We can’t think of a better way to cool off.

“The balance between sour citrus and sweet sugar is what makes this recipe a winner.

The mint adds another dimension of freshness,” says recipe developer Aysegul Sanford ofFoolproof Living.

Southern Living Lemon Granita in glasses to serve

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This Lemon Granita is a perfectly refreshing treat to help you cool down on a hot summer day.

What Is Granita?

This frozen dessert hails from Sicily, Italy, where granita was originally made with snow from Mt.

Southern Living Lemon Granita ingredients

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Etna topped with flavored syrup.

Lemon is one of the most common flavors; other popular flavors include coffee and almond.

Step 1: Make lemon juice:Start by prepping your lemons.

Southern Living Lemon Granita simmering the lemon syrup

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Use a peeler to scrape 10 lemon peel strips away from whole lemons.

Next, juice lemons until you have a cup of fresh juice.

If you have extra lemon peel, make some thinner strips and set them aside for garnishing.

Southern Living Lemon Granita straining the syrup

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Freeze for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the edges begin to set.

Put the dish back in the freezer, and repeat the “fluffing” process every 20 minutes.

Before serving, give the granita a final fluff with the fork or whisk.

Southern Living Lemon Granita whisking the lemon juice into the syrup

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Scoop it into serving glasses, and garnish with lemon peel and mint leaves.

Top Tips

Stirring and scraping the granita while it freezes prevents the development of large ice crystals.

Because Lemon Granita is so fresh-tasting and lightweight, it also works nicely as a refreshing palate cleanser.

Southern Living Lemon Granita beginning to scrape the granita mixture

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Add almond extract.

Hearken back to the Sicilian granita tradition and add a quarter teaspoon of almond extract to the recipe.

The nuttiness really complements the bright citrus flavor nicely.

Southern Living Lemon Granita continuing to scrape the lemon granita mixture

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Lemon zest will boost the citrusy flavor of Lemon Granita.

Remove from heat, pour through a fine mesh strainer into a large bowl, discarding peel.

Let syrup cool to room temperature, about 15 minutes.

Southern Living Lemon Granita in the freezer dish with some in glasses to serve garnished with lemon wedges and mint

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Whisk lemon juice into cooled syrup.

Freeze and fluff:

Pour mixture into a 212-quart glass baking dish.

Freeze just until edges start to set, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Using a wire whisk or fork, scrape up and stir frozen parts, breaking up large ice crystals.

Garnish with a thin lemon wedge and fresh mint.