We’ve always been fans of the classic French 75 cocktail with its fizzy charm and origins in World War I France where it drew inspiration from a powerful artillery gun. Now we’re giving it a cool twist by freezing it into a refreshing slushy version that’s ideal for summer soirees.
This Frozen French 75 recipe captures the bright notes of gin lemon and champagne in a simple blend that elevates any occasion. We’re excited to share how it brings elegance to your glass without the fuss so you can sip and savor like a pro.
Ingredients
For our Frozen French 75 recipe, we start by assembling the essential ingredients that bring this classic cocktail’s fizzy elegance into a refreshing slushy form. We’ll list them in the order they’re used during preparation, with specific measurements and any prep notes for accuracy.
- 2 ounces gin: Use a high-quality gin for its botanical notes, which form the base of our cocktail.
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice: Squeeze this from fresh lemons just before use to capture the bright, tangy flavor that balances the drink.
- 1 ounce simple syrup: Prepare this by dissolving equal parts sugar and water; it adds the necessary sweetness without overpowering the other elements.
- 4 ounces champagne or sparkling wine: Opt for a dry variety to maintain the effervescent charm of the original French 75.
- 1 cup ice cubes: Crushed or cubed ice for blending, ensuring our cocktail achieves that perfect slushy texture.
- Lemon twist for garnish: Cut a thin strip from a fresh lemon peel right before serving to enhance presentation and add a zesty aroma.
Equipment Needed
To craft our refreshing Frozen French 75 with precision and ease, we rely on a few key pieces of equipment that ensure a smooth blending process and professional presentation. This setup helps us achieve that ideal slushy texture while maintaining the cocktail’s elegant flair.
Here’s the essential equipment we recommend, listed in the order they’ll be used:
- Blender: A high-speed blender is crucial for pulverizing ice cubes into a perfect slushy consistency. We prefer one with at least 500 watts for efficient blending without overheating.
- Measuring Jigger or Cups: For accurate measurements of liquids like gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup, a measuring jigger (1.5 oz and 0.75 oz sides) ensures our cocktail balances flavors flawlessly.
- Citrus Juicer: A manual or electric citrus juicer makes extracting fresh lemon juice quick and effortless, maximizing yield while minimizing pulp.
- Paring Knife and Cutting Board: Use a sharp paring knife paired with a sturdy cutting board to prepare the lemon twist garnish with clean, precise cuts.
- Cocktail Glasses: Champagne flutes or coupe glasses are ideal for serving, as they highlight the drink’s effervescent bubbles and add a touch of sophistication to our gatherings.
With this equipment on hand, we’re all set to move seamlessly into preparation, transforming our ingredients into a delightful frozen treat.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients and essential equipment, let’s create our refreshing Frozen French 75 with ease and precision. We will walk you through each step to achieve a perfectly slushy, effervescent cocktail that captures the tart lemon zing, crisp gin notes, and bubbly champagne finish.
Prepare the Ingredients
Before blending, we need to prepare our ingredients for optimal flavor and texture. Start by juicing the lemons to extract fresh, vibrant juice that enhances the cocktail’s bright acidity.
- Juice the lemons: Using our citrus juicer, squeeze 2 fresh lemons to yield 2 ounces of juice. Roll the lemons on the cutting board first to maximize juice extraction and avoid any bitter pith.
- Measure the liquids: Grab our measuring jigger and pour 2 ounces of high-quality gin, 1 ounce of simple syrup, and the 2 ounces of lemon juice into separate containers for accuracy.
- Prepare the ice and garnish: Add 2 cups of ice cubes to a bowl, and use the paring knife to cut a thin lemon twist from the remaining lemon peel, ensuring it’s free of white pith for a clean, citrusy aroma.
Blend the Frozen French 75
With ingredients prepped, we move to blending for that irresistible slushy consistency that makes our Frozen French 75 ideal for warm days.
- Combine in the blender: Pour the 2 ounces of gin, 1 ounce of simple syrup, 2 ounces of lemon juice, and 2 cups of ice cubes into the high-speed blender.
- Add the champagne: Gently pour in 4 ounces of dry champagne or sparkling wine right before blending to preserve its fizzy effervescence and prevent it from going flat.
- Blend until smooth: Secure the lid and blend on high speed for 30-45 seconds, or until the mixture reaches a slushy texture that is thick yet pourable, evoking the cool, velvety sensation of a frozen delight with every sip.
Serve and Garnish
Finally, we serve our Frozen French 75 to highlight its elegant presentation and sensory appeal, ensuring each glass tempts with its chilled refreshment and visual charm.
- Pour into glasses: Divide the blended mixture evenly into 2 elegant cocktail glasses, filling them about three-quarters full to maintain the slushy’s airy texture.
- Add the garnish: Place the lemon twist on the rim of each glass, giving it a gentle twist to release its oils and enhance the aroma, creating a visually striking and flavorful finish.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy the cocktail right away to savor its crisp, bubbly layers before the slush begins to melt, pairing perfectly with summer gatherings or casual evenings.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To keep our Frozen French 75 cocktail fresh and ready for spontaneous summer gatherings, we can prepare several components in advance without compromising its crisp, bubbly charm. This approach saves time and ensures effortless preparation, building on the step-by-step blending and serving details from our previous sections.
Preparing Ingredients Ahead
We recommend starting with the foundational elements to maintain optimal flavor and texture:
- Simple Syrup: Make a batch of simple syrup up to one week in advance. Combine 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of water in a saucepan, heat over medium until fully dissolved, then cool and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly juice your lemons up to 24 hours ahead. Squeeze 2-3 lemons to yield about 1/2 cup of juice, then transfer to a sealed jar and refrigerate to preserve its bright, tangy essence.
- Gin Mixture Base: Blend the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup together without the champagne or ice up to 4 hours in advance. In a blender, combine 1.5 ounces of gin, 0.75 ounces of lemon juice, and 0.5 ounces of simple syrup, then store the mixture in the fridge in a covered container. This base will hold its flavors perfectly until you’re ready to add the final touches.
Storage Tips for Peak Freshness
Proper storage is key to preserving the cocktail’s elegant sparkle. Here’s how we handle it:
- Use an airtight container for all prepped items to prevent oxidation and maintain the cocktail’s signature zing.
- For the gin mixture base, chill it in the refrigerator rather than freezing, as this keeps the liquids from separating.
| Component | Make-Ahead Time | Storage Method | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple Syrup | Up to 1 week | Airtight container in refrigerator | Stays clear and sweet; no dilution needed. |
| Lemon Juice | Up to 24 hours | Sealed jar in refrigerator | Keeps its fresh, vibrant acidity; avoid exposure to air. |
| Gin Mixture Base | Up to 4 hours | Covered container in refrigerator | Do not add champagne until blending to retain effervescence. |
When it’s time to serve, simply retrieve your prepped components, add them to the blender with ice and champagne as outlined in our earlier steps, and blend for that irresistible slushy consistency. This method lets us focus on enjoying the cocktail’s refreshing, fizzy layers without last-minute rush.
Conclusion
We’re thrilled you’ve explored our Frozen French 75 recipe with us. It’s the perfect way to add a touch of elegance to your summer moments, blending classic flavors into something refreshingly new.
As you raise your glass, remember we’re all about creating memorable experiences that bring people together. Give it a try and make it your own—we’re confident it’ll become a staple in your repertoire.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Frozen French 75?
A Frozen French 75 is a modern twist on the classic French 75 cocktail, originally from World War I France. This slushy version blends gin, lemon, simple syrup, and champagne for a refreshing, fizzy drink perfect for summer. It’s elegant yet easy to make, adding a bubbly charm to gatherings while preserving the original’s light, effervescent spirit.
What ingredients are needed for a Frozen French 75?
You’ll need high-quality gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, dry champagne or sparkling wine, ice cubes, and a lemon twist for garnish. Typical measurements include 2 ounces of gin, 1 ounce of lemon juice, 0.5 ounces of simple syrup, and 2-3 ounces of champagne. Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor balance and slushy texture.
How do you make a Frozen French 75?
Start by juicing fresh lemons and measuring ingredients accurately. Blend gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, ice, and champagne in a high-speed blender until slushy, about 30-60 seconds. Pour into chilled glasses, garnish with a lemon twist, and serve immediately to keep the fizz. This ensures a crisp, refreshing cocktail ready in under 5 minutes.
What equipment is required to make a Frozen French 75?
You’ll need a high-speed blender for the slushy texture, measuring jiggers or cups for accuracy, a citrus juicer for fresh lemon juice, a paring knife and cutting board for garnishes, and elegant cocktail glasses for serving. These tools help craft the drink precisely and enhance its presentation.
Can I prepare a Frozen French 75 ahead of time?
Yes, prepare components in advance for convenience. Make simple syrup up to one week ahead and store in the fridge. Squeeze lemon juice up to 24 hours prior, and mix the gin base up to 4 hours ahead, keeping it chilled. When ready, blend with ice and champagne for a quick slushy drink, ideal for spontaneous gatherings.
Is the Frozen French 75 suitable for summer events?
Absolutely, its icy, fizzy layers make it perfect for summer parties or casual evenings. The blend of gin, lemon, and champagne offers a light, refreshing escape from the heat, while being easy to serve in batches. It’s elegant yet approachable, ensuring everyone enjoys a sophisticated cocktail without much effort.