Canaletto
Experience the elegance of Venice with the Canaletto cocktail, a delightful blend of sparkling Prosecco and vibrant raspberry. Named perhaps in honour of the famed Venetian painter, this drink mirrors the beauty and effervescence of his cityscapes. It's a simple yet sophisticated recipe, perfect for celebrations or a refreshing aperitif, balancing the crispness of Italian sparkling wine with the sweet-tartness of fresh berries. Easy to prepare and stunning to behold, the Canaletto is your ticket to Italian indulgence.
Ingredients
- 10 cl Prosecco
- 5 pieces raspberries
- 1 cl simple syrup
- 1 piece raspberry
Accessories
- 1 Champagne flute
- 1 muddler
- 1 shaker
- 1 strainer
Instructions
Chill your Champagne flute thoroughly before starting.
In the base of a shaker, gently muddle 5 fresh raspberries with the simple syrup. Adjust syrup quantity based on raspberry sweetness and personal preference.
Double strain the muddled raspberry mixture through a fine mesh strainer directly into the chilled Champagne flute. This ensures a smooth, seedless puree.
Slowly and carefully top the raspberry puree with chilled Prosecco, pouring gently to preserve the bubbles.
Give the drink a very gentle stir with a bar spoon if needed to integrate the puree and Prosecco, being careful not to dissipate the carbonation.
Garnish by dropping a single fresh raspberry into the flute or placing it delicately on the rim.
Trivia
- What is a Canaletto cocktail?
The Canaletto cocktail is an elegant Italian drink primarily made with Prosecco and raspberry puree or muddled raspberries. It's essentially a raspberry variation of the classic Bellini (which uses peach), likely named to evoke the artistic heritage and celebratory spirit of Venice.
- How does the Canaletto cocktail taste?
The Canaletto offers a delightful balance of flavours. You'll experience the crisp, dry, and bubbly nature of Prosecco complemented by the sweet, slightly tart, and vibrant taste of fresh raspberries. It's refreshing, fruity, and sophisticatedly light.
- What type of glass is best for a Canaletto?
A Champagne flute is the traditional and recommended glass for serving a Canaletto. The tall, narrow shape helps maintain the Prosecco's carbonation and showcases the cocktail's elegant colour and rising bubbles.
- What is the difference between a Canaletto and a Rossini cocktail?
Both the Canaletto and the Rossini are Italian Prosecco-based cocktails featuring berries. The Rossini specifically uses strawberry puree, while the Canaletto typically features raspberry. Both offer a similar fruity profile but with the distinct taste of their respective berries.
- Can I make a non-alcoholic Canaletto?
Yes, you can create a non-alcoholic version of the Canaletto. Substitute the Prosecco with a quality non-alcoholic sparkling wine, sparkling cider, or even sparkling water mixed with a touch of white grape juice for complexity. Prepare the raspberry puree as usual.
- When is the best occasion to serve a Canaletto cocktail?
The Canaletto is incredibly versatile. Its refreshing and celebratory nature makes it perfect for brunches, weddings, spring and summer parties, aperitivo hour, romantic occasions like Valentine's Day, or simply as an elegant start to an evening.