Refreshingly Tangy Italian Lemon Ice!
I’ve been making Italian Lemon Ice since I was a kid, and it’s always been one of my favorite summer desserts. This recipe is easy to make, with just a few ingredients, and it’s always a hit with friends and family. The tart lemon flavor and the creamy texture make it a truly delicious treat that’s perfect for hot summer days. Give this Italian Lemon Ice a try and you’ll see why it’s been a staple in my family for years.
Italian Lemon Ice Recipe
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Additional Time
280 mins
Total Time
300 mins
Servings
6 servings

Ingredients
- 1⅔ cups white sugar
- 5 cups water
- ¾ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 12 leaves fresh mint, or as needed
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
- 1 fluid ounce raspberry-flavored liqueur (such as Chambord®) (Optional)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine 1⅔ cups white sugar and 5 cups water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar is dissolved.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and add ¾ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, 2 teaspoons lemon zest and 12 leaves of fresh mint. Stir until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Transfer the mixture to a shallow container and place in the freezer. Stir every 30 minutes for a total of 5 hours (until the Italian Lemon Ice is solidified).
- To serve, scoop the Italian Lemon Ice into individual cups or bowls. Garnish with lemon wedges and a splash of raspberry-flavored liqueur (if desired). Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 196
- Total Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 2mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 0g
- Sugars: 48g
What is the origin of italian lemon ice?
Italian Lemon Ice, also known as granita, is a delicious frozen treat that has been popular in Italy for centuries. The traditional recipe consists of crushed ice, sugar, and fresh lemon juice, which is then blended together until it forms a slushy consistency. The result is a light and refreshing snack that is perfect for cooling down on a hot summer day.
The origin of Italian Lemon Ice is not known for certain, but some believe it dates back to the ancient Romans. During this time, ice from the Apennine Mountains would be harvested and stored in snow pits. It is thought that the Romans would mix this ice with fruit juices and honey to create a slushy treat.
Italian Lemon Ice also has ties to Sicily, where it is believed to have originated in the 12th century. At this time, Sicily was under the control of the Arab-Norman kingdom, and it is thought that the locals adopted the recipe from this region.
Today, Italian Lemon Ice is enjoyed by people around the world. It can be found in Italian restaurants, cafés, and even homemade recipes online. Whether you are looking to cool off on a hot summer day or just enjoy the taste of Italy, Italian Lemon Ice is the perfect treat.
What are the health benefits of italian lemon ice?
- Understand the ingredients in Italian Lemon Ice. Italian Lemon Ice is typically made with just water, sugar, and lemon juice. All three ingredients are naturally low in fat and calories and can provide various health benefits.
- Consider the sugar content of Italian Lemon Ice. Natural lemon juice contains some sugar, but the majority of the sugar in Italian Lemon Ice comes from the added sugar. While sugar does provide some short-term energy, it can lead to weight gain and other health issues if consumed in excess.
- Look at the vitamin content of Italian Lemon Ice. Natural lemon juice is a great source of vitamin C which is important for maintaining a healthy immune system. Vitamin C also helps to reduce inflammation and can aid in the healing of wounds and bruises.
- Evaluate the antioxidant content of Italian Lemon Ice. Lemon juice is rich in antioxidants which can help to reduce the risk of certain diseases, such as cancer and heart disease. Antioxidants can also help to protect against free radical damage.
- Consider the electrolyte content of Italian Lemon Ice. Natural lemon juice is a great source of electrolytes, such as potassium and calcium, which can help to regulate blood pressure and aid in muscle and nerve function.
- Determine the health benefits of Italian Lemon Ice. Italian Lemon Ice can help to provide a number of health benefits including providing antioxidants, vitamins, and electrolytes, as well as being low in fat and calories. The added sugar should be consumed in moderation, however, to avoid potential health issues.
What is the best way to store italian lemon ice?
Italian Lemon Ice is a refreshing summer treat that is perfect for cooling off on hot days. It is a simple combination of ice, sugar, and lemon juice and is easy to make at home. However, once you make it, the question becomes, “How do I store it?”
The best way to store Italian Lemon Ice is to use an airtight container. This will ensure that the ice does not melt too quickly and will keep the lemon flavor from becoming too diluted. An easy way to do this is to use a large, freezer-safe plastic container or a glass jar with a lid. Additionally, you can also use a zip-top bag to store the Italian Lemon Ice.
When storing Italian Lemon Ice, it is important to remember that it should be stored in a cool, dry area. Heat and humidity can cause the ice to melt faster and the lemon flavor to become diminished. Refrigeration is also not recommended as it can cause the ice to become too hard and the flavor to be affected.
Before serving the Italian Lemon Ice, it is best to let it sit out at room temperature for a few minutes. This will allow the ice to become softer, making it easier to scoop and eat. Additionally, if the ice has become too hard, it can be placed in a microwave for a few seconds to soften.
By following these storage and serving tips, you can enjoy Italian Lemon Ice all summer long. So the next time you make this refreshing treat, make sure you store it properly to enjoy it to the fullest.
What dishes pair well with italian lemon ice?
Italian Lemon Ice is a popular summer treat that is a must-have at any Italian restaurant or deli. This refreshing and tart lemon flavored ice is a perfect way to cool off on hot summer days. But what dishes pair well with Italian Lemon Ice?
One classic dish that pairs perfectly with Italian Lemon Ice is pizza. The tartness of the lemon ice cuts through the richness of the pizza toppings, making for a delicious combination. Whether you’re enjoying a classic tomato and cheese pizza, or a more adventurous veggie-packed pie, Italian Lemon Ice is the perfect accompaniment.
Pasta is another Italian classic that is perfect for Italian Lemon Ice. The sweetness of a marinara sauce, or the saltiness of a pesto, can all be balanced out by the tartness of the lemon ice. You can even add a bit of lemon ice to pasta dishes to give them a zesty twist.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try pairing Italian Lemon Ice with fish. The lemon ice will help to bring out the subtle flavors of grilled fish. It also pairs well with grilled vegetables to give them a bright and zesty touch.
Italian Lemon Ice is a great way to cool off on hot summer days. From pizza to pasta to fish, there are plenty of delicious dishes that pair perfectly with this classic Italian treat.
How can italian lemon ice be adapted for different dietary needs?
Italian Lemon Ice is a classic Italian dessert that is loved by many. While it is a delicious treat, it may not always fit into everyone’s dietary needs. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to adapt Italian Lemon Ice for different dietary needs.
For those on a vegan diet, Italian Lemon Ice can easily be made vegan-friendly. To do this, simply replace the cow’s milk with a dairy-free option such as coconut or almond milk. The same goes for the sugar that is usually added to the recipe; simply use vegan-friendly sugar or a sugar-free sweetener instead.
For those on a gluten-free diet, Italian Lemon Ice can easily be adapted. Start by swapping out the traditional wheat-based pasta for a gluten-free variety. Additionally, it is important to make sure that the other ingredients used, such as the lemon juice and sugar, are also gluten-free.
Finally, for those on a low-sugar diet, Italian Lemon Ice can also be adapted. Start by reducing the amount of sugar used in the recipe. Additionally, you can replace the sugar with a low-calorie sweetener such as stevia or xylitol. You can also experiment with using fruit juice or puree in place of the sugar for a naturally sweetened version.
By making a few tweaks and substitutions, Italian Lemon Ice can be adapted for different dietary needs. Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or low-sugar, Italian Lemon Ice can still be enjoyed.