A lot of us have been there. It’s New Year’s Eve, and we’ve popped open a bottle of champagne to celebrate. But then, suddenly, we have to leave for a last-minute event. Can we just throw the bottle in the freezer and come back to it later? Will it explode? Let’s find out.
What Happens When You Freeze Champagne?
It turns out that you can freeze champagne, but you probably won’t like the results. When champagne is frozen, the water in the wine expands and breaks apart the delicate structure of the bubbles.
At 15°F to 20°F, Champagne will freeze. Most types of sparkling wine and Champagne are made up of 80% water, so they will freeze easily. However, as the water in Champagne freezes and expands, it breaks apart the delicate structure of the bubbles. This results in a flat, unappealing beverage that lacks the fizzy texture and flavor we expect from champagne.
In other words, your champagne will go flat when you thaw it out. So, if you’re wanting that original fizziness, it’s best to simply drink your champagne while it’s still cold.
For this reason, most experts recommend avoiding freezing Champagne or sparkling wine completely. If you do end up with some leftover champagne that needs to be stored, the best place to keep it is in the refrigerator.
Also, champagne bottles are under a lot of pressure, and if you freeze champagne, the expansion of water can cause the cork to pop off.
It is worth noting also that champagne contains carbon dioxide. If you put a bottle of champagne with a higher alcohol content in the freezer, the pressure from the carbon dioxide gas can cause the bottle to explode, so be sure to check the alcohol content before freezing your champagne.
So what should you do if you want to freeze your champagne?
How to Freeze Champagne
The best way to freeze champagne is in an ice cream maker. Simply pour the champagne into the ice cream maker and let it churn until it reaches the desired consistency. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, don’t worry – you can still freeze your champagne using one of these methods:
- Place the champagne in an airtight container and place it in the freezer. Check on it every hour or so to see how frozen it is.
- Pour the champagne into small plastic cups or bags and place them in the freezer. This method is great if you want to be able to grab a single serving of frozen champagne at a time.
- Place the bottle of champagne in a bucket filled with ice and salt. This method will take longer than the others, but it will eventually freeze the entire bottle of champagne.
Is Prosecco ruined if frozen?
Prosecco is not ruined if frozen, but it may lose some of its original flavor and fizzy texture. In an bottle, Prosecco can be frozen for about 30 days to retain its flavor and texture. To prevent your prosecco from freezing, store it in the refrigerator until you need it and seal the bottle tightly to prevent air from getting in.
If you have a large batch of Prosecco on hand for impromptu gatherings or last-minute entertaining and need to freeze it, then follow the steps below.
- Simply pour the wine into an ice cube tray and freeze overnight.
- Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a resealable freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to three months.
- When it comes time to serve, there are two methods you can use to thaw frozen prosecco.
- For a quick fix, simply pop a few cubes into a glass and top with sparkling water.
- If you have more time, place the cubes in a bowl and let them thaw on their own – this will take about an hour.
- Once thawed, give the wine a good stir before serving. Just remember that your thawed Prosecco might not have the same fizzy texture as a fresh bottle, so adjust your expectations accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Can you freeze champagne? Yes – but should you? Probably not. Freezing champagne will cause it to go flat and may even cause the cork to pop off. So if you’re looking to enjoy your bubbly at its best, it’s best to finish it all in one sitting.
