There are a few things that come to mind when I think about cooling down during the summertime-water, ice, a dip in the pool or ocean. Even better, maybe a cocktail or wine slushie can do the trick. Now we're talking, right?
I'm sure you've heard about boozy popsicles being pretty popular right now, but one of my favorite frozen treats that's delicious and super easy to make is granita. Granita is originally from Sicily, Italy and is an Italian-style flavored ice made with sugar or simple syrup, water, and various flavorings coming from fruit juice. To kick things up a notch, we're adding in some booze to these recipes.
This frozen dessert is simple to whip up when you're tight on time, but still want something fun to treat yourself to. Just pour the liquid ingredients in a baking pan, toss in the freezer, and every couple of minutes, scrape the mixture with a fork to create ice crystals.
Check out some of our favorite boozy granita recipes below.
1. Peach Sangria Granita
Fruity, boozy, refreshing this peach sangria granita recipe is one you don't want to miss out on this summer. In a saucepan, dissolve sugar in water and stir in lime juice, lemon juice, and orange juice. Add in some red wine and peach schnapps and freeze for about an hour.
Scrape the mixture with a fork and serve in a fancy glass.
2. Strawberry Rosé Granita
This sweet and fresh strawberry rosé granita will really hit the spot! In a food processor, blend the fresh strawberries, rosé, and granulated sugar and pour mixture into a metal baking pan. Scrape the frozen mixture with a fork for those crunchy ice crystals that might just be the best way to cool off.
3. Red Wine Granita
I don't know about you, but I always have a bottle of red wine on hand. Not only is it great to drink, but I love using it for cooking, especially to finish a sauce. If you have a bottle of red wine or any leftover, try using it to make this boozy granita recipe from The Culinary Institute of America.
4. Boozy Watermelon Granita
Hot summer days call for iced desserts with booze. Blend the watermelon in a food processor and add lime juice, simple syrup, rum, and fresh mint leaves and pour mixture into a metal pan. Once it's frozen and ready to eat, you'll keep going back for more.
5. Boozy Watermelon Kiwi Granita
Put that ice cream maker away because you don't need it for this easy recipe. Each layer combines the fruit, vodka, and honey and then frozen ice crystals are scooped into a glass to resemble a watermelon. So fitting for those summertime festivities.
Here's the recipe.
6. Blackberry Merlot Granita
Making the most out of fresh blackberries this summer in a boozy granita is something we should all do! Combine the blackberries, sugar syrup, Merlot, lemon juice, and cinnamon stick in a saucepan until it boils. Strain and pour mixture into a metal baking pan and freeze.
This is a great recipe to make ahead of time since it won't go bad in the freezer. You can also add a scoop of ice cream to the finished granita for even more flavor.
7. Prosecco, Lemon, and Ginger Granita
Bubbly Prosecco, refreshing lemon juice, and the strong flavor from fresh ginger make up this light dessert. Just cook the water, granulated sugar, and ginger in a saucepan until the sugar dissolves. Off the heat, gently stir in the Prosecco, lemon juice, and zest. It's super elegant and the recipe hardly requires any work.
8. Irish Coffee Granita
It's always nice to have a strong cup of hot coffee spiked with a little something after dinner. But, during the summertime when you're sick of the heat, the last thing you need is a hot cup of coffee.
Instead, cool off, and get your boozy caffeine kick from this Irish coffee granita that'll really do the trick.
9. Pomegranate, Lime, and Tequila Granita
A little tart, a little sweet, and all around delicious, this granita recipe is one you might find yourself making every summer. You can't beat that stunning color either.
10. Gin and Tonic Granita
We love to make gin and tonics at my house, so this recipe really caught my eye. Once you've made your simple syrup, combine it with gin, tonic water, and cucumber juice and pour mixture into a baking pan. Say hello to your new favorite dessert.
11. Pineapple Mint Granita with Rum
Close your eyes and picture yourself on a sunny, warm island with this fruity glass in hand. What could be better?