Strawberry Mango Bellini

We celebrated the birthday of a dear friend of mine on Friday the 13th.  In my world, birthdays call for fun drinks, good food, and girl time.  So, I concocted this strawberry mango bellini in honor of the birthday girl....who loves a good champagne cocktail from time to time {ok, often, and that's why I love her!}.  This drink couldn't be easier to make.  It tastes best when made the day of and slightly frozen.

We gathered on a rather dreary day in Minneapolis.  Enjoyed cheeses, dried fig and oat crackers, marinated olives, wine, lots of wine, special bellinis, and enough laughter to get me through the next month or so....maybe.

We all {meaning the four of us hooligans} used to work together at the corporate headquarters of a large trendy discount retailer here in Minneapolis.  Three of us have moved on.  One still remains.  Our days of grabbing happy hour after work {at least weekly} have dwindled to quarterly occurances.  We've gotten married, had babies, gotten new jobs, bought houses, have laughed and cried together.  We've created memories that I will remember for a lifetime.

So, we talked and laughed, and ate and drank, and laughed some more....and I snapped those pics above on my girlfriend's patio.  Spring was trying so hard that day, trying to hold off on the rain....that had fallen for the third day in a row.  But alas, it poured through Saturday.  I guess the grass needed it.  At least that's what I tell myself.

The rain sure didn't stop us.  We got our bellini on and wished a big fat happy birthday to our girlfriend.  ED - here's to you! 

Strawberry Mango Bellini
Recipe by A Toast to Taste
Photos by A Toast to Taste

Ingredients Needed:
1 mango, peeled and cut from core
4-5 strawberries
1-2 tsp organic agave nectar
1 bottle chilled prosecco or brut champagne

In a blender, puree mango, strawberries, and agave nectar until smooth.  Transfer to freezer safe container and place in freezer for about 20 minutes.  For the drink, place one small spoonful (about 1-2 Tbsp) of puree in bottom of champagne flute and top with prosecco or champagne.  If needed, stir to combine.

Enjoy!