Cherry Chianti Granita Recipe – Italian Summer Slush

Cherry Chianti Granita Slush sounds fancy, but it’s way easier to make than you’d think. Start by blending sweet cherries with sugar, fresh lemon juice, and a splash of bold Chianti wine. The mix turns a deep, sparkly red. You’ll freeze it right in a dish and scrape it a few times with a fork as it chills to create those icy flakes that make granita so fun. That’s the trick. It’s hands-off most of the time, giving you a pretty treat without too much fuss.

What you’ll get is a refreshing dessert that sits somewhere between a snow cone and grown-up slushie. The sweet-tart cherries and notes of the wine just sing together. Scoop it into little glasses and watch everyone’s faces light up at the first bite. It melts fast, so enjoy it right away in the hot sun. No special tools needed, just a fork, a freezer, and your favorite spoon. This is summer, served cold.

Cherry Choice: Picking the Star of Your Granita

Let’s talk cherries. The real hero of this granita is the cherry, so you’ll want to pick the best you can find. Look for cherries that are plump, shiny, and deep red or purple. They should feel firm but not rock hard. If you can, taste one before you buy.

Cherries should be sweet and juicy, not sour or bland. Fresh cherries work best, but frozen cherries can step in if it’s not cherry season. Just make sure they don’t have any added sugar or syrup. The better the cherry, the brighter and bolder your granita will taste.

Your Grocery List

• Fresh or frozen cherries
• Chianti wine
• Sugar
• Lemon juice
• Water

Techniques and Tips

Making granita is easier than you might think. Start by blending your cherries until smooth, then strain out any bits of skin or pits for a silky texture. Stir in sugar, lemon juice, Chianti, and water. Pour the mix into a shallow dish and pop it in the freezer.

Here comes the fun part: every 30 minutes, rake the mixture with a fork. This keeps the ice crystals fluffy and light. Don’t rush it. Good granita takes a few hours, but the result is worth it. If you want a smoother finish, blend the mixture once more before the final freeze.

Make It Even Better

Add a twist by mixing in a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of sea salt before freezing. For a grown-up touch, drizzle a little extra Chianti over the finished granita. If you love texture, sprinkle chopped dark chocolate or roasted almonds on top before serving. You can even layer the granita with whipped cream for a fancy sundae vibe.

Drink Pairings

This cherry Chianti granita pairs nicely with sparkling water for a refreshing combo. If you want to keep things grown up, pour a little Prosecco over your granita for a fizzy treat. A glass of chilled Chianti on the side works too. For kids or anyone skipping alcohol, try pairing it with cherry juice or lemonade.

Dessert Pairings

Serve your granita with almond biscotti or shortbread cookies for a crunchy bite. It also goes well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. If you want something fruity, add a handful of fresh berries on the side.

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftover granita in a covered container in the freezer. When you’re ready for more, scrape it with a fork to fluff it up again. If it gets too hard, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. Try to eat it within a week for the best flavor.

Prep Time

About 15 minutes to pit and blend the cherries, mix the ingredients, and get everything ready.

Cook Time

No cooking needed, but you’ll need about 3 to 4 hours for the freezing and scraping part.

Total Time

Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, most of it hands-off.

Servings

This recipe makes enough for 4 to 6 people, depending on how big your scoops are.

Nutritional Info

Each serving is about 120 calories. You’ll get some vitamin C from the cherries, but this is a treat, so it has sugar and a little alcohol. There’s no fat and only a tiny bit of fiber.

Fun Facts

Granita comes from Sicily, where people have been making it for hundreds of years. It’s usually made with fruit, sugar, and water, but wine adds a grown-up twist. Cherries and Chianti both come from Italy, so this treat is a double nod to Italian flavors.

Allergen Warnings

This recipe is free from nuts, dairy, eggs, and gluten. If you have a sulfite allergy, check your wine label, since some wines contain sulfites.

Vegetarian or Vegan Substitutes

This granita is already vegetarian and vegan. Just double-check your wine to make sure it’s vegan-friendly, since some wines use animal-based fining agents. If you want to skip alcohol, use cherry juice or grape juice instead of Chianti.