Frozen French 75: A Chilly Twist on a Classic
The French 75 is a cocktail that oozes sophistication. Traditionally made with gin, lemon juice, sugar, and champagne, this timeless drink dates back to World War I. Named after the powerful French 75mm field gun, its sharp citrus kick and effervescent finish pack quite the punch. But what if we took that classic elegance and added a cool, refreshing twist? Enter the Frozen French 75.
This frozen version blends the tangy brightness of lemon with the botanical complexity of gin and the fizz of champagne into a smooth, slushy delight. Whether you’re enjoying a summer afternoon by the pool or want to impress your guests with something a little different, the Frozen French 75 is a must-try. Perfect for hot days and celebratory moments alike, it delivers all the flavor of the original while giving you that icy coolness we crave in a frozen cocktail.
Quick Facts: Frozen French 75
Method: blended
Flavor profile: citrusy, bright, effervescent
How to serve it: frozen, in a coupe glass
Glassware: coupe glass
Alcohol content: ~ 13% ABV, 16 grams of alcohol per serving
Frozen French 75 Recipe
Ingredients
2 oz gin
1 oz lemon juice
½ oz simple syrup
2 oz champagne
1 ½ cups ice
Directions
- Combine gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and ice in a blender.
- Blend until smooth.
- Add champagne and stir gently.
- Pour into a coupe glass and garnish with a lemon twist.
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin (London Dry works best)
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz simple syrup (or adjust to taste)
- 2 oz champagne or sparkling wine
- 1 ½ cups ice
- Lemon twist or peel for garnish
Notes on Ingredients:
Using a quality gin is crucial since it forms the backbone of this drink. London Dry gin offers a classic juniper-forward profile that works beautifully with the lemon. Fresh lemon juice is a non-negotiable here—its zesty brightness is what makes this cocktail sing. Simple syrup helps balance the tartness, and you can adjust it to your preferred sweetness. As for the champagne, use a dry sparkling wine like Brut, as the cocktail already has enough sweetness. Finally, the ice is the key to achieving the right slushy texture.
Equipment Needed
- Blender (for achieving that perfect frozen consistency)
- Jigger (to measure your ingredients)
- Citrus press (for juicing the lemons)
- Coupe glass (or other stemmed glass)
- Bar spoon (optional, to stir in the champagne)
Having a high-speed blender is essential for this frozen cocktail. It ensures the ingredients are smoothly combined, resulting in the right slushy consistency. The citrus press makes juicing lemons quick and easy, while the jigger helps keep your measurements precise. A coupe glass adds an elegant touch, allowing the drink to shine in all its frosty glory.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients: Begin by juicing fresh lemons to get 1 oz of juice. This should take about half a lemon, depending on its size.
- Blend the ingredients: In a blender, combine 2 oz of gin, 1 oz of fresh lemon juice, ½ oz of simple syrup, and 1 ½ cups of ice. Blend until smooth and slushy, which usually takes about 20-30 seconds.
- Add the champagne: Once the mixture is well-blended, pour in 2 oz of champagne or sparkling wine. Use a bar spoon to gently stir it in, or simply give the blender a quick pulse to incorporate the bubbles without losing too much fizz.
- Serve: Pour the frozen mixture into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish: Finish off with a lemon twist or peel for a stylish presentation.
This drink is all about balance, so taste it before serving to see if you need a touch more sweetness (add a bit more syrup) or brightness (add a splash more lemon juice). The combination of freezing cold, tangy citrus, and bubbly champagne creates a refreshing sensation that’s ideal for hot days or festive nights.
Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes
The Frozen French 75 offers a bright, citrus-forward taste with the unmistakable botanicals of gin shining through. The tang of lemon is perfectly balanced by the slight sweetness from the simple syrup and the delicate bubbles of champagne. The ice gives it a velvety mouthfeel, while the champagne adds a light, effervescent finish. It’s refreshing, tart, and celebratory all at once. The finish is clean, with a slight lingering bitterness from the gin’s botanicals.
This frozen cocktail pairs wonderfully with light, summery foods. Think appetizers like shrimp cocktail, smoked salmon, or a fresh goat cheese salad. The acidity of the lemon and the effervescence of the champagne make it an excellent pairing with anything fresh and tangy.
Garnishing and Presentation
Garnishing the Frozen French 75 is a chance to add both beauty and a subtle boost of aroma. A lemon twist, carefully spiraled and perched on the rim of your coupe glass, is the perfect classic garnish. For an extra flourish, consider a small sprig of rosemary or thyme, as their herbal notes subtly complement the gin’s botanicals. You can also add an edible flower like a pansy or viola for a pop of color.
When it comes to presentation, serving this drink in a coupe glass highlights its sophisticated heritage while offering a wide surface to showcase the slushy texture. Chilling the glass beforehand will keep the drink cold for longer, enhancing the overall experience. The vibrant, frosty pale yellow of the cocktail, with bubbles from the champagne, creates a visual appeal that’s hard to resist.
Pairing Suggestions
Given the brightness of the lemon and the lightness of the drink, the Frozen French 75 pairs well with a range of dishes that complement its refreshing nature. Serve it alongside:
- Oysters on the half shell: The briny, salty flavor of oysters pairs wonderfully with the citrusy notes of the cocktail.
- Goat cheese crostini: The creamy tartness of goat cheese on crispy crostini makes for an excellent match with the lemon and champagne.
- Grilled shrimp: The slight char and sweetness of grilled shrimp highlight the cocktail’s bright and bubbly profile.
- Ceviche: The tangy acidity of ceviche mirrors the tartness of the drink, making this a vibrant pairing.
Cocktail History and Trivia
The original French 75 cocktail dates back to 1915 and was said to be created at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris. It was named after the powerful 75mm artillery gun used by French forces during World War I because, just like the weapon, it packed a serious punch. Originally made with cognac, the recipe later evolved to use gin, and it’s this version that became widely popular.
The Frozen French 75 is a modern twist on this classic, catering to our love for frozen cocktails and the joy of sipping something both sophisticated and refreshing. This frosty version is perfect for contemporary summer sipping while still giving a nod to its historic roots.
Serving Suggestions
The Frozen French 75 is ideal for summertime garden parties, rooftop brunches, or any celebration where a touch of class is desired. Since it’s frozen, it’s best enjoyed immediately to keep the slushy texture intact.
For larger gatherings, the recipe can easily be scaled up. Just multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need and blend them all at once. To maintain the drink’s effervescence, it’s best to add the champagne right before serving. If you plan to make this in batches, serve them in a pitcher and let guests ladle the icy goodness into their coupe glasses.
Alcohol Content and Alternatives
At around 13% ABV, the Frozen French 75 offers a moderate alcohol content that’s just enough to make you feel festive without overwhelming your palate. However, you can easily adjust the alcohol content to your preference. For a lighter version, reduce the gin to 1.5 oz or add more ice to dilute it slightly.
For those looking for a non-alcoholic option, replace the gin with a high-quality non-alcoholic spirit and swap the champagne for sparkling water or non-alcoholic sparkling wine. The mocktail version still delivers the same citrus-forward brightness but without the alcohol punch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use vodka instead of gin?
Yes, you can substitute vodka for gin, though the botanical flavors from the gin will be missed. Vodka will result in a cleaner, less complex taste.
Can I make this cocktail ahead of time?
It’s best to make and serve this cocktail immediately to maintain the slushy texture and the bubbles from the champagne.
What if my cocktail is too sour?
If your cocktail tastes too sour, add a bit more simple syrup, or cut the lemon juice slightly in the next batch.
Conclusion
The Frozen French 75 is a brilliant combination of history, elegance, and modern-day fun. Whether you’re a fan of the original or looking for a new summer favorite, this cocktail delivers refreshment with every icy sip. Try it at your next gathering, and you’re sure to impress!
