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