Make your own Watermelon Mojito Granita at home with our easy-to-follow recipe, ideal for hot summer days and refreshing gatherings.
As summer officially begins, you’re likely looking for refreshing desserts to beat the heat. This Watermelon Mojito Granita is a perfect treat for hot summer days, combining the sweetness of watermelon with the classic flavors of a mojito.
This Italian-inspired granita recipe is surprisingly easy to make at home, requiring minimal ingredients and basic kitchen equipment. You can enjoy it with or without alcohol, making it a versatile dessert for both family gatherings and adult parties.
Key Takeaways
- A refreshing summer dessert that’s easy to make at home.
- Combines the flavors of watermelon and mojito in a unique frozen treat.
- Can be made with or without alcohol for different occasions.
- Italian-inspired granita recipe with a slushy-like texture.
- Perfect for hot summer days and outdoor gatherings.
What is Watermelon Mojito Granita?
Imagine a dessert that combines the sweetness of watermelon with the zing of a mojito, all in a semi-frozen state. Watermelon Mojito Granita is a unique dessert that offers a refreshing way to cool down during hot weather. It’s a semi-frozen treat with a crystalline texture that falls somewhere between a sorbet and shaved ice.
The Perfect Summer Refreshment
This frozen dessert combines the hydrating properties of watermelon with the classic mojito flavors of mint, lime, and rum, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and refreshment. The coarse, crystalline texture of granita provides a satisfying crunch that slowly melts in your mouth, making it the perfect summer treat.
Origins of Granita
Granita originated in Sicily, Italy, where it was traditionally made by freezing a mixture of water, sugar, and fruit juices or purees, then scraping it periodically to create its signature icy ice texture. Traditional granitas in Sicily were often made with local fruit and served for breakfast with brioche.
Ingredients and Equipment Needed
To make Watermelon Mojito Granita, you’ll need a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen tools. The right combination of fresh watermelon, mint, and lime will give your granita its refreshing flavor.
Fresh Ingredients List
The base ingredient for Watermelon Mojito Granita is fresh, ripe watermelon (approximately 5-6 cups cubed), providing a sweet and hydrating foundation. You’ll also need fresh mint leaves (about 1/2 cup loosely packed) for the authentic mojito flavor and lime juice (approximately 2/3 cup or juice from 6-8 limes) to balance the sweetness.
- 5-6 cups cubed watermelon
- 1/2 cup loosely packed mint leaves
- 2/3 cup lime juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar or 1/8 cup simple syrup
Kitchen Tools Required
The essential kitchen tools include a blender or food processor to puree the ingredients, a shallow metal baking pan (9×13 inches) for optimal freezing, a fork for scraping the mixture, and a freezer.
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Blender | Puree ingredients |
| 9×13 pan | Optimal freezing |
| Fork | Scrape mixture |
| Freezer | Freeze granita |
Alcohol Options
For the alcoholic version, light rum (3/4 cup) is the traditional choice, but you can substitute with vodka, gin, or tequila depending on your preference, or omit it entirely for a non-alcoholic version.
How to Make Watermelon Mojito Granita
To make Watermelon Mojito Granita, you’ll start by preparing a refreshing mixture that combines the sweetness of watermelon with the zing of mint. This dessert is perfect for warm weather and can be made with or without alcohol.
Preparing the Watermelon Mixture
Begin by cutting approximately 5-6 cups of fresh watermelon into cubes, removing any seeds, and placing them in a blender along with fresh mint leaves, lime juice, sugar, and rum (if using). Blend all ingredients until completely smooth, ensuring there are no chunks of watermelon or mint remaining in the mixture for the best texture in your final granita.
The Freezing Process
Pour the pureed watermelon mixture into a shallow metal 9×13 baking pan, which provides optimal surface area for freezing and makes the scraping process easier. Place the pan in the freezer uncovered for the initial freezing period of 30-60 minutes, until ice crystals begin forming around the edges of the mixture. Repeat the scraping and stirring process every hour, until the mixture is slushy and frozen, usually 3-4 hours.
| Freezing Time | Action |
|---|---|
| 30-60 minutes | Initial freeze, ice crystals form |
| Every 1 hour | Scrape and stir the mixture |
| 3-4 hours | Total time to achieve slushy, frozen texture |
Scraping Technique for Perfect Texture
The key to perfect granita texture lies in the scraping technique: using a fork, scrape the partially frozen mixture from the edges toward the center, breaking up any large ice crystals and creating a fluffy, shaved ice texture. For the final scraping, ensure you’re breaking up all frozen sections completely, creating a uniform, fluffy consistency throughout the entire mixture before serving.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
Watermelon Mojito Granita is more than just a dessert – it’s an experience that can be tailored to any occasion or taste preference. To make the most of it, serve in chilled glasses or bowls to preserve its texture. Rim the glasses with sugar or a light sprinkle of salt to enhance the flavors.
Garnish with fresh mint, a thin watermelon wedge, or a lime wheel for an elegant presentation. You can also experiment with different flavors by adding complementary fruits or herbs to the watermelon base.
- Create a non-alcoholic version by substituting the rum with equal parts water or additional fruit juice.
- Store any leftover granita in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a week.
Consider serving it as a palate cleanser between courses or creating a granita bar for summer gatherings to elevate your hosting experience.
