Boozy Watermelon Granita Recipe
Cool off with this easy to make, cocktail style take on the classic Italian treat. This watermelon mint granita is a great combination of refreshing flavors with a little alcohol, all you need is a blender and a freezer!
How to Make the Best Boozy Watermelon Granita
A Refreshing Twist on Italian Tradition
This boozy watermelon granita takes the classic Italian frozen dessert and gives it a sophisticated cocktail twist. Light, icy, and infused with fresh mint and your spirit of choice, it’s the perfect palate cleanser on a warm summer day. The beauty of granita is its simplicity—just a blender, a freezer, and a fork are all you need to create this elegant frozen treat.
Why Watermelon Granita?
Granita is one of the most forgiving frozen desserts to make at home. Unlike ice cream, there’s no churning required, and the result is this beautifully textured frozen confection with delicate ice crystals. The combination of fresh watermelon, sugar, and mint creates a naturally refreshing base, while the addition of gin, vodka, or rum elevates it from a simple frozen treat to something special enough for entertaining. With just 86 calories per serving, it’s a guilt-free indulgence.
Serving and Storage Tips
This granita is best served immediately after scraping, while the crystals are still light and fluffy. If you prefer, you can freeze it overnight and simply re-scrape it before serving—the texture will be slightly denser but still delicious. The alcohol content helps prevent the mixture from freezing solid, creating that signature granita consistency. Serve in chilled glasses with a sprig of fresh mint for an extra touch of elegance.
Boozy Watermelon Granita
Cool off with this easy to make, cocktail style take on the classic Italian treat. This watermelon mint granita is a great combination of refreshing flavors with a little alcohol, all you need is a blender and a freezer!
Ingredients
Granita
Instructions
Granita
- Combine the 4 cups watermelon cubes, ¼ cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup alcohol, salt, and mint leaves in a blender. Blend on high for 1 minute.
- Pour the liquid into a 9x13 pan. Transfer to the freezer uncovered.
- Every 30 minutes, remove the pan from the freezer and scrape with a fork. Do this 4 times total.
- Serve right away or cover and freeze overnight. Scrape the granita again before serving.
Notes
- Any spirit works well in this recipe—Empress Gin, vodka, and rum are all excellent choices.
- The fresh mint adds an herbaceous note that perfectly complements the watermelon and alcohol.
- For best texture, scrape the mixture consistently every 30 minutes during the initial freezing.