Strawberry Basil Granita

Move on over popsicles and ice cream, this strawberry basil granita is summer’s new favorite frozen treat. No special tools or equipment necessary. All you need is a freezer!

Granita is an Italian frozen dessert known for its coarse flakey, icy texture. It is a light and refreshing treat prefect any time of the year. This version is flavored with ripe strawberries and a hint of basil. Easily customize this recipe using your choice of fruits!

My childhood friends and I were making granitas way before we even knew what it was. Growing up I loved drinks that came in cool containers: think Squeezit, Capri Sun, and Kool-Aid Bursts. Yes, definitely not the most healthy choices, but those were our favorites.

During summer months, we would raid the fridge and combine different juices and soft drinks to create even sweeter concoctions. We would make such a large batch that we’d end up freezing a ton of leftovers. For the next couple of days, we’d grab spoons and start shaving the frozen juices and to make homemade slushies.

Unlike popsicles and ice cream which require additional tools or equipment, very little is needed to make granita at home. All you really need is a baking dish (such as bread loaf pan or casserole dish) and a freezer. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

This recipe is super simple. You need fresh strawberries, lemon juice, water, and basil infused simple syrup.

The basil simple syrup is a mixture of water, sugar, and basil cooked together. Easily omit the basil if you don’t want that flavor. Or, sub in your favorite herb or spice of choice!

To make the liquid base, blender together all the ingredients. If you prefer, you may strain out the little strawberry seeds. Otherwise, if they don’t bother you, no need to strain.

Recipe Options

Out of ripe strawberries? No worries. This recipe works well with a variety of fruits. Substitute in raspberries, mango, or try a mixture of berries! This works best with fresh fruits. Thawed frozen fruits just don’t turn out the same way.

This also works with fresh juices such as orange juice, grapefruit juice, or pineapple juice.

For a very flavorful pick-me-up, try espresso granita served with vanilla ice cream.

How to Freeze Granita

No special tools needed to make granita!

You can use any freezer safe dish for granita. I used a metal bread loaf pan because it fits nicely in my freezer. You can use casserole dishes, baking pans, or pie tins.

Just remember, the larger the surface area and shallower the pan, the quicker the granita will freezer. Since I used a loaf pan, it took a little bit longer for the granita to set up.

Pour the liquid into your desired dish and place it in the freezer. Check on the mixture every 30 minutes. Each time, remove the dish from the freezer and scrape up any icy bits have begun to form.

After about an hour, the mixture will look creamy like a sorbet. After about 90 minutes, it should more like shaved ice.

That’s it! In about 2 hours, you’ll have this delicious and refreshing strawberry basil granita.

If you’re in the festive mood, go ahead a pop a bottle of Prosecco or any sparkling wine. Top off a glass full of this granita for one delicious mimosa or bellini!

More Strawberry Desserts

• Strawberry Basil Frozen Yogurt
• Strawberry Pie
• Strawberry Layer Cake
• Strawberry Banana Bread