Sicilian Granita

Sicilian granita is one of the most iconic and beloved desserts of the Italian summer — a true symbol of Sicily. 🍋🇮🇹

🍧 What is Sicilian granita?

Sicilian granita is a frozen dessert made with water, sugar and natural ingredients (such as fresh fruit, coffee, almonds or pistachio).
Unlike slushies or crushed-ice drinks, real Sicilian granita has a smooth, creamy texture: it’s not shaved ice and it’s not sorbet — it’s something completely unique.

🧊 How is it made?

Traditionally, the ingredients are slowly mixed while freezing, so the ice crystals stay very fine and the texture remains soft and velvety.
In the past, it was made using hand-cranked machines surrounded by ice and coarse salt; today, a machine similar to a gelato maker is used.

🌞 Origins

Granita dates back to the Arab period in Sicily and evolved from sharbat, a chilled, sweet drink.
Originally, it was made using snow collected from Mount Etna or the Nebrodi mountains, stored in stone “snow houses” and mixed with citrus juices and honey.