Sparkling Citrus Rosé Granita Recipe – A Refreshing Summer Delight

There’s something magical about the way a granita melts on your tongue — icy, light, and bursting with fresh flavors.

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This Sparkling Citrus Rosé Granita is the perfect way to elevate warm-weather entertaining, blending zesty citrus juices with bubbly rosé wine for a refreshing, adult-friendly frozen treat.

Whether you’re hosting brunch, enjoying a quiet afternoon on the patio, or planning a romantic dinner, this recipe delivers sophistication in every spoonful.

In this detailed guide, you’ll learn not only how to make the perfect granita but also how to customize it, store it, and pair it with other dishes. Plus, we’ll share pro tips to help you get that perfect icy texture without an ice cream maker.

Ingredients for Sparkling Citrus Rosé Granita

Essential Ingredients

Sparkling Citrus Rosé Granita Recipe – A Refreshing Summer Delight

Print Recipe

Zesty grapefruit, sweet orange, and crisp rosé freeze into a fluffy, spoonable granita that sparkles in the glass. Light, refreshing, and stunning with star-anise and dried citrus, it’s the ultimate make-ahead summer dessert-cocktail crossover. Make a batch today and serve it in coupes for instant “wow.” Tap “Print” to save it for your next party!

• Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes–4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6

Ingredients

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• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) water

• 1 cup (240 ml) fresh pink grapefruit juice (about 2 grapefruits)

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) fresh orange juice

• 2 Tbsp (30 ml) fresh lemon juice

• 1 tsp finely grated orange zest

• 3 cups (720 ml) chilled rosé wine (sparkling or still)

• Pinch of fine sea salt (brightens flavor)

• To garnish (optional): dried citrus slices, star anise, fresh citrus zest

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Instructions

• Make simple syrup: In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water. Warm over medium heat, stirring, just until sugar dissolves (do not boil). Cool 10 minutes.

• Mix & season: In a large bowl or pitcher, whisk together cooled syrup, grapefruit juice, orange juice, lemon juice, orange zest, rosé, and a pinch of salt. Taste; add a little more juice or sugar to balance if needed.

• Freeze shallow: Pour mixture into a shallow metal or glass baking dish (9×13 in / 23×33 cm works well). Freeze 45–60 minutes until icy around the edges.

• Scrape to crystals: Using a fork, scrape the icy edges toward the center. Return to the freezer and repeat every 30 minutes for 2–3 hours until fluffy crystals form throughout.

• Serve: Fluff with a fork, spoon into chilled coupes or bowls, and garnish with dried citrus and a star-anise pod for aroma.

Notes

• Make-Ahead: Freeze up to 3 days. Keep covered; fluff with a fork before serving.

• Extra Sparkle: Top portions with a splash of chilled sparkling rosé or club soda just before serving.

• Alcohol-Free Version: Swap rosé for non-alcoholic sparkling rosé or a mix of sparkling white grape juice + extra grapefruit juice.

• Balanced Sweetness: Citrus can vary—if your fruit is very tart, whisk in 1–2 Tbsp extra sugar after the first scrape.

• Faster Freeze: Use a metal pan and spread the mixture thin for speedier, finer crystals.

• Flavor Twists: Add 1–2 Tbsp Aperol for a bittersweet edge, or fresh thyme for herbal notes (strain before freezing).

• Garnish Smart: Star anise is aromatic—use as a non-edible garnish; remove before eating.

• Author: SOFIA
• Prep Time: 15 minutes (active)
• Cook Time: –4 hours
• Category: Dessert, Frozen Treat, Drinks
• Method: Freeze & Scrape (Granita)
• Cuisine: Italian-inspired, American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Serves: 6 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Freezing Time: 4–6 hours

Base Ingredients

• 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (about 3 medium oranges)
• ½ cup freshly squeezed grapefruit juice (about 1 medium grapefruit)
• ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup sparkling rosé wine (well-chilled)

Flavor Enhancers

• 1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional for depth)
• Fresh mint leaves, for garnish

Substitutions & Variations

• Swap sparkling rosé with non-alcoholic sparkling grape juice for a family-friendly version.
• Use honey instead of sugar for a floral sweetness.
• Add a splash of elderflower liqueur for a more complex, aromatic twist.

Step-by-Step Unique Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Citrus Base

In a medium saucepan, combine the orange juice, grapefruit juice, lemon juice, and sugar. Place over medium heat and stir until the sugar is fully dissolved — about 3–4 minutes. You don’t want the mixture to boil; just warm enough to melt the sugar into the liquid.

Step 2: Infuse and Chill

Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the orange zest, lemon zest, and vanilla extract (if using). Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then transfer it to the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes. Cooling the base before freezing helps maintain a lighter, fluffier texture.

Step 3: Add the Sparkle

Once the citrus mixture is fully chilled, pour in the sparkling rosé. Gently stir to combine, taking care not to lose too much carbonation — the bubbles help give the granita a delicate lift.

Step 4: First Freeze

Pour the mixture into a shallow, freezer-safe baking dish or metal pan. Place in the freezer for 45–60 minutes, or until the edges begin to firm up.

Step 5: Scrape and Repeat

Using a fork, scrape the partially frozen edges toward the center, breaking up any large chunks. Return the pan to the freezer and repeat this scraping process every 30 minutes for 3–4 hours, until the entire mixture is light, fluffy, and crystallized.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Fluff the granita one last time with a fork before serving. Spoon into chilled glasses or coupe dishes, garnish with fresh mint leaves, and serve immediately.

Pro Tips for the Best Granita

Keep the Layer Thin

The thinner your freezing layer, the quicker and more evenly the granita will freeze. A wide, shallow dish works best.

Don’t Skip the Zest

Citrus zest adds a bright, aromatic punch that deepens the flavor without adding more acidity.

Adjust Sweetness Before Freezing

Different citrus fruits vary in sweetness. Taste your mixture before freezing and adjust the sugar accordingly.

Flavor Variations to Try

Tropical Sparkle

Replace grapefruit juice with pineapple juice and add shredded coconut as garnish.

Berry Rosé Granita

Add a purée of fresh strawberries or raspberries before freezing for a berry-citrus twist.

Spiced Citrus

Infuse the base with a cinnamon stick or a pinch of cardamom while heating for a warm spice undertone.

Pairing Ideas

Brunch Companions

Serve alongside smoked salmon bagels or a fresh fruit platter for a light brunch.

Dessert Duo

Pair with almond biscotti or shortbread cookies for a crunchy contrast.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Storing in the Freezer

Granita keeps well in a covered, freezer-safe container for up to 2 weeks. Fluff with a fork before serving.

Reviving Texture

If your granita hardens after extended storage, let it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes, then scrape with a fork to restore the crystals.

Nutritional Overview (Per Serving)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this without alcohol?
A: Yes! Replace sparkling rosé with sparkling grape juice or club soda for a non-alcoholic version.

Q: How can I make this sweeter?
A: Add 1–2 tablespoons more sugar, honey, or agave syrup to the citrus base before freezing.

Q: Can I use bottled juice?
A: Freshly squeezed juice gives the brightest flavor, but bottled juice will work if it’s pure and unsweetened.

Conclusion

This Sparkling Citrus Rosé Granita is more than just a frozen dessert — it’s a statement of elegance and freshness. With vibrant citrus notes, a touch of sparkle, and that signature flaky texture, it’s bound to impress guests or simply brighten your own day. Once you’ve mastered the basic technique, the flavor possibilities are endless, making this an easy yet impressive addition to your recipe collection.