling cider or sparkling water for alcohol-free version
Instructions
- Make Simple Syrup: Place 1/4 pint of hulled and quartered strawberries, 1 cup superfine sugar, fresh thyme sprigs, and 6 ounces of water in a small pot. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then immediately reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook gently for 10-15 minutes until the strawberries are very soft and flavors meld.
- Cool and Strain Syrup: Remove the pot from the heat and let the mixture cool for 30 minutes. Discard the thyme sprigs and strain the syrup through a fine sieve into a container. Refrigerate and chill for at least 1 hour before using.
- Prepare Strawberry Puree: Place the remaining 3/4 pint of strawberries in a blender and crush until smooth. Strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds for a smooth texture.
- Mix Drink: In a serving glass, combine 1 ounce of the strawberry puree and 1 ounce of the chilled strawberry-thyme simple syrup. Top with about 4 ounces of Prosecco or sparkling wine. For a non-alcoholic version, substitute sparkling cider or sparkling water.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish each glass with a strawberry half or quarter, sliced so it can slide onto the rim. Optionally, lightly crush a fresh thyme sprig between your fingers to release aroma and add it to the glass. Serve immediately and enjoy the festive, fresh flavors.
Notes
- Superfine or bar sugar dissolves more easily, making a smoother simple syrup.
- Chilling the simple syrup helps maintain the bubbly texture when mixed with sparkling wine.
- Straining the puree removes seeds for a silky texture in the cocktail.
- To intensify the thyme flavor, gently rub sprigs before using as garnish.
- For an alcohol-free option, sparkling apple cider or sparkling water work beautifully as substitutes.
