Grapefruit Campari Granita: A Refreshing Summer Cocktail Dessert

Grapefruit and Campari Granita: A Refreshing Summer Treat

Indulge in a sophisticated and refreshing dessert with this Grapefruit and Campari Granita. The tangy citrus flavor of pink grapefruit combined with the bittersweet notes of Campari creates a delightful treat that’s both vibrant and aromatic. Perfect for hot summer days, this icy dessert offers a cool and slightly bitter twist, bringing together the allure of citrus with a hint of alcoholic sophistication. Freezing time is noted as the cooking time, so be prepared to let your granita set for a few hours to achieve the perfect texture.

Recipe Overview

• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
• Category: Frozen Desserts
• Servings: Approximately 7 cups

Ingredients

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Instructions

1. Create the Syrup:

   • In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly until the sugar has completely dissolved into the water. This will create a simple syrup base for your granita.

2. Cool the Syrup:

   • Once the syrup is ready, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool to room temperature. This step is important to ensure the syrup does not freeze prematurely when mixed with the other ingredients.

3. Mix the Base:

   • Once cooled, stir in the fresh pink grapefruit juice and the bittersweet Campari. The juice will add a tangy, refreshing flavor, while the Campari lends a slight bitterness and depth to the granita.

4. Freeze the Mixture:

   • Pour the mixture into a shallow metal pan. The metal helps to speed up the freezing process and ensures that the granita has the perfect texture. Place the pan in the freezer, and after 30-40 minutes, take it out and use a fork to scrape and break up any ice crystals that have formed.
   • Continue this process every 30-40 minutes for approximately 3 to 4 hours, or until the mixture is firm but not completely frozen. The goal is a fine, fluffy texture that’s easy to scrape with a fork.

5. Fluff and Serve:

   • After the freezing process is complete, use a fork to scrape the frozen mixture again, lightening the texture into small, icy flakes.
   • Serve the granita in chilled, stemmed glasses. For an added touch of elegance, garnish each serving with a curl of fresh grapefruit zest. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also intensifies the citrus aroma.

6. Enjoy:

   • This Grapefruit and Campari Granita is best served as a palate-cleansing treat or a sophisticated dessert on a warm afternoon. Its combination of refreshing grapefruit, aromatic zest, and bittersweet Campari is sure to impress your guests or simply refresh you on a sunny day.

Tips for Perfection:

• For a Stronger Campari Flavor: Adjust the amount of Campari to your liking. If you prefer a more pronounced bitterness, feel free to add a bit more, but be cautious, as too much Campari can overpower the grapefruit flavor.
• Perfect Texture: Stirring every 30 minutes ensures the granita maintains its light, fluffy texture. Avoid leaving it too long without stirring, as this could result in large, hard ice crystals instead of the desired fine flakes.
• Chill the Glasses: For extra sophistication, chill your glasses in the freezer prior to serving the granita. This will keep the dessert colder for longer and elevate the presentation.

Grapefruit and Campari Granita is the epitome of a summer dessert that’s not only easy to make but also a stunning, sophisticated treat to serve. The zesty grapefruit balances the bold, slightly bitter Campari, while the delicate texture of the granita ensures a refreshing experience with every bite. This is a must-try for anyone who loves citrusy frozen desserts with a grown-up twist. Enjoy the cool, citrusy refreshment of this delightful granita and let it be the star of your next warm-weather gathering!