Italian Lemon Granita
This easy Italian lemon granita is the perfect frozen treat for hot summer days. Made with just 3 ingredients, it’s refreshing, kid-friendly, and fun to make together—no ice cream maker needed!
When the summer heat is in full swing and you’re looking for something cool, light, and not too fussy, this Italian Lemon Granita hits the spot. It’s icy, bright, and citrusy—like frozen sunshine in a spoon. Best of all? You only need three ingredients, no special tools, and it’s easy enough for kids to help make from start to finish.
Inspired by the traditional Sicilian dessert, granita is like a grown-up snow cone—with no artificial colors or flavors, just real lemon juice, water, and sugar. It’s an incredibly fun and satisfying recipe to make with your kids, and a great way to spark curiosity around texture, flavor, and how things freeze and transform.
Somewhere between sorbet and shaved ice—more coarse than ice cream, but smoother than a snow cone. While many versions exist (like coffee, strawberry, or almond), lemon granita is a classic: tart, refreshing, and super simple. It’s fun, hands-on, and delicious.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Only 3 ingredients – You probably already have everything you need
- No special equipment – Just a bowl, a fork, and a freezer
- Cool & refreshing – The perfect icy treat for a hot day
- Fun kitchen science – Watch it transform as it freezes and flakes
- A great way to use up lemons – Fresh and zesty, not overly sweet
Discover Your Next Culinary Adventure
If you loved the bright, refreshing flavor of lemon granita, you’ll want to try these other easy summer desserts next. Cool down with a batch of peach paletas—creamy frozen pops bursting with ripe peach flavor. Or whip up a quick and dreamy watermelon whip, a light and fruity frozen treat made with just a few ingredients. For something a little more adventurous, try Thai sticky mango rice, a naturally sweet and satisfying dessert that’s perfect for warm evenings. Each one is simple to make, fun for kids to help with, and a delicious way to explore new flavors together.
How to make a granita
Here is a brief overview of how to make this simple recipe so you know what to expect. For the full set of directions, please scroll down to the recipe card below.
Step One: Make a simple syrup
Combine sugar and water in a saucepan and heat gently until the sugar dissolves. Let it cool slightly.
Step Two: Add lemon Juice
Stir fresh squeezed lemon juice into the syrup. Taste and adjust if needed—it should be tart, but balanced. Place the mixture in the fridge to chill for at least 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Step Three: Freeze & scrape
Pour the mixture into a shallow baking dish with a tight fitting lid and place it in the freezer. Every 30–45 minutes, scrape it with a fork to break up the ice crystals. Repeat until it’s fluffy, icy, and scoopable—usually 3–4 rounds.
Serving Ideas
Serve your lemon granita:
- In small glasses with a sprig of mint
- Topped with fresh berries
- As a palate cleanser between courses for a fancy dinner night at home
How kids can help in the kitchen
Granita is a fantastic recipe to make with kids because the steps are simple, hands-on, and visual. It’s also a great conversation starter around how liquids freeze and how texture changes over time.
Kids can:
- Help juice lemons (use a reamer or hand juicer)
- Stir and taste the lemon-sugar mixture
- Scrape the granita as it freezes and watch the transformation
- Serve it up in cups with fresh lemon slices, zest, or mint leaves
Turn it into a summer tradition by letting them help make different flavors every week!
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Italian Lemon Granita
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup lemon juice from 5-6 lemons
Instructions
- Combine the water and sugar in a medium saucepan.
- Heat over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves.
- Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice.
- Place lemon juice mixture into a container in the fridge and allow to cool for 1 hour.
- Pour the chilled mixture into a large flat bottomed freezer safe container with a lid that fits snugly.
- Cover and place in the freezer for 45 minutes.
- Remove and use a fork to scrape and break up any ice pieces that have formed.
- Recover and freeze for an additional 45 minutes.
- Remove and use a fork to scrape and break up any ice pieces that have formed.
- Cover and place in the freezer for an additional 45 minutes.
- Repeat this two more times, until the ice crystals are separated, light and fluffy when you mix them with the fork. The texture should be similar to a mix between a sorbet and a slushy.
- Mix, fluff, and serve. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint if desired.
- Serve immediately.
