The Summer ‘IT’ Drink: à la Piscine de Champagne

à la Piscine de Champagne

Let’s just start off with a little history on this amazing drink. I was first introduced to it by, you guessed it, Ingrid. She lives in Monaco & we were at this cute little restaurant called Petite Maison in Nice. Ingrid casually ordered ‘à la piscine de champagne.’ Immediately I had 100 questions.

A big goblet of champagne showed up, packed with ice cubes. As I was guzzling, Ingrid explained this is the chic way to drink slower. & while you’re drinking, you’re hydrating from the ice & staying cool in the heat.

I very much liked this idea because I’m someone who will down a flute of champagne in 5 seconds because it’s so easy to drink. But when it’s in a goblet with lots of ice, you tend to drink it slower. You don’t get buzzed a quickly.

No fear, this drink isn’t just for women, men enjoy it too. Michael loves to order Domaine Ott rosé or Veuve Clicquot in Ice Jacket & a bunch of ice & pours it into a white wine glass. In my opinion it’s something everyone needs to try. It’s very French, very chic & very bougie in a good way.

“For years, Bill Murray has enjoyed an unorthodox alcoholic drink: Champagne on ice. “The way I like to drink it is in a big pint glass with ice,” the actor once said. “I fill it with ice and I pour the Champagne in it, because Champagne can never be too cold.”

Of course, this goes against centuries of tradition and the advice of Champagne makers, who have long believed that the wine has a completeness and harmony that should be enjoyed neat. To dilute the flavors and aromas with ice was gauche.

But it turns out Mr. Murray was a trendsetter. Others are just now catching up. At events including Coachella, the tennis tournament in Indian Wells, Calif., and a party for the men’s wear label Orlebar Brown during the recent shows in New York, the attendees were, heretically, drinking Champagne on ice.

The driver of the trend, the French Champagne producer Moët Chandon also known simply as Moët.  Benoît Gouez, the company’s chef de cave, said his colleagues noticed Champagne sales slumped during the summer months, and blamed the drink’s formal tux-and-gown reputation.

Inspired by jet-setters in the south of France, who, like Mr. Murray, have long added ice to their Champagne (the drink is called a piscine — or pool), Mr. Gouez conceived Moët Ice Impérial, a Champagne designed specifically to be consumed over ice. Think of it as a looser, T-shirt-and-halter-top Champagne.

It has become more of a party drink,” Mr. Gouez said. “New generations are looking for more freedom, a more casual approach.” – via

YES, you’ll say it goes against traditions & advice of champagne makers who say ice has no place in champagne. But that’s neither here nor there. I’m here to tell you that this drink is on the pulse & all the trendsetters are drinking it. You can even find Olivia Palermo with a huge goblet of ice & champagne.

As the article already mentions, this drink is inspired by the jet-setters in the South of France because it’s so hot here. Sure you can reach for a frosé, but why not feel French & sip on a cocktail la piscine de Champagne.  Oh I almost forgot, la piscine means pool in French. Wink!

& like Bill Murray says: “You don’t want to crash. you want to keep that buzz, that bling, that smile.”

RECOMMENDATIONS & IDEAS FOR ENJOYING À LA PISCINE DE CHAMPAGNE

1. Try It with Garnishes
Level up your piscine with fresh garnishes. Add a twist of grapefruit peel, a few pomegranate seeds, or even a sprig of fresh mint. The cold ice helps release the fragrance of the herbs and fruit, making your drink feel even more elevated.

2. Use Oversized Ice Cubes
Standard ice cubes melt quickly and can dilute your drink faster. Opt for large, slow-melting cubes or spheres (they even make flower-shaped molds now!) to keep the Champagne chilled without watering it down too fast. Bonus: they look incredibly luxe in the glass.

3. Chill Your Glassware First
Pop your goblet or wine glass in the freezer for 10–15 minutes before pouring. Starting with an already-chilled glass gives your piscine even more longevity in hot weather.

4. Best Bottles for Piscine Style
Moët Ice Impérial is the gold standard, but there are others to try! Look for:

+ Veuve Clicquot Rich or Rich Rosé (specifically designed for mixing and ice)
+ Pommery Ice Royal
+ Freixenet ICE Rosé (for a more affordable yet still fun version)
+ Luc Belaire Luxe or Rosé – bold and perfect for poolside glam moments

5. Make It a DIY Bar at Brunch
If you’re hosting, create a ‘Piscine Bar’ station:

+ Chilled bottles of bubbly
+ Bowls of fresh fruit (berries, orange slices, melon balls)
+ A variety of herbs (mint, basil, thyme)
+ Fun glassware and oversized ice cubes
Let guests build their own piscine to taste. Think of it as mimosa’s cooler cousin.

6. Mix It Up With Sparkling Rosé or Prosecco
Not a fan of classic Champagne? No problem. You can totally do a piscine with sparkling rosé or a dry Prosecco. Just make sure it’s something with a touch of fruit-forward flavor to stand up to the ice.

7. Where It’s Trending Now
As of this summer, beach clubs in Ibiza, rooftop bars in New York, and even wellness resorts in Tulum are embracing the piscine trend. It’s become a symbol of summer ease — low-effort luxury, effortless glam.

8. Pair It With Something Light
Champagne piscine pairs beautifully with:

+ Oysters with a squeeze of lemon
+ Chilled shrimp cocktail
+ Goat cheese with honey and figs
+ Or just a bowl of salty potato chips for a high-low moment

9. Take It Poolside (Literally)
Because piscine means “pool,” don’t forget this drink thrives at pool parties. Just remember to use acrylic or shatterproof goblets if you’re near the water. Moët even sells branded plastic ones made for this exact scenario.

10. Keep a Bottle in the Fridge at All Times
Make it your signature summer drink. Like white jeans or a breezy kaftan, la piscine de Champagne is a vibe — one you can return to again and again.

With love from Antibes,

x, lauryn

+ if you’re more of a frosé girl, check out my watermelon frosé here.

++ & if you’re more into hard alcohol I got some vodka kombucha for ya.

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