This Blood Orange Granita is a vibrant, icy treat that’s as refreshing as it is stunning. With its bold citrus flavor and delicate, crystalline texture, it’s the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. In just 10 minutes of prep, you can create a dessert that feels both luxurious and effortless. The natural brightness of blood oranges shines through, making every spoonful a burst of sunshine, even on the chilliest days.
Its light, flaky consistency melts on your tongue, leaving behind a zesty, invigorating finish. Whether served as a palate cleanser or a sweet finale, this granita is a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is impressive. Perfect for entertaining or a solo indulgence, it’s a dessert that’s sure to brighten any moment.
What You’ll Need
- 3 cups (24 fl oz / 675 ml) blood orange juice (from about 5 oranges, freshly squeezed for best flavor)
- ¼ cup (2 oz / 57 g) sugar (adjust to taste or substitute with honey for a natural alternative)
How to Make It
- In a medium bowl, combine the blood orange juice and sugar. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Strain the mixture into a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish to remove any pulp or seeds.
- Place the dish in the freezer and let it sit for 1 hour.
- After the first hour, use a fork to scrape the frozen pieces from the edges into the center and stir well. Repeat this process every hour for a total of 5 times.
- After 5 hours, transfer the granita to a lidded, freezer-safe container and store for up to 8 weeks.
- Serve as a refreshing dessert on its own or pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
This Blood Orange Granita is a refreshing dessert on its own, but it’s even better with a few creative additions. Try serving it with a scoop of *vanilla ice cream* for a creamy contrast, or top it with a sprinkle of *pomegranate seeds* for a burst of color and texture. For a fancy touch, garnish with a sprig of *fresh mint* or a drizzle of *honey*.
Storage Tips: Keep It Fresh
Once your granita is fully frozen, transfer it to a *lidded, freezer-safe container* to maintain its texture. It will stay fresh for up to *8 weeks*. If it hardens too much, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving, then fluff it up with a fork to restore its light, icy consistency.
Recipe Variations: Mix It Up
Feel free to experiment with different citrus juices for a unique twist. *Grapefruit juice* or a mix of *orange and lime* can create equally refreshing results. For a boozy version, add a splash of *vodka* or *Prosecco* to the mixture before freezing—just note that alcohol slows down the freezing process, so it may take a bit longer to set.
Time-Saving Tips: Simplify the Process
To save time, use *store-bought blood orange juice* instead of squeezing your own. If you’re short on time, you can also reduce the scraping frequency to every *2 hours* instead of every hour—just be sure to give it a good stir each time to achieve that signature granita texture.
Equipment Guidance: Tools You’ll Need
All you need is a *9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish* and a *fork* for scraping. A *fine-mesh strainer* is helpful for removing any pulp from the juice, ensuring a smooth granita. If you don’t have a strainer, you can skip this step for a slightly chunkier texture.
Blood Orange Granita
Ingredients
- 3 cups blood orange juice (from about 5 oranges)
- 1/4 cup sugar (2oz/57g)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine blood orange juice and sugar.
- Strain into a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish and place in the freezer.
- Every hour, scrape the frozen pieces from the edges into the center with a fork and stir for a total of 5 times.
- After 5 hours, transfer to a lidded, freezer safe container and store for up to 8 weeks.
- Enjoy for dessert as is or with a scoop of vanilla ice-cream.
