Easy Lemon Granita Recipe with Fresh Lemon Juice

Lemon Granita is a classic Italian frozen dessert known for its refreshing citrus flavor and icy texture. Made with just four ingredients—fresh lemon juice, sugar, water, and zest—this simple treat is perfect for hot summer days. Unlike creamy gelato, granita has a crystalline texture that melts beautifully in your mouth, offering a tart, sweet, and invigorating finish to any meal.

What Is Lemon Granita?

Lemon granita (granita al limone) is a Sicilian specialty made from lemon juice, water, and sugar, frozen into a semi-solid texture. It's traditionally scraped with a fork during freezing for a flaky finish, but blending gives it a smoother, more spoonable consistency. It’s enjoyed throughout Italy, especially in warmer regions, and often served between courses or as a light dessert.

Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe

• Bright, refreshing flavor: Bursting with fresh lemon juice and zest.
• Easy to make: Just mix, freeze, and blend—no special equipment needed.
• Naturally dairy-free and vegan: Great for all dietary needs.
• Perfect for summer: Serve at barbecues, dinner parties, or as a palate cleanser.

Pro Tips for the Best Granita

1. Use fresh lemons: Bottled juice won’t give the same vibrant, zesty flavor.
2. Chill the syrup fully before mixing with lemon juice to avoid a mushy freeze.
3. Freeze in a shallow container for quicker, more even solidification.
4. Blend in short pulses to maintain texture and avoid melting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make It Without a Blender?

Yes! Simply scrape the granita with a fork every 30–45 minutes while freezing for a more traditional texture.

Can I Add Herbs?

Absolutely—try infusing the syrup with fresh mint or basil for a creative twist.

How Long Does Lemon Granita Last?

Stored in an airtight container in the freezer, it keeps well for up to 2 weeks, though texture is best within the first few days.

Is It the Same as Sorbet?

Not quite. Sorbet is smoother and churned, while granita has a more crystalline, flaky texture unless blended.

Can I Make It with Less Sugar?

You can reduce the sugar slightly, but keep in mind it affects texture and freezing point.

How to Freeze

Granita is naturally frozen—just spread the mixture in a wide, shallow pan for even freezing. Once solid, store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Reblend as needed before serving.

How to Store

Keep granita in a tightly sealed container in the freezer. If it hardens too much, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving, then re-fluff with a fork or blend again.

How To Make Lemon Granita

Make the syrup: Combine sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.

Mix in lemon: In a large bowl, combine the cooled syrup with lemon juice and zest. Stir well.

Freeze: Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe, shallow container. Freeze for about 4 hours, or until solid.

Blend: Break the frozen block into chunks and blend in a food processor until smooth and icy.

Serve: Spoon into cups or bowls and serve immediately. Garnish with lemon slices or mint if desired.