When the weather gets hot, it’s time to do what the Sicilians do… make some homemade refreshing granita! This easy summer recipe is so much better than store-bought Italian ice and costs a lot less.
I’m so excited to share this recipe with you. I’ve been wanting to make this for years and am so embarrassed it too me so long to finally do it. I will literally no longer buy any brand’s Italian ice – this is now my go-to homemade recipe!
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Recipe Summary
The first time I made this, I was surprised at how simple the recipe was. Based on my experience making this multiple times, I will never go back to buying store-bought versions.
Plus, I get to control the quality of the ingredients – which I kept everything organic and used distilled water.
This recipe will create 4-6 servings.
It uses basic ingredients, which I list below. Believed to have originated from Sicily, the authentic name for this dessert is granita. Although the recipe requires you to periodically “rake” the ice in the freezer, I was surprised at how minimal this was to do.
Granita vs Italian Ice and Sorbet
Granita is sometimes called Italian ice, however, over time, Italian ice started becoming synonymous with Italian ice cream (using a machine). Instead of serving in bowls, it’s often served in glasses.
Since there is no churning involved, the texture is more icy and coarse, but don’t let it fool you – you won’t feel like you’re eating ice at all. You can watch my YouTube video down below to see what I mean, if you prefer video.
Ingredients
For this recipe you just need a few simple ingredients.
- Lemons
- Water
- Sugar
Step by Step Instructions
For exact measurements, check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post. These steps will explain what’s involved in making this delicious Italian recipe.
Keep in mind with this recipe that it’s equal parts of lemon, water, and sugar. So feel free to increase or decrease to accommodate servings. I’m using 1/2 cup of everything to make enough for 4 servings or so.
Step 1. Start by juicing whole lemons until you get 1/2 cup of fresh lemon juice.
Step 2. Strain the juice to remove any seeds.
Step 3. In a small saucepan, combine the water and sugar and bring to a boil.
Step 4. Lower to a simmer and stir until the sugar has melted. Remove from heat and let cool.
Step 5. Once cool, add in the lemon juice and stir.
Step 6. Pour into a shallow pan or baking dish and place in the freezer for 1 hour.
Step 7. Remove from freezer, and using a fork, gently “rake” the ice to break up the large block. Place back in the freezer and repeat this process every hour for 4 to 6 hours. Each time you do this, the ice will start to look softer with fewer ice crystals, resembling a sorbet.
Step 8. Once ready, scoop into small, pre-chilled glasses or bowls and enjoy!
PRO TIP: You don’t have to do this EVERY hour, but you can do it every 2 hours for about 6 hours. You just don’t want it to solidify into a hard ice cube before you’ve had a chance to rake it a few times.
Tips for Making Granita
- Use shallow pans for freezing. These make it easier to freeze and rake.
- The more you rake the ice with your fork, the fluffier it gets. I find this especially true after the 3rd and 4th time.
- Do not use bottled lemon juice. It’s not the same – you really want fresh lemon juice for best results.
Recipe Video
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Granita Recipe Variations
When making homemade granita, you don’t have to be limited to just lemon. Here are some other flavor ideas.
- Orange juice
- Add basil leaves to the ice
- Add strawberries (or the juice from strawberries)
- Peach juice or other fruit juices – even watermelon!
More Italian Sweets
For a full list of Italian desserts, check out this list. Otherwise, see these below!
Enjoy my family’s Sicilian Limoncello recipe – an authentic drink straight from Italy!
This refreshing recipe uses apricot jam and ricotta cheese. So good!
This Italian lemon cake is a classic. So easy and delicious.
Enjoy these lemon pizzelles anytime of year, especially during the holidays.
Recipe Card for Granita
Granita (Sicilian) Italian Lemon Ice
Equipment
- shallow pan or bowl
- lemon juicer
- strainer
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
- Start by juicing 2-3 whole lemons until you get 1/2 cup of fresh lemon juice.1/2 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
- Strain the juice to remove any seeds.
- In a small sauce pan, combine the water and sugar and bring to a boil.1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup sugar
- Lower to a simmer and stir until the sugar has melted. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Once cool, add in the lemon juice and stir.
- Pour into a shallow pan or baking dish and place in the freezer for 1 hour.
- Remove from freezer and using a fork, gently "rake" the ice to break up the large block. Place back in the freezer and repeat this process every hour for 4 to 6 hours. Each time you do this, the ice will start to look softer with fewer ice crystals, resembling a sherbert or sorbet.
- Once ready, scoop into small pre-chilled glasses or bowls and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- It’s okay to perform the raking process every two hours.
- Store leftovers in a container with an air-tight lid.
- Using a shallow pan or bowl helps the ice not form a thick block of ice which is hard to break up. It also freezes faster this way.
- Feel free to add in or swap out flavors like blueberry, strawberry, mint, or basil.
- This melts fast – after all it is ice! So serve only when ready.
Nutrition
I hope you’ve enjoyed this recipe! If you’ve tried it and made any changes to make it your own (or kept it all the same), let me know in the comments below!
Liz
