Watermelon Granita Recipe – Refreshing Summer Treat with Mint & Lemon

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Watermelon Granita Recipe – Refreshing Summer Treat with Mint & Lemon

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a way to beat the summer heat. And honestly, nothing does it quite like a super refreshing, icy treat. This Watermelon Granita is my go-to – it’s unbelievably easy to make, bursting with flavour, and just feels like sunshine in a bowl. I first made this when my little niece came to visit during a particularly scorching heatwave, and it was an instant hit! Let’s get into it, shall we?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Watermelon Granita isn’t just a pretty face (though it is gorgeous!). It’s the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and minty fresh. It’s incredibly light and hydrating, making it ideal for those hot summer days when you want something delicious without feeling weighed down. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up that extra watermelon!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful granita:

• 4 cups chopped watermelon (approximately 600g)
• ¼ cup sugar (50g – adjust to taste!)
• 6 mint leaves
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (15ml)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec, because a few little things can make a big difference!

Watermelon Selection

Choosing a ripe watermelon is key. You want one that feels heavy for its size and sounds hollow when you tap it. A good watermelon should also have a creamy yellow spot where it rested on the ground.

Mint Varieties

I usually use spearmint for this recipe, as it has a lovely, classic mint flavour. But feel free to experiment! Peppermint will give it a bit more of a zing, or even chocolate mint for a fun twist.

Lemon Juice – Fresh vs. Bottled

Freshly squeezed lemon juice is always best, if you can. It just has a brighter, more vibrant flavour. But in a pinch, bottled lemon juice will work too. Just make sure it’s 100% lemon juice, not a concentrate.

Sugar – Adjusting Sweetness

The amount of sugar really depends on how sweet your watermelon is. Start with ¼ cup and taste as you go. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away! I sometimes use a little bit of honey instead for a slightly different flavour profile.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s make some granita! It’s seriously simple.

1. First, blend the chopped watermelon, sugar, mint leaves, and lemon juice until everything is completely smooth. No chunks allowed!
2. Pour the mixture into a broad, freezer-safe container. A glass or metal baking dish works perfectly.
3. Pop it into the freezer for about an hour.
4. Now, this is where the magic happens. After an hour, take the container out and use a fork to scrape the frozen edges. You want to break up the ice crystals. Then, return it to the freezer.
5. Repeat this scraping process every hour for 2-3 cycles. This is what creates that signature granita texture.
6. Finally, freeze overnight, or for at least 6 hours, until it’s fully set.
7. When you’re ready to serve, use a fork to scrape the granita into fluffy ice crystals. Serve immediately!

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years to help you make the best watermelon granita:

Achieving the Perfect Granita Texture

The key is the scraping! Don’t skip it. It’s what prevents the mixture from freezing into one solid block.

Preventing Ice Crystals

Scraping frequently is the best way to prevent large ice crystals from forming. A little patience goes a long way.

Blending Techniques

Make sure your blender is powerful enough to completely pulverize the watermelon. If not, you might need to blend in batches.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Watermelon Granita

This recipe is already naturally vegan! Just double-check your sugar source if you’re super strict.

Spice Level – Adding a Hint of Chili

My friend Priya loves to add a tiny pinch of chili powder to hers for a little kick. It’s surprisingly delicious!

Festival Adaptations – Summer Solstice Treat

I love making this for summer solstice celebrations. It feels so festive and refreshing. You could even add edible flowers for a beautiful presentation.

Serving Suggestions

This granita is amazing on its own, but here are a few ways to take it to the next level:

Garnish Ideas

A sprig of fresh mint or a thin slice of watermelon makes a lovely garnish.

Pairing with Desserts

It’s a fantastic palate cleanser between courses, or a light dessert on its own. It also pairs beautifully with a simple fruit salad.

Storage Instructions

Granita is best enjoyed immediately. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the freezer. Just be aware that it might become a bit more icy. You might need to scrape it again before serving.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

How do I know when the granita is ready?

It should be fully frozen and easily scrapeable with a fork, forming fluffy ice crystals.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prepare the mixture ahead of time and store it in the freezer for up to a day before scraping. But the final scraping and freezing should be done just before serving for the best texture.

What if I don’t have a freezer-safe container?

Any shallow dish will work, as long as it can withstand freezing temperatures. Glass or metal are ideal.

Can I use other fruits with watermelon?

Absolutely! Strawberries, raspberries, or even mango would be delicious additions.

Is it possible to make this without sugar?

Yes, you can! But the granita won’t be as sweet. You might want to add a touch of honey or maple syrup if you prefer a little sweetness.

Enjoy your homemade Watermelon Granita! I hope it brings a little bit of summer joy to your day. Let me know in the comments if you try it, and how it turns out!