Cool, refreshing, and bursting with zesty citrus flavor, Italian Water Ice Lemon is the perfect frozen treat for hot summer days. This simple yet delightful recipe combines freshly squeezed lemon juice, a touch of lemon zest, and a homemade sugar syrup to create an irresistibly smooth and icy texture. With just 10 minutes of prep time, a handful of pantry staples, and no special equipment required, you can whip up this classic Italian dessert right at home. The step-by-step freezing process ensures a light, granita-like consistency that melts beautifully on the tongue. Serve it in elegant bowls and garnish with fresh mint leaves for a stunning finish thatβs as delightful to the eyes as it is to the palate. Whether youβre looking for a palate cleanser or a stand-alone dessert, this Italian Water Ice Lemon will transport your taste buds to the sunny streets of Italy.
Wash the lemons thoroughly and zest one of them to obtain 1 tablespoon of lemon zest. Set the zest aside.
Cut the lemons in half and juice them to yield approximately 1 cup (240 ml) of fresh lemon juice. Strain the juice to remove seeds and pulp for a smooth texture.
In a small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and 500 ml of water. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved to create a simple syrup. This should take about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled simple syrup, lemon juice, the remaining 500 ml of water, and the lemon zest. Stir well to incorporate all the ingredients.
Pour the mixture into a shallow, freezer-safe container. Place it in the freezer and let it chill for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, use a fork to scrape and stir the mixture, breaking up any ice crystals that have started to form. Repeat this process every 30 minutes for 3 hours, or until the mixture has a granular, icy texture.
Spoon the Italian Water Ice into serving bowls or cups. Garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired, and serve immediately.
Calories |
914 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 1.5 g | 2% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.2 g | 1% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 40 mg | 2% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 248.7 g | 90% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.2 g | 54% | |
| Total Sugars | 212.7 g | ||
| Protein | 5.6 g | 11% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 209 mg | 16% | |
| Iron | 3.1 mg | 17% | |
| Potassium | 715 mg | 15% | |
*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.