Cool off with the refreshing sweetness of Italian Water Ice Grape, a simple yet indulgent frozen treat bursting with the natural flavor of red or black grapes. This homemade dessert combines fresh grape juice, a touch of lemon for brightness, and a whisper of sweetness from a perfectly balanced simple syrup, making it a healthier alternative to store-bought sorbets. Prepared without any special equipment, this recipe utilizes the classic Italian granita method of freezing and hand-scraping to achieve its light, fluffy texture. Ready in just a few steps, this crowd-pleaser is perfect for summer gatherings or as a refreshing palate cleanser. Garnish with fresh mint or grape clusters for a touch of elegance and elevate your dessert game with an authentic taste of Italy!
Wash and rinse fresh grapes thoroughly if extracting your own juice. If not, ensure the store-bought grape juice is 100% pure with no added sugars.
If making fresh juice, blend approximately 6 cups of grapes in a blender and strain the juice through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove pulp and seeds. Measure out 4 cups of juice.
In a medium saucepan, combine water and granulated sugar over medium heat. Stir gently until the sugar is fully dissolved, creating a simple syrup. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the grape juice, cooled simple syrup, and fresh lemon juice. Mix gently but thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
Pour the mixture into a shallow, freezer-safe dish or pan. Place the dish in the freezer and let it freeze for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, use a fork to scrape and stir the mixture, breaking up any ice crystals. Return the dish to the freezer.
Repeat the scraping and stirring process every 30 minutes for 3-4 hours, or until the Italian Water Ice has a smooth, fluffy texture.
Once fully frozen, spoon into serving cups or bowls and serve immediately. Optionally, garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a small cluster of grapes for presentation.
Calories |
1178 | ||
---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
Total Fat | 0.9 g | 1% | |
Saturated Fat | 0.0 g | 0% | |
Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
Sodium | 48 mg | 2% | |
Total Carbohydrate | 304.1 g | 111% | |
Dietary Fiber | 2.1 g | 8% | |
Total Sugars | 294.8 g | ||
Protein | 4.9 g | 10% | |
Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
Calcium | 96 mg | 7% | |
Iron | 2.0 mg | 11% | |
Potassium | 1231 mg | 26% |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.