The Queenstown 75

A summer cocktail... why not?

February is one of the most popular months for Queenstown weddings, particularly the long weekend for Waitangi Day. Why not? Itโ€™s the perfect way to ensure you always have time off to celebrate your anniversaryโ€ฆ and makes it easy to remember!

This month weโ€™ve taken the traditional French 45 (Kellieโ€™s favourite cocktail) and given it a Queenstown twist using locally made ingredients. Sustainability is at the core of everything we do here at Shaken & Stirred Weddings which includes all the suppliers we work with to create your wedding day. We love how many Shaken & Stirred couples have already embraced the eco-friendly wedding style, with a definite trend towards hiring wedding dresses, skirts and veils.

If youโ€™re interested in a Queenstown wedding thatโ€™s both epic and environmentally friendly then weโ€™ve got you coveredโ€ฆ and weโ€™ll keep your glasses topped up too!

What exactly is a Queenstown 75?

A traditional French 75 is made with champagne and gin. So for our Queenstown 75 we used a local sparkling wine from Peregrine Winery (or bubbles, because we canโ€™t use the word champagne!) and Broken Heart gin also based in Queenstown.

Gin + Bubbles = Definitely a good time!

What youโ€™ll need:

Ingredients:

  • Lemon juice
  • Simple syrup
  • Gin
  • Ice
  • Sparkling wine
  • A lemon to garnish

Equipment:

  • A cocktail shaker
  • A cocktail strainer
  • A zest peeler

Makes:

  • 2 drinks (plus some left over bubbly!)

1. Something sweet & sour to startโ€ฆ

Pour one tablespoon of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of sugar syrup into a cocktail shaker.

2. Add ginโ€ฆ

We used 50ml of gin, but you go for a free pour if youโ€™re feeling adventurous!

3. Shake and strainโ€ฆ

Add a cup of ice and shake well! Then, strain equally into two glasses, champagne flutes if you have them.

4. Time to pop the bubblyโ€ฆ

Can you tell this was our third cocktail of the day?!
gif of queenstown wedding planner popping bubbles

5. Top with bubblesโ€ฆ

Top both glasses to the brim with bubbles and give them a gentle stir.

6. Add the garnishโ€ฆ

Carefully peel two strips of lemon zest and curl into spirals. Place gently on top of each cocktail for a fancy flourish!

Cheers everyone!