Beat the Heat With This Easy Frosé Recipe

A Frosé Recipe is the perfect summer solution when temperatures rise and regular drinks just won’t cut it. This frozen rosé cocktail combines everything wonderful about summer – fruity flavors, icy refreshment, and the light buzz of rosé wine – all blended into one gorgeous pink drink. Whether you’re hosting a brunch with girlfriends or lounging by the pool, a Frosé Recipe offers that perfect balance of sophisticated and fun that makes everyone reach for seconds.

What makes the Frosé Recipe so popular is its incredible versatility. You can customize it with practically any summer fruit, adjust the sweetness to your taste, and even make large batches ahead of time for parties. From the basic strawberry classic to exotic tropical variations, this frozen wine cocktail has quickly become the unofficial drink of summer gatherings everywhere.

What Is a Frosé Recipe and Why Everyone Loves It

A Frosé Recipe is essentially frozen rosé wine blended with fruit, ice, and a touch of citrus to create a slushy, refreshing cocktail. It’s the grown-up version of those frozen treats we loved as kids, but with a sophisticated wine base that makes it perfect for adult gatherings.

The popularity of the Frosé Recipe has exploded in recent years, and for good reason:

• Beautifully Instagrammable – The pink hue makes for gorgeous photos
• Perfect balance between sweet and tangy flavors
• Wonderfully cooling on hot summer days
• Easy to customize based on your fruit preferences

My friend Sarah first introduced me to frosé at her rooftop party last summer, and I’ve been obsessed ever since. The way the frozen rosé melts slowly in your glass creates this constantly changing flavor experience that keeps you coming back for more.

“A Frosé Recipe is the ultimate way to turn a bottle of rosé into a summer experience.”

Classic Frosé Recipe: The Easy Basic Version

Let’s start with the classic Frosé Recipe that serves as the foundation for all variations. This version relies on strawberries for their natural sweetness and beautiful color, perfectly complementing the rosé base. When choosing ingredients, opt for high-quality strawberries that are fully ripe for the best flavor profile.

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle dry rosé wine
• 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries
• 1 cup ice cubes
• 2 tablespoons sugar (optional, depending on sweetness preference)
• ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Pour the rosé into a shallow baking dish and freeze for at least 6 hours (don’t worry, the alcohol prevents it from freezing solid)
2. Once frozen, scrape the rosé into a blender
3. Add strawberries, ice, sugar (if using), and lemon juice
4. Blend until smooth and slushy
5. Pour into chilled glasses and garnish with a strawberry slice

The texture should be similar to a smoothie—not too thick that you can’t sip it through a straw, but not so thin that it melts immediately. Serve right away for the perfect slushy consistency.

Choosing the Best Rosé for Your Frosé Recipe

Not all rosé wines work equally well in a Frosé Recipe. The freezing process and addition of fruit can change how we perceive the wine’s flavor, so choosing the right bottle matters. After experimenting with different varieties, I’ve found that certain types of rosé perform much better than others.

• Go dry rather than sweet – The fruit and optional sugar will add sweetness
• Look for bold, fruity flavor profiles that won’t get lost in the blend
• Choose deeper-colored rosés for a more vibrant final drink
• Avoid expensive bottles – save those for drinking straight

Provence-style rosés tend to work beautifully because they typically offer crisp acidity and restrained fruit flavors that complement rather than compete with your added ingredients. When shopping, look for bottles in the $12-18 range for the best value-to-quality ratio.

Strawberry Frosé Recipe Variation

The strawberry variation is perhaps the most popular Frosé Recipe, and for good reason. The natural affinity between strawberries and rosé creates a match made in summer heaven. This version doubles down on the berry flavor for an intensely fruity experience.

• Natural sweetness from fresh berries means less added sugar
• Beautiful ruby-pink color that’s totally photo-worthy
• Bright flavor that pairs perfectly with summer appetizers

Enhanced Strawberry Frosé Recipe:

• 1 bottle frozen rosé wine
• 2 cups frozen strawberries
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
• ½ lemon, juiced
• Mint leaves for garnish

Simply blend all ingredients until smooth, adding honey only if your berries aren’t naturally sweet enough. The key to this variation is using perfectly ripe strawberries – those ruby red ones that smell amazing even before you bite into them. For an extra special touch, reserve a few sliced strawberries to float on top of each glass.

Watermelon Frosé Recipe Variation

When the summer heat reaches its peak, nothing refreshes quite like watermelon. This Frosé Recipe variation captures the essence of summer in every sip, combining the hydrating qualities of watermelon with the sophisticated bite of rosé wine. The result is incredibly refreshing and often needs no added sugar.

• Ultra-refreshing and hydrating – perfect for hot days
• Naturally sweet from the melon, often eliminating the need for added sugar
• Gorgeous color that ranges from pale pink to vibrant red depending on your melon

Watermelon Frosé Recipe:

• 1 bottle frozen rosé wine
• 2 cups frozen watermelon cubes (seeds removed)
• Splash of lime juice
• Tiny watermelon wedges for garnish

To prepare, simply cube and freeze fresh watermelon ahead of time, then blend with your frozen rosé and a splash of lime. The lime juice is crucial here – it adds a brightness that prevents the drink from tasting too one-dimensional. This version is particularly nice served in salt-rimmed glasses for a subtle margarita vibe.

Peach Frosé Recipe Variation

Stone fruits and wine have a natural affinity, making peach a perfect candidate for a Frosé Recipe variation. This version offers a more sophisticated flavor profile with delicate stone fruit notes that complement the rosé beautifully. It’s particularly lovely for brunch or afternoon gatherings.

• Smooth, velvety texture from the peach flesh
• Subtle sweetness that’s less intense than berry versions
• Beautiful pale orange-pink color
• Perfect for pairing with brunch foods

Peach Frosé Recipe:

• 1 bottle frozen rosé wine
• 1½ cups frozen peach slices (skin removed)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Splash of lemon juice
• Fresh peach slices for garnish

For best results, use perfectly ripe peaches at the height of summer. The honey adds a floral note that enhances the peach flavor, while the lemon juice prevents the drink from becoming too sweet. This version pairs wonderfully with light pastries and has become my go-to for hosting summer brunches.

Tropical Frosé Recipe Variation

Want to feel like you’re on vacation without leaving your backyard? This tropical Frosé Recipe combines the bright flavors of mango and pineapple with rosé for an instant mental getaway. The sweet tropical fruits create a perfect counterpoint to the dry wine base.

• Vacation vibes in a glass – no passport required
• Complex tropical flavor profile from the fruit combination
• Eye-catching yellow-pink hue
• Perfect for pairing with spicy foods

Tropical Frosé Recipe:

• 1 bottle frozen rosé wine
• ½ cup frozen mango chunks
• ½ cup frozen pineapple pieces
• Splash of lime juice
• Pineapple wedge and cocktail umbrella for garnish

The combination of mango and pineapple creates a complex tropical flavor that transforms the rosé into something completely new. The lime juice is essential here, adding acidity that balances the sweet fruit. This variation pairs beautifully with spicy foods, making it perfect for serving alongside Thai or Mexican cuisine.

Boozy Upgrade: Spirits in Your Frosé Recipe

Sometimes you want to take your Frosé Recipe to the next level by adding a splash of something stronger. Adding spirits to your frosé not only increases the alcohol content but can also introduce new flavor dimensions that complement your fruit and wine base.

• Vodka adds clean alcohol strength without altering the flavor profile
• Aperol introduces bitter orange notes and a gorgeous sunset color
• White rum brings tropical notes that enhance fruit flavors
• Elderflower liqueur adds floral complexity

The key to successfully adding spirits is moderation – you want to enhance, not overpower. Start with just 1-2 ounces per batch (that’s about 2-4 tablespoons). My favorite combination is adding a splash of elderflower liqueur to the peach variation – the floral notes work beautifully with the stone fruit.

For a more festive option, try combining your frosé with other wine-based cocktails for creative summer drinks that surprise and delight guests.

Garnish and Presentation Ideas for Your Frosé Recipe

Half the appeal of a Frosé Recipe is its visual impact. The right garnish and glassware can transform your frozen concoction from casual to conversation-starting. Here’s how to give your frosé that extra special touch:

• Fresh fruit accents that match your flavor profile
• Herb garnishes like mint, basil, or thyme for aromatic complexity
• Edible flowers for elegant presentation
• Colorful paper straws that complement the drink’s hue

For glassware, wine glasses with a wide bowl work beautifully, allowing the color to shine while giving you enough room to add substantial garnishes. Stemless glasses are practical for outdoor serving, while coupe glasses offer vintage charm for more elegant affairs.

My favorite presentation includes freezing small edible flowers in ice cubes to float in each glass – the effect is stunning and keeps your drink cold longer. For casual gatherings, mason jars with colorful straws and a fruit skewer create that perfect backyard vibe.

Food Pairings That Complement Your Frosé Recipe

Finding the right food to serve with your Frosé Recipe can elevate the entire experience. The cool, fruity nature of frosé makes it particularly versatile with summer fare. Here are some foolproof pairings:

• Light appetizers like bruschetta, charcuterie, and fresh cheeses
• Seafood dishes, especially those with citrus elements
• Grilled chicken or vegetable skewers
• Spicy Asian or Mexican foods (especially with tropical frosé)

The classic strawberry frosé pairs beautifully with a simple caprese salad, while the watermelon version complements grilled shrimp perfectly. For the peach variation, try serving with prosciutto-wrapped melon for a sweet-savory contrast that brings out the best in both.

Remember that frosé is fairly acidic and fruit-forward, so foods with complementary or contrasting elements tend to work best. Avoid cream-heavy dishes that might clash with the drink’s bright profile.

Hosting Ideas for Frosé Parties

A Frosé Recipe is made for sharing, making it the perfect centerpiece for summer gatherings. Here’s how to host a frosé-centric event that your friends will talk about all season:

• Create a DIY frosé bar with pre-blended base and fruit add-ins
• Offer a flight of different frosé flavors in mini glasses
• Prepare large batches in advance and store in the freezer
• Theme your décor around the colors in your drinks

The DIY approach works particularly well – freeze rosé in advance, then set up a blender station with different frozen fruits, sweeteners, and mix-ins. Guests can customize their own perfect frosé, making the preparation part of the fun.

For larger gatherings, consider investing in an inexpensive slushie machine – you can create a continuous supply of perfectly textured frosé without constantly running the blender. This has been a game-changer for my summer parties.

The History Behind the Frosé Recipe Phenomenon

While frozen drinks have been around for decades, the Frosé Recipe as we know it today has a surprisingly recent history. Understanding its origins adds an interesting conversation piece to your next gathering.

• First popularized in 2016 by Bar Primi in New York City
• Quickly spread through social media, particularly Instagram
• Coincided with the rising popularity of rosé wine in America
• Now a staple at wineries, bars, and restaurants nationwide

What’s fascinating about the frosé phenomenon is how quickly it moved from trendy NYC bars to backyard parties across the country. The combination of its photogenic appearance, refreshing taste, and the already-growing “rosé all day” movement created the perfect conditions for this cocktail to explode in popularity.

Today, the Frosé Recipe continues to evolve, with bartenders and home mixologists constantly creating new variations and pushing the boundaries of what this frozen cocktail can be.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/21/dining/frose-rose-slushie.html

Frequently Asked Questions About Frosé Recipes

Over the years of making and serving frosé at countless gatherings, I’ve collected the most common questions people ask about this popular summer drink:

Summer Sipping Success: Your Frosé Recipe Journey

The Frosé Recipe has earned its place as a summer staple for good reason – it combines the sophisticated appeal of wine with the fun, fruity refreshment we crave during hot weather. Whether you stick with the classic strawberry version or venture into tropical territory, this frozen cocktail delivers on both flavor and presentation.

What makes the Frosé Recipe so special is its versatility. You can adjust it based on what fruits are in season, what wines you prefer, and what occasion you’re celebrating. The beautiful pink hues and slushy texture create an instant festive atmosphere, while the wine base keeps it sophisticated enough for adult gatherings.

So grab that bottle of rosé, stock up on fresh summer fruits, and get your blender ready. With these recipes and tips, you’re fully equipped to create the perfect frosé for any summer occasion. Your friends will be asking for your secret recipe all season long!

Classic Frosé Recipe with Strawberries and Rosé Wine

This strawberry frosé recipe is the ultimate frozen cocktail for summer. Made with dry rosé, strawberries, lemon juice, and ice, it’s light, refreshing, and perfect for parties.

Type: Beverage / Cocktail

Cuisine: American / Modern

Keywords: frosé recipe, frozen rosé cocktail, strawberry frosé, rosé slushie, summer frozen drink, frozen wine cocktail, pink wine cocktail, frozen strawberry wine, easy frosé recipe, frozen rosé with lemon

Recipe Yield: 4

Calories: ~180 (estimate)

Preparation Time: PT10M

Cooking Time: PT6H

Total Time: PT6H10M

Recipe Ingredients:

Recipe Instructions: Freeze the rosé: Pour the rosé into a shallow dish and freeze at least 6 hours (it won’t freeze solid). Blend: Scrape the semi-frozen rosé into a blender. Add fruit: Add strawberries, ice, sugar (if using), and lemon juice. Blend until smooth: Mixture should be slushy, not watery. Serve: Pour into chilled glasses. Garnish with a strawberry slice.

Editor's Rating:
5

Pros

• Refreshing and perfect for hot summer days
• Simple ingredients, quick to prep once wine is frozen
• Customizable sweetness and fruit flavors
• Eye-catching presentation for parties

Cons

• Requires 6+ hours freezing time
• Melts quickly, must be served immediately
• Not kid-friendly (alcohol-based)