Refreshing Lemon Granita Recipe Easy Homemade Italian Ice Palate Cleanser
A simple and refreshing Italian lemon granita that serves as a perfect palate cleanser with bright lemon flavor and icy texture. Easy to make at home with just a few ingredients and no ice cream machine needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours (freezing time with scraping)
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (240 ml) fresh lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
- 2 cups (480 ml) water
- Pinch of sea salt
- Optional: fresh mint leaves for garnish
- Optional: splash of limoncello (add after freezing)
Instructions
- Make the Simple Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 2 cups (480 ml) of water and 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves completely (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
- Zest and Juice the Lemons: While the syrup cools, zest one lemon carefully avoiding the white pith. Then squeeze enough lemons to get about 1 cup (240 ml) of fresh juice. Strain the juice through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds and pulp.
- Combine Ingredients: Once the syrup is cool, stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of sea salt. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed, remembering it will taste less sweet once frozen.
- Freeze the Mixture: Pour the lemon mixture into a shallow freezer-safe pan. Place flat in the freezer. After about 30 minutes, check the edges and use a fork to scrape and break up ice crystals. Repeat scraping every 30 minutes for about 3 hours until granita is fully frozen and fluffy.
- Serve: Scrape the granita one last time into light, fluffy flakes. Scoop into chilled glasses or bowls and garnish with fresh mint if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use fresh lemons for best flavor. Scrape the mixture every 30 minutes to achieve the signature flaky texture. Avoid deep containers to ensure even freezing. Optional add-ins include fresh mint or a splash of limoncello after freezing. Leftovers can be stored covered in the freezer for up to 3 days; let soften and scrape before serving again.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/2 cup (120 m
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 17
- Sodium: 10
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 0.3
Keywords: lemon granita, Italian ice, palate cleanser, refreshing dessert, summer treat, easy granita recipe