The Ultimate Frosé Recipe: Your Summer Slushie Sensation
Unlock the secret to silky smooth slush with customizable fruity twists.

The Ultimate Frosé: A Bright, Refreshing Summer Essential
If you’re searching for the perfect summer drink, look no further than frosé—a grown-up slushie starring rosé wine, fresh strawberries, citrus, and just the right amount of sweetness. Since its meteoric rise on the cocktail scene, frosé’s popularity has only grown. Its refreshing pink hue and delightful flavor make it a staple for pool parties, barbecues, or any outdoor gathering.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through how to make the ultimate frosé at home, ingredient swaps, tips for serving, nutrition info, and answers to the most common questions. Whether you’re a cocktail aficionado or a newcomer to frozen drinks, you’ll find everything you need to blend up summer’s best beverage.
What Is Frosé? And Why Is It So Popular?
Frosé is a playful portmanteau of frozen rosé. It’s essentially a fruit-forward cocktail made by blending frozen rosé wine, berries (most often strawberries), lemon juice, and sugar into a slushie. The result is a drink that retains the elegant notes of rosé but amps up the refreshment and fun.
- Flavor Profile: Sweet, tangy, with strawberry as the main fruit note and the crispness of rosé.
- Mouthfeel: Slushie-like, cold, smooth.
- Visual Appeal: Pale pink, often garnished with fruit slices or fresh herbs.
- Occasion: Best served chill during summer days or outdoor festivities.
What Does Frosé Taste Like?
If you love strawberry slushies but crave something more sophisticated, frosé is your dream come true. It’s slightly sweeter than a glass of straight rosé, with the natural berry flavors, tart lemon, and sugar lifting both taste and aroma.
Expect the grown-up version of the classic kids’ frozen drink—balanced, fruit-forward, and oh so refreshing.
Frosé Base Ingredients and Substitutes
Ingredient | Amount | Role | Possible Substitutes |
---|---|---|---|
Rosé Wine | 1 (750ml) bottle | Main liquid & base flavor | Any light pink, dry rosé |
Strawberries | 1/2–1 lb (hulled/quartered) | Sweetness, color, body | Raspberries, peaches (ripe) |
Granulated Sugar | 2–3/4 cup | Sweetener, balances tartness | Honey, agave, or reduced sugar |
Lemon Juice | 2 Tbsp | Tanginess, brightness | Lime juice, orange juice |
Choose a rosé you love drinking—the wine’s flavor will come through, so not too sweet, not too tart is ideal.
Alternative Fruits and Customizations
- Raspberries: For a tangier twist. Strain seeds for smoothness.
- Peaches: Add ripe, juicy peaches for a softer profile.
- Lime or Orange Juice: For a different citrus note.
- Ice: If you want a thicker consistency.
- Sweetness Control: Adjust sugar up or down depending on the ripeness and your taste.
Step-by-Step Directions: How to Make Frosé
The secret to frosé’s perfect texture is freezing the rosé before blending. This makes the base chilly and slush-like, not just ice-cold liquid.
- Freeze the Rosé: Pour a (750ml) bottle of dry rosé into a 13×9-inch baking dish. Place in the freezer and leave until almost solid, at least 6 hours (best overnight). Alcohol freezes more slowly than water, so be patient.
- Prepare the Strawberries: Hull and quarter 1/2 to 1 lb of fresh strawberries. Place them in a bowl, add the granulated sugar and fresh lemon juice, and stir. Cover and let the mix stand for about 30 minutes to let the strawberries macerate and release juices.
- Blend and Strain: Blend the strawberry mixture until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh sieve if using fruits with seeds (raspberries).
- Combine and Blend: When the rosé is frozen, scrape it into the blender along with the strained strawberry puree. Blend until the consistency is smooth and slushy.
- Serve: Pour the frosé into glasses. Garnish with fresh strawberries, citrus slices, or herbs as desired. Serve immediately for the best texture.
Recipe Notes, Tips, and Variations
- Pick Your Rosé: A dry, crisp rosé works best. Sweet, syrupy rosés may taste cloying when frozen.
- Macerate the Berries: Letting strawberries or other fruit sit with sugar and citrus allows flavor to deepen and the texture to soften.
- Strain for Smoothness: If using seed-heavy fruit, always strain for maximum smoothness.
- No Blender? A food processor or immersion blender will work, though texture may differ slightly.
- Tips for Large Batches: This recipe is easily doubled; freeze multiple pans of rosé and prep extra berries.
- Make Ahead: You can make frosé up to a few hours in advance. Store in the freezer, then blend briskly before serving for the best slush texture.
- Thickening Hack: Add ice or frozen fruit during blending for a thicker slushie (remember this dilutes flavor slightly).
- Garnish Ideas: Use fresh strawberries, lemon slices, or sprigs of mint for a festive look.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
- Serve Frosé Chilled: For pool parties, barbecues, or sunny brunches.
- Try Varied Glasses: Use stemless wine glasses, cocktail coupes, or even mason jars for a rustic vibe.
- Custom Garnishes: Top with glittery cocktail picks, sugared rims, or edible flowers for Instagram-worthy drinks.
- Pair With: Light summer salads, grilled dishes, or fruit desserts.
Nutrition and Calories
Frosé can be surprisingly light. Here are the approximate nutrition facts for a single serving (about one-sixth of the recipe):
- Calories: 197 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 1g
- Fiber: 3g
- Vitamin C: 88mg
Keep in mind that the number will vary depending on the fruit used, sweetness, and serving size.
Best Cocktails to Serve Alongside Frosé
- Palomas: Refreshingly tart grapefruit tequila drink.
- Frozen Sangria: Red berry slushie for vibrant contrast.
- Watermelon Margaritas: Sweet and citrusy for another summer slush option.
- Frozen Lemonade: For those avoiding alcohol, a creamy lemonade is crowd-pleasing.
- Frozen Espresso Martini: For an after-dinner kick.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make frosé ahead of time for my party?
A: Yes! Make frosé several hours in advance and freeze. Right before serving, blend quickly to restore the slushie texture.
Q: Which berries work best in frosé besides strawberries?
A: Raspberries and ripe peaches are excellent alternatives. Always taste and adjust sugar, and strain seeds as needed.
Q: What if I don’t have a blender?
A: A food processor or immersion blender works, though texture may be less silky.
Q: Does alcohol freeze solid?
A: Alcohol freezes slower and not as solid as water—expect a semi-frozen texture that is perfect for blending.
Q: Can I make a non-alcoholic version for kids?
A: Yes! Substitute the rosé for lemonade, grape juice, or a blend of fruit juices and freeze before blending with strawberries and citrus.
Q: How do I scale the recipe for a crowd?
A: Simply double or triple the ingredients; freeze rosé in additional trays, and blend in batches.
Tips for Perfect Frosé Every Time
- Macerate the fruit to deepen flavors.
- Freeze the wine overnight for maximum slushiness.
- Strain mixtures with seeds for smooth texture.
- Adjust sweetness to the ripeness of your chosen fruit.
- Serve immediately after blending for best consistency.
- Customize your garnishes for a festive look.
Related Summer Cocktail Recipes
Celebrating With Frosé: Make Your Summer Unforgettable!
Sip, share, and celebrate the sunny season with a pitcher of homemade frosé. With its pink glow, irresistible flavor, and customizable formula, it’s destined to be the go-to drink at all your summer gatherings. Remember to blend, taste, and garnish according to your personal style—frosé is as fun and flexible as summer itself. Cheers!
References
- https://fruitydesserts.com/pioneer-woman-strawberry-frose/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a43634909/best-frose-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a36212529/frozen-lemonade/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/holidays-celebrations/a11608/breakfast-in-bed-for-mom/
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