It seems like Summer has finally arrived in San Diego with temperatures rising into the low 80′s. Over the weekend, I was enjoying the mid day heat in my backyard (in the company of several darting humming birds) when I started to crave something cold and refreshing. This Champagne Grape Granita immediately came to mind being that the frosty dessert is almost effortless and doesn’t requiring any heating. Freshly pressed champagne grape juice is paired with crisp white wine, lemon juice and sugar to create a cool summer treat.
Champagne Grape Granita
Adapted from Oprah.
2 pounds champagne grapes*
1 cup white wine or water
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons sugar, plus additional to taste
In a food processor, puree champagne grapes. Let mixture sit for at least 20 minutes.
Strain the puree through a fine mesh basket strainer into a metal bowl, pressing skins to squeeze out as much juice as possible. Whisk in wine, lemon juice and sugar (taste and add more sugar if needed).
Cover with plastic wrap and freeze mixture for 2 hours. Take the bowl out of the freezer and scrape the icy bits from the edges to the center.
Repeat this scraping process every 30 minutes until the entire mixture is frozen and flaky.
Serves 6 – 8.
*Can’t find champagne grapes? You could also use green, red or black seedless grapes. If you want to use red or black grapes, I would recommend using 1 cup of red wine rather than the white wine.
This looks beautiful and refreshing! At first I thought the granita would have champagne and grapes, ha. I’m sure that would be tasty, too.
The first taste is like WOW. The following are just as tasty. I recommend this to anyone who loves wine.
I love champagne grapes…and this looks like a beautiful granita
@Nicole @Fernando @Magic of Spice Thank you!
That looks so good for a hot summer day! And I think i just saw champagne grapes at the store the other day. This is one I might have to try!
I saw these grapes at the farmer’s market. Did not get any since I was not sure what to do with them. I love how diet friendly this recipe is! Thanks for the post
I love your collage of pictures! I just love them! This looks really good as well
Your photos are terrific and this recipe looks to be a winner. What can be better than fresh grape juice and wine in a refreshing treat. Thanks so much for sharing.
This grape granita looks simple but truly delightful. I love it.
Now I know what I can do with some of the fresh grapes I pickup for my home winemaking. This would be a nice refreshing drink in press days!!!
Jason
What a perfect palate cleanser! And, I have some red grapes that need to be used up. Thanks! Kate @kateiscooking