Refreshing Basil & Lemon Granita: A Summer Treat
Make the best Basil Lemon Granita for a refreshing summer treat. After making this many times, I’ve perfected the balance of tart and sweet. This light, fresh granita is perfect for cooling down on hot days. Try it with my Tomato and Peach Panzanella Salad for a perfect summer meal. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Tomato and Peach Panzanella Salad and Irresistible Lemon Blueberry Crumb Cake.
Why This Refreshing Basil & Lemon Granita: A Summer Treat Is Pure Comfort
- Refreshing and light
- Easy to make with just 4 ingredients
- Perfect for hot summer days
- Boosts your mood with fresh basil
What You'll Need for Refreshing Basil & Lemon Granita: A Summer Treat
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Fresh basil: Using fresh basil is crucial for the best flavor.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Blender — Easily blend basil and lemon for a smooth granita. → See on Amazon
- Measuring Cup Set — Accurate measurements ensure the perfect balance of flavors. → See on Amazon
How to Make Refreshing Basil & Lemon Granita: A Summer Treat
- Step 1: In a blender, combine water, sugar, lemon juice, and basil leaves. Blend until smooth.
- Step 2: Pour the mixture into a shallow freezer-safe dish. Freeze for 1 hour.
- Step 3: After 1 hour, use a fork to scrape the frozen edges towards the center. Return to the freezer.
- Step 4: Repeat the scraping process every 30 minutes until the entire mixture is frozen and fluffy, about 2-3 hours.
- Step 5: Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing Basil Lemon Granita!
Cook's Tips for Perfect Refreshing Basil & Lemon Granita: A Summer Treat
- Common mistake and fix: Avoid overblending the basil. It can make the granita bitter. If this happens, add more lemon juice to balance the flavor.
- : For a stronger basil flavor, add more basil leaves or blend longer, but be careful not to overblend.
- : You can make this granita ahead of time and store it in the freezer for up to a week.
Storing & Reheating Refreshing Basil & Lemon Granita: A Summer Treat
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a week. Make-ahead tip: Yes, make ahead and freeze.
Freezing Refreshing Basil & Lemon Granita: A Summer Treat
No need to freeze again after scraping.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a more intense lemon flavor, use Meyer lemons if available.
- Best substitution: You can substitute the basil with mint leaves for a different flavor.
- Make-ahead: This recipe is perfect for making ahead and storing in the freezer.
- Scaling: Easily double or triple the recipe for a crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If your granita isn't freezing, make sure your dish is shallow and freezer-safe.
Want to level up this recipe?
Ice Cream Scoop — Perfect for serving individual portions of this refreshing granita. → Check price on Amazon
Refreshing Basil & Lemon Granita: A Summer Treat
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Step 1: In a blender, combine water, sugar, lemon juice, and basil leaves. Blend until smooth.
- Step 2: Pour the mixture into a shallow freezer-safe dish. Freeze for 1 hour.
- Step 3: After 1 hour, use a fork to scrape the frozen edges towards the center. Return to the freezer.
- Step 4: Repeat the scraping process every 30 minutes until the entire mixture is frozen and fluffy, about 2-3 hours.
- Step 5: Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing Basil Lemon Granita!
Notes
- Chef tip: For a more intense lemon flavor, use Meyer lemons if available.
- Best substitution: You can substitute the basil with mint leaves for a different flavor.
- Make-ahead: This recipe is perfect for making ahead and storing in the freezer.
- Scaling: Easily double or triple the recipe for a crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If your granita isn't freezing, make sure your dish is shallow and freezer-safe.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a week.
- Freezer: No need to freeze again after scraping.
- Make ahead: Yes, make ahead and freeze.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 70
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Carbs: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sat. Fat: 0g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Refreshing Basil & Lemon Granita: A Summer Treat FAQs
Yes, you can make it ahead and store it in the freezer for up to a week.
Ensure your dish is shallow and freezer-safe. If it's too deep, the mixture won't freeze properly.
While you can, using fresh lemon juice will give you the best flavor.
If your granita is bitter, add more lemon juice to balance the flavor.
Yes, you can use honey or agave nectar instead of sugar, but the flavor will be slightly different.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Refreshing Basil & Lemon Granita: A Summer Treat and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
