Lemon Ice Recipe
If you’re craving sunshine in a cup, Lemon Ice is the answer: it’s refreshingly tangy, bright yellow, and gives you that perfect chill on a hot day. There’s something magical about the way this simple Italian treat feels both sophisticated and completely nostalgic—every spoonful balances zesty citrus with sweet, icy bliss. Whether you’re after a palate cleanser or a light finish to a summer feast, Lemon Ice explodes with vibrant flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that will have you coming back for seconds (and thirds!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Sugar Syrup:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups water
Lemon Mixture:
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4-5 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- Fresh mint or lemon slices for garnish (optional)
How to Make Lemon Ice
Step 1: Make the Sugar Syrup
Start by grabbing a medium saucepan and setting it over medium heat. Pour in your sugar and water, stirring constantly until all the sugar dissolves completely. This only takes a few minutes and leaves you with a syrup that’s clear and glossy. Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool for just a bit—warm, not hot, is perfect for the next step.
Step 2: Add Lemon Juice and Zest
As soon as your syrup has cooled slightly, stir in the fresh lemon juice and the zest. The tang of the juice and the oil from the zest slip right into the liquid, filling your kitchen with the most uplifting fragrance. Don’t skip the zest—this is what makes Lemon Ice sing with fresh, sunshiny flavor!
Step 3: Freeze and Fluff
Pour the entire mixture into a shallow metal or glass baking dish—choose one that gives you plenty of surface area for freezing. Pop it into your freezer for about one hour. When it starts to set around the edges, grab a fork and scrape the icy part into fine crystals. Repeat the scraping every 30 minutes for another two to three hours. You’re building up that signature fluffy, snow-like texture that makes Lemon Ice so delightfully light.
Step 4: Serve and Savor
When the entire pan looks like glimmering lemon snow, it’s ready! Scoop generous heaps into bowls or glasses. For a snappy presentation and a flavor boost, top with fresh mint or a slice of lemon. Dive in with a spoon and enjoy that cold, zingy refreshment that only Lemon Ice delivers.
How to Serve Lemon Ice
Garnishes
There’s nothing quite like a fresh garnish to turn Lemon Ice into a showstopper. A sprig of mint or a thin round of lemon adds a splash of color and extra flavor that dances with every bite. Feel free to experiment—edible flowers or even a dusting of additional zest can lift your finished dessert to new heights.
Side Dishes
Lemon Ice truly shines when offered after a hearty meal, acting as a revitalizing palate cleanser. If you want to create a dessert spread, serve it alongside biscotti, almond cookies, or fresh summer berries. Its tartness complements creamy desserts like panna cotta or subtly sweet cakes, making it a cool companion to more decadent treats.
Creative Ways to Present
Bored with bowls? Scoop Lemon Ice into tiny glass jars or vintage coupe glasses for extra flair, or layer it into parfaits with berries and whipped coconut cream. For an elegant dinner party, nestle a scoop inside hollowed-out lemon halves—the wow factor is undeniable!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Lemon Ice, simply cover your baking dish tightly or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Frozen, it holds beautifully for up to a week, though the texture is best enjoyed within the first few days when the crystals are at their fluffiest.
Freezing
Because Lemon Ice freezes solid, always keep it at the back of your freezer where the temperature is most stable. When storing for more than a day, you might need to scrape it with a fork again before serving to restore that signature granita texture. No fancy equipment needed – just a fork and a little patience!
Reheating
You won’t need to reheat Lemon Ice, but if it hardens up too much, let the container sit at room temperature for a few minutes. Once slightly softened, fluff it again with a fork to bring back those feathery crystals and creamy crunch.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice gives Lemon Ice its sharp, natural flavor—bottled juice tends to taste flat and can dull the brightness. If you can, stick to fresh-squeezed for the best results!
What if I want a smoother, less icy texture?
If you prefer a finer texture, scrape the mixture more frequently as it freezes. Some people also pulse the finished Lemon Ice in a food processor for a few seconds, though purists love the delicate, fork-created crystals.
How long does Lemon Ice last in the freezer?
For peak flavor and the softest, freshest texture, enjoy within five to seven days. After that, it’s still safe to eat, but it may lose some of its subtle aromatics and become dense if not fluffed up again.
Is Lemon Ice gluten-free and vegan?
Absolutely! This recipe contains just sugar, lemons, water, and optional fresh herbs—no gluten or animal products in sight, so everyone can join in the zesty fun.
Can I add other flavors to this recipe?
Definitely! A splash of limoncello or a handful of crushed berries can personalize your Lemon Ice. Just be careful not to add too much extra liquid, which could throw off the ideal freeze and texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a taste of pure sunshine, homemade Lemon Ice delivers in every dazzling spoonful. It’s cool, effortless, and impossible to resist—a timeless treat as perfect for backyard barbecues as for elegant dinner parties. Don’t wait for summer—there’s always a good reason to whip up a batch of Lemon Ice!
Print
Lemon Ice Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Description
This Lemon Ice recipe is a refreshing and light frozen dessert perfect for hot summer days. Made with fresh lemon juice and zest, it’s a delightful treat with a hint of citrus sweetness.
Ingredients
Sugar Syrup:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups water
Lemon Mixture:
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4–5 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- Fresh mint or lemon slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Sugar Syrup: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar and water. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Mix Lemon Ice: Stir in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest. Pour the mixture into a shallow metal or glass baking dish.
- Freeze and Scrape: Place in the freezer and freeze for about 1 hour. Using a fork, scrape the partially frozen mixture to break up any ice crystals. Return to the freezer and repeat scraping every 30 minutes for about 2-3 hours, until the ice is fluffy and granular.
- Serve: Scoop into bowls or glasses and garnish with fresh mint or lemon slices if desired.
Notes
- For an extra burst of flavor, add a splash of limoncello before freezing.
- This lemon ice is perfect as a refreshing palate cleanser or light dessert on a hot day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
