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How to Make Granita at Home

 

August is almost here and we’re already starting to feel those heat waves across the country! So turn on those fans, crank up the AC, and bust out some homemade boozy granita to keep you cool during these hot summer months! 

What is Granita?

If you haven’t tried granita before, you’re missing out! Originally from Sicily, granita is an Italian semi-frozen icy dessert made primarily from water, sugar, and various fruit flavorings. While similar to sorbet and Italian ice, the texture is much more coarse and crystalized. 

Believe it or not, it’s actually quite simple to make in the comfort of your own home! The basic ingredients for a wine granita are simple syrup, fruit juice, and wine (quantities of each will vary based on the recipe). 

Simple Syrup Recipe

If you don’t have simple syrup on hand, you can easily make it at home. Combine equal parts water and sugar (about 1 cup of each if making a large batch) in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Stir until sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and cool completely. That’s it! To make your granita really stand out, try making infused simple syrups! You can add herbs like rosemary, basil, or dried lavender to the pot and strain them out after the sugar has dissolved. Try out a few recipes and see what you like best!

How to Make Granita

Once your simple syrup is ready and cooled, grab a 2-quart baking pan and combine simple syrup, wine of choice, and fruit juice (lemon is a great choice with white wine!) Stir to combine and freeze for 3-4 hours. Using a fork, scrape and stir the mixture every 30 minutes or so until it is icy and slushy. Serve in a glass and garnish with a slice of fruit or mint. How easy is that?

Our Favorite Granita Recipes

Now that you know the process for making granita at home, you can impress your guests with these delicious, refreshing recipes this summer! 

Rosemary Muscat Granita

Ingredients

  • 8oz water
  • ⅓ cup white sugar
  • 4 sprigs of fresh rosemary plus more for garnish
  • 5oz of ONEHOPE California Muscat Canelli
  • 1 splash of fresh squeezed lemon juice
  • Lemon twist for garnish (optional)

Directions

Place the water, sugar, and 4 fresh rosemary sprigs in a pot and bring to a boil. Remove from heat, cover, and let cool.

Stir in 5oz of the ONEHOPE California Muscat Canelli and a splash of lemon juice.

Freeze in a container for at least 3 hours, stirring often as it solidifies. Scoop the granita into glasses, and garnish with a sprig of rosemary and a lemon twist!

Raspberry Red Wine Granita

(Photo credit: Food & Wine)

Ingredients

Directions

Place raspberries In a blender and puree until smooth. Strain out seeds and set aside. 

In a 2 quart baking dish combine simple syrup, red wine, raspberry puree and lemon juice. 

Freeze for 3 hours and scrape with a fork every 30 minutes. Scoop into glasses and garnish with a fresh raspberry, mint or lemon zest. 

Cucumber Riesling Granita

(Photo credit: Liz Moody)

Ingredients

Directions

Juice your cucumbers either in a juicer or blender and strain out seeds. 

Combine riesling, sugar, lime juice, and cucumber juice in a baking dish. 

Place in the freezer for 3 hours and stir every 30 minutes until the mixture is frozen and granular. Serve immediately and garnish with a slice cucumber, fresh mint, or basil.

Host a Summer Soirée

Need an excuse to make these delicious granita recipes? Host a wine tasting this summer with ONEHOPE! Pick a date, connect with a Cause Entrepreneur in your area, select your wines and choose a cause to donate a portion of the proceeds to. Invite over guests for a night of tasty granita, appetizers, and an at home wine tasting they’ll be talking about all season! 

Learn more about hosting an event here

Cheers!

The ONEHOPE Wine Team

 

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