What is granita?

Sicilians invented this refreshing treat, which is neither a dessert nor an ice cream. It’s both! In any case, the delicious ice crystals are perfect for cooling down on hot days.

Peach & Raspberry Granita

Ingredients (Serves 4):

• 4 ripe peaches
• 2 tsp peach or raspberry extract or liqueur
• 2 tsp powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp champagne
• 3.5 oz raspberries (about 100 g) for garnish
• Mint leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Peel peaches: plunge briefly in boiling water, then cool under cold running water. Remove pits and puree.
2. Add extract or liqueur, sprinkle with powdered sugar, and mix. Stir in champagne.
3. Pour into a metal container and freeze for several hours. Stir occasionally with a fork to break ice crystals.
4. Garnish with crushed raspberries and mint. Serve in decorative glasses.

Tip: Skip the alcohol when serving children.

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Lemon Ice

Ingredients (Serves 4):

• 3/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• Lemon slices for garnish

Instructions:

1. Combine water, sugar, and lemon zest in a saucepan. Heat until sugar dissolves, then simmer 10 minutes.
2. Cool slightly, add lemon juice. Pour into a container and freeze.
3. Scrape with a fork every 30–60 minutes to form ice crystals (repeat 4–5 times).
4. Serve in glasses with lemon slices.

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Watermelon Granita

Ingredients (Serves 4–6):

• 1 cup sugar
• Juice of 1 lime
• 2 tbsp water
• 4 cups cubed watermelon
• 1/4 cup sparkling wine or champagne

Instructions:

1. Mix sugar, lime juice, and water. Cook 3 minutes, then cool.
2. Puree watermelon thoroughly. Add sugar mixture.
3. Pour into a metal container, freeze, and stir occasionally to form ice crystals.

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Cranberry Granita

Ingredients (Serves 4):

• 1–2 oranges
• 1/4 cup cranberry juice
• 3 tbsp powdered sugar
• 5 oz frozen cranberries (about 140 g)
• Fresh mint for garnish

Instructions:

1. Peel, deseed, and segment oranges.
2. Cook cranberries with sugar over low heat for 5 minutes. Mix with orange juice and cool.
3. Pour into container and freeze 4 hours. Scrape occasionally to form ice crystals.
4. Remove 15 minutes before serving, stir well, and garnish with mint.

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Coffee Granita

Ingredients (Serves 4):

• 1 cup strong instant coffee
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water

Instructions:

1. Cook coffee with sugar, then cool.
2. Pour into container and freeze, stirring occasionally with a fork to form ice crystals.

Tip: If short on time, blend the frozen granita for a smooth texture.