Strawberry Lime Daiquiri Granita

When the sun blazes and you crave something that's equal parts elegant and refreshing, this Strawberry Lime Daiquiri Granita is your answer. Imagine the bright, juicy sweetness of ripe strawberries meeting the tangy zing of fresh lime, all infused with a subtle hint of white rum. This isn't just a frozen dessert—it's a celebration in a cup, a boozy escape that transports you straight to a beachside paradise. With its fluffy, icy texture and vibrant ruby-red hue, this granita is as stunning to look at as it is delightful to eat. Perfect for warm summer evenings, garden parties, or whenever you need a sophisticated sweet treat that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum wow factor.

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The beauty of granita lies in its rustic simplicity. Unlike smooth sorbets or creamy ice creams, granita celebrates texture—those delicate ice crystals that melt on your tongue, releasing bursts of fruity, boozy flavor with every spoonful. This Italian-inspired frozen treat has been cooling down Mediterranean summers for centuries, and now you can bring that tradition into your own kitchen. The process is meditative: blend, freeze, scrape, repeat. Each scrape with your fork transforms the mixture into something magical, creating that signature fluffy, snow-like consistency that makes granita so utterly irresistible.

Ingredients

• Fruit Base: 3 cups (450 g) fresh strawberries, hulled and halved; Zest of 1 lime; 1/3 cup (80 ml) fresh lime juice (about 2–3 limes)
• Sweetener: 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• Spirits: 1/4 cup (60 ml) white rum
• Garnish (optional): Fresh mint leaves; Extra strawberry slices; Lime wedges

Instructions

Step 1: Blend the base

In a blender, combine strawberries, lime zest, lime juice, and sugar. Blend until completely smooth.

Step 2: Add the spirits

Add white rum to the strawberry mixture and blend briefly to combine.

Step 3: Initial freeze

Pour the mixture into a shallow baking dish or metal pan, spreading it in an even layer. Freeze for 1 hour.

Step 4: First scrape

After 1 hour, use a fork to scrape and break up any ice crystals forming around the edges.

Step 5: Continue freezing and scraping

Return to the freezer, scraping with a fork every 30 minutes for about 3 more hours, until a fluffy, icy texture is achieved.

Step 6: Serve

Scoop the granita into dessert cups. Garnish each serving with mint, strawberry slices, or lime wedges if desired. Serve immediately.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

The key to perfect granita texture is patience and regular scraping. Use a shallow metal pan rather than a deep container—the increased surface area allows the mixture to freeze more evenly and makes scraping easier. Always scrape from the edges toward the center, as ice crystals form fastest along the sides. If you forget to scrape at the scheduled intervals, don't worry—just let it freeze solid, then use a fork to break it into chunks and pulse briefly in a food processor to restore the fluffy texture. For the best flavor, use ripe, fragrant strawberries at peak season. Taste your mixture before freezing and adjust the sugar if needed, keeping in mind that freezing will dull sweetness slightly.

Varianten und Anpassungen

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to your preferences and what's available. For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the rum and add 2 more tablespoons of lime juice or sparkling water for complexity. You can adjust the sugar to taste based on your strawberries' natural sweetness—start with less if your berries are very sweet. Feel free to swap strawberries with raspberries, blackberries, or a mixed berry blend for different flavor profiles. For a tropical twist, try adding a splash of coconut rum or mixing in some diced mango. If you prefer a more pronounced lime flavor, increase the lime juice by a tablespoon or add extra zest.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this stunning granita in clear glass dessert cups or elegant coupe glasses to showcase its vibrant color. Garnish generously with fresh mint sprigs, thin lime wheels, and sliced strawberries for a professional presentation. For an extra-special touch, rim the glasses with lime juice and sugar before filling. This dessert pairs beautifully with a crisp Prosecco or lime-infused sparkling water served alongside. It's perfect for summer dinner parties, poolside gatherings, or as a palate cleanser between courses at a multi-course meal. For a fun twist, serve it as a boozy snow cone at casual outdoor gatherings, or layer it with whipped cream for a grown-up sundae experience.

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This Strawberry Lime Daiquiri Granita is more than just a dessert—it's an experience, a moment of pure refreshment that transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary. Whether you're hosting a sophisticated soirée or simply treating yourself to a special weeknight indulgence, this recipe delivers elegance without complexity. The combination of sweet strawberries, zesty lime, and smooth rum creates a flavor profile that's both familiar and exciting, while the icy texture provides the perfect cooling relief on hot days. So grab your blender, set aside a few hours for freezing, and get ready to create a frozen masterpiece that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Cheers to summer in a cup!

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this granita without alcohol?

Yes, simply omit the rum and add extra lime juice or sparkling water to maintain the refreshing citrus balance.

→ How do I achieve the perfect granular texture?

Freeze the mixture in a shallow dish and scrape with a fork every 30 minutes to break up ice crystals until fluffy and icy.

→ What are good garnishes for this granita?

Fresh mint leaves, extra strawberry slices, or lime wedges add color and enhance the fresh flavors.

→ Can I substitute other berries?

Raspberries or mixed berries work well, providing a different but equally vibrant flavor.

→ How long does the freezing process take?

Around 4 hours total, with intermittent scraping to ensure the right texture.