Wine Granitas Shaved Ice for Grownups: Refreshing Wine Granitas
Cool down this summer with wine-infused, easy-to-make granita. This simple dessert is unique enough to be great at parties, refreshingly excellent for BBQs, and works with red, white, or rosé wines (or even low-hop beers)!
Granita is also no-fat and low sugar, but of course you can dial up the decadence by adding whipped cream, frozen yoghurt, or sweet vanilla ice cream. Experiment with toppings to match your occasion – top with coconut shavings, fresh berries, or grated white chocolate.
The recipe: Makes about 2 cups
1 cup Giesen red and/or white wine (or flat beer)
1/3 cup water
3 tablespoons sugar (adjust to your taste)
Sweetened whipped cream for topping (optional)
In a medium bowl, mix the wine(s), water, and sugar together, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Pour the mixture into a shallow baking dish and place in the freezer until partially frozen. Use a fork to scrape and break the mixture into shards. Return the pan to the freezer to freeze completely. Scrape and toss the granita one more time. Keep frozen until serving. Serve in stemmed glasses with your choice of topping.
For sangria-inspired granita: heat the wine, water, and sugar in a saucepan until dissolved, and then add 2 tsp orange juice plus the zest and juice from 1 orange, 1 lemon, and 1 lime. Pour the mixture into a baking dish and follow the final steps outlined above. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and/or lime slices.