The Best Lemon Granita Recipe – Simply Southern Mom (2024)

Written by Pam Published on June 5, 2018

When my son was home from college for a couple of weeks, he asked me if he could prepare some meals and desserts. Naturally, I was all over this plan. Someone else doing the cooking? Sure! Because there are so many food allergies in our family, he tried to find a dessert that everyone could eat. He came up with this Lemon Granita Recipe. This recipe reminds me of Luigi’s Frozen Lemon Ices or a copycat recipe of Frozen Lemonade. It’s the perfect treat to keep in the freezer for a hot summer day!

We adapted the recipe to make it tarter, but if you prefer a sweeter taste, you can decrease the amount of lemon juice and lemon peel used. This is a great recipe for anyone with dairy allergies, but it is also free of all top 8 allergens and gluten-freetoo! This is a no-churn recipe, but you’ll need to plan ahead for freezing time.

Did I mention this recipe only needs three ingredients? All you’ll need is lemons, sugar, and water. This would also be good using limes. Be sure to purchase larger sized lemons for the recipe. You can substitute bottled lemon juice if you like, but the taste will not be as “fresh” if you use real lemons.

The Best Lemon Granita Recipe

Delicious Lemon Granita Recipe that uses only three ingredients.

Ingredients

1 cup (8 ounces) EACH granulated sugar and water
2 to 4 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (use about two medium to large sized lemons. Remove the seeds from the juice. (adjust to the amount of tartness you prefer)
1/2 tablespoon to 1 tablespoon fresh lemon peel (adjust to amount of tartness you prefer)

Instructions

Mix sugar and water in a saucepan, set over medium heat, until sugar is dissolved and mixture comes to a boil. (This should take about 10 minutes)
Stir in lemon juice and lemon peel.
Pour into a freezer safe bowl. Cover tightly. Allow the mixture to freeze for 4 hours or until solid.
Remove dish from the freezer. Dip the bottom of the pan quickly in warm water.
Remove the ice mixture from the dish and place in a food processor or blender. Pulse for 30 seconds to one minute or until mixture is broken into small pieces. Serve immediately.

What are your favorite summertime recipes?

You might like:
Salted Caramel Ice Cream Recipe

Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream Recipe
Lemon Ice Box Pie Recipe

42 Comments

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Shannon Gurnee
June 20, 2017 at 6:02 pm

I’ve never had a Lemon Granita before. It looks and sounds delicious! I’ll have to try it sometime.
Angela Milnes
June 19, 2017 at 6:13 pm

This is the first time that I heard about this recipe and it really looks good. I can’t wait to try this
briannemanz
June 19, 2017 at 9:19 am

This looks super delicious and refreshing. Will have to try this for summer!
Kiwi
June 19, 2017 at 6:04 am

I am learning what a granita is. I love icy frozen items in the summer and this lemon flavor granita looks amazing.
Our Family World
June 18, 2017 at 12:32 pm

I saw this recipe yesterday and immediately made some. Well, guess what? Its gone. Finished! I guess my family loved it. So there’s no other option for me but to make some more! This lemon granita is delicious!
Kristine Nicole Alessandra
June 18, 2017 at 12:31 pm

I saw this recipe yesterday and made some. Guess what? Its gone! All of it. I guess my family loves it so there’s nothing else for me to do but make some more!
Annemarie LeBlanc
June 17, 2017 at 6:51 am

Looks delicious! I will make a large batch and keep it in the freezer. I can have a lemon granita fix anytime I crave for it. Thanks for sharing the recipe!
paula schuck
June 16, 2017 at 11:24 pm

Looks delicious. Ill have to remember this and make some soon.You have some great ideas here. Thanks!
Dawn McAlexander
June 16, 2017 at 10:52 pm
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I remember Luigi’s Frozen Lemonade. I used to love that stuff! This looks just like it. I cannot wait to try it.
Bonnie (@wemake7blog)
June 16, 2017 at 9:24 pm

That looks really delicious. Would be perfect this time of year on a hot day.
Cindy Gordon
June 16, 2017 at 4:49 pm

YES! I need to make an entire bucket of this just to sit in. Then I can make some to eat 😉
Louise Bishop
June 16, 2017 at 4:48 pm

What a perfect recipe for summer. This heat is about to melt me!
Adrianne Betz
June 16, 2017 at 4:41 pm

This looks so refreshing. It’s so hot here today that anything cold would be perfect.
Jenny
June 16, 2017 at 1:27 pm

Sounds like it would be a great facial scrub too! Lemons are so good in the summer.
Toni | Boulder Locavore
June 16, 2017 at 12:18 pm

This looks awesome! Anything with lemon sounds so good!!
Rose
June 16, 2017 at 11:18 am

We always have lemon in the kitchen especially during summer time. I will try to make this so thank you for the inspiration.
Browsing the Atlas
June 16, 2017 at 9:26 am

My daughter would love this! Maybe I’ll pick up some lemons at the grocery and show her this blog.
Paula Bendfeldt-Diaz (@paulabendfeldt)
June 16, 2017 at 8:52 am

I love granitas but have never made one, which makes no sense as they are so easy to make. This granita sounds like the perfect refreshing treat for these sweltering summer days we’ve been experiencing in Florida. I need to make this ASAP!
Seattle Travel Blogger
June 16, 2017 at 8:02 am

This looks like a refreshing way to beat the upcoming heat!
I really also think this is an unique recipe and am eager to try it.
My Teen Guide
June 16, 2017 at 7:40 am

I must make this soon. Refreshing, delicious and loaded with Vitamin C! Perfect summer drink for me.
Rebecca Swenor
June 16, 2017 at 5:53 am

This lemon granita recipe is something i will have to try for sure. It would be a great treat for the hot summer days. Thanks for sharing the easy recipe.

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Kristin
June 16, 2017 at 12:47 am

This looks delicious and only 3 ingredients?! Amazing!
Mitch
June 15, 2017 at 10:32 pm

I must bookmark this and make this with my son. He loves lemon and ices, he would love to make this with me! Thanks!
Maurene Cabrera
June 15, 2017 at 9:48 pm

Lemon granita? Wow! I haven’t tried this before. I wonder how it tastes. I should give this a try.
Theresa
June 15, 2017 at 9:18 pm

A cool lemony treat is just what is needed on a hot summer day. This recipe sounds like one we all would love here!
Claudia Krusch
June 15, 2017 at 7:31 pm

This looks so delicious and easy to make. I will have to get what I need to make some. It would be so refreshing.
Brandy (@brandyellen)
June 15, 2017 at 6:46 pm

I haven’t ever had granita nor heard of it. Looks delicious and easy enough to make. I will have to give it a try!
Chantal Bernard
June 15, 2017 at 6:41 pm

I have never had this before but it sounds very refreshing. I have to give this a try!
kellyhutchinson37920
June 15, 2017 at 6:15 pm

I have never had granita, but it looks so easy to make. And I love lemon, so this is a recipe I plan to make soon!
Amber Myers
June 15, 2017 at 3:18 pm

Yes please! I love all things lemon so I know I’d enjoy this. It’s gotten so hot in Texas so I need stuff like this to cool down.
Jacqui S
June 15, 2017 at 2:48 pm

This looks like a nice yummy summer treat. I am definitely going to have to try this out. Thank you for sharing!
Melissa Chapman
June 15, 2017 at 2:17 pm

This granita reminds of the great Italian ice where I live. I will try to recreate this ice for my kids but I don’t think it will be as good as yours.
Jenn @ EngineerMommy
June 15, 2017 at 2:10 pm

Lemon is one of my fave flavors ever. This granita is perfect for summertime. I would love to make this for our next family party.
Sarah Bailey
June 15, 2017 at 12:41 pm

I have to admit I’ve never had grantita before but it sounds like it could be really refreshing on a warm day.
Catherine Sargent
June 15, 2017 at 12:10 pm

I have never had Lemon Granita, but it sounds yummy and refreshing. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Lisa (@blm03)
June 15, 2017 at 11:56 am

This sounds like a perfect summer treat. I love lemon and it’s so refreshing when it’s hot out!
Christy Maurer
June 15, 2017 at 10:18 am

I love anything lemon! I am sure this would be delicious! I am going to have to try your recipe rather than buy lemon ice at the store.
Tomi
June 15, 2017 at 9:26 am

I love making granitas. They’re such an easy refreshing low cal treat. Your lemon granita sounds delicious and I can’t wait to try it.
Thank You Honey
June 15, 2017 at 9:01 am

Love Lemon Granita on hot summer days! It’s so refreshing and delicious! Thanks for sharing your recipe!
Bill Sweeney
June 15, 2017 at 7:58 am

That looks like the perfect thing for a hot summer day. We love to be outside, and this would be right at home with us on the porch.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle
June 15, 2017 at 7:56 am

That sounds so refreshing! It’s getting crazy hot down here in Georgia, and this is perfect for the heat!

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FAQs

The Best Lemon Granita Recipe – Simply Southern Mom? ›

Like sorbet, granitas are often made from a puree of fruit, sugar, and water, but the difference is in their textures. Unlike sorbets, which are smooth-churned, granita purees are poured into a pan and placed in the freezer. The surface is scraped multiple times as it freezes, creating coarse, icy flakes.

Get More Info Here ›

What's the difference between sorbet and granita? ›

Learn More ›

How long does granita last in the freezer? ›

If not serving immediately, transfer the granita (a bench scraper works great for this) to an airtight container just large enough to hold it . Freeze for up to 1 month. Scrape with a fork to fluff up and break up any large pieces before serving.

See Details ›

Is granita good for you? ›

Granita is an Italian delicacy — a refreshing, energising, and absolutely healthy summer dessert. This emblem of Sicilian culinary tradition contains no lactose and is therefore particularly easily tolerated in the diet.

View Details ›

What is granite dessert? ›

Granita is a frozen fruit dessert made from fresh fruit and water, blended and frozen until icy, flaked with a fork and frozen again. The result is a delightfully crunchy, melt-in-your-mouth fruit ice, perfect eating all on its own. When served on everything from yogurt to co*cktails, it becomes a complete game-changer.

See Details ›

What is the most popular granita? ›

Almond. This is the most popular flavour, and the addition of bitter almonds enhances the aroma.

Know More ›

What are the traditional granita flavors? ›

The classic granita flavours are lemon, cinnamon and jasmine, with variants such as strawberry, almond and coffee. But there is also pistachio, black mulberry, peach, mandarin and pineapple, depending on the season. Another very popular flavour is the so-called “chocolate granita”, which is actually made with cocoa.

Read On ›

Which is healthier sherbet or sorbet? ›

On the flipside nutritionally, sherbet and sherbert will have more nutrients (even if more saturated fat) than sorbet. "Sherbet generally has some addition of dairy, though less than ice cream, and therefore, it will have more protein and minerals like calcium than sorbet," she says.

Discover More ›

When to serve granita? ›

For obvious reasons, granita should be served to be consumed immediately, particularly on a hot day! It is usually presented in a chilled glass, garnished with fruit, herbs and even whipped cream as a special treat.

Read On ›

What is Italian shaved ice called? ›

Many shaved ices are confused with "Italian ice", which is derived from the similar Italian dessert known as "granita". However, Italian ice, also known as "water ice", often has the fruit juice or other ingredients, like almond, incorporated into the sugared water before it is frozen.

Tell Me More ›

Do Italians eat granita with bread? ›

An Unlikely Pairing. In Sicily, granita is not enjoyed all by itself - it's almost always consumed with an accompanying bun of fluffy brioche (and the brioche buns have a bun of their own: a little ball on top of the dough called a tuppo in reference to the low-bun hairstyle popularized by Sicilian women).

Get More Info Here ›

What is granita in Sicily? ›

Granita (Italian: [ɡraˈniːta]; in Italian also granita siciliana, Italian: [ɡraˈniːta sitʃiˈljaːna]) is a semi-frozen dessert made from sugar, water and various flavorings. Originally from Sicily, it is available throughout Italy in varying forms.

What does granita taste like? ›

Granita with lemon, coffee and almond: the Sicilian tradition for breakfast and beyond. When you think of Sicilian granita, the first unmistakable flavors that come to mind are lemon, coffee and almond, without a doubt.

View Details ›

What is another name for granita? ›

The grattachecca is simply the granita from Rome, though its making differs greatly from the real Sicilian granita. The grattachecca is typicallly sold in the kiosks along the River Tiber, where it was born as street food in the early twentieth century.

Keep Reading ›

What is the best granite Flavour? ›

Here is a list of the most popular granita flavours:

Mandorla (Almond) – The most classic flavour, loved by one and all (often with an intense aroma obtained by adding a percentage of bitter almonds).
Pistacchio di Bronte (Bronte pistachio) – Rich in colour and, most of all, in taste.

More items...

Discover More ›

Where did lemon granita come from? ›

Granita: A History

With the Arab conquest of Sicily in the 9th century, sugarcane and lemons were introduced to the island, and the locals began mixing in honey, as well as aromatic herbs and spices, together with the snow, creating sherbet.

What is sorbet called in Italy? ›

The word sherbet entered the Italian language as sorbetto, which later became sorbet in French.

Discover More Details ›

What is Sicilian sorbet called? ›

Granita (Italian: [ɡraˈniːta]; in Italian also granita siciliana, Italian: [ɡraˈniːta sitʃiˈljaːna]) is a semi-frozen dessert made from sugar, water and various flavorings. Originally from Sicily, it is available throughout Italy in varying forms.

See Details ›

What is the difference between a sorbet and a sherbet? ›

The major difference between the two is that sherbet is made with dairy and sorbet isn't. Sherbet has more of a creamy texture that you'd expect from ice cream thanks to ingredients like milk, heavy cream, or buttermilk in the mix. Sorbet, on the other hand, is simply sugar and fruit.

Show Me More ›

Is granita a slushy? ›

One of the most popular types of frozen beverages is granita, which is often referred to as “slush”.

Discover More Details ›

The Best Lemon Granita Recipe – Simply Southern Mom (2024)

What are your favorite summertime recipes?

42 Comments

FAQs

The Best Lemon Granita Recipe – Simply Southern Mom? ›

Do Italians eat granita with bread? ›

References