An Oh-So-Good Watermelon Granita Recipe (With or Without Alcohol) (2024)

This watermelon granita recipe (that can be served with or without alcohol) is a must-have summer staple. Easy and delicious!

Watermelon is a summertime staple at our house, and this (salted) spiked watermelon granita recipe is quickly becoming a staple, too. Bonus – you can make it without alcohol as well and it’s still delicious. Plus, it’s limited ingredient, so it’s super easy!

This summer treat is kind of the perfect way to cool off and rehydrate after a day out in the sun and heat, which is apparently everyday as of late.

Anyway… Here’s how to make really good (and simple) watermelon granita at home, with or without alcohol!

Ingredients for a Simple Watermelon Granita

• 5 cups cubed watermelon
• 1/8 cup simple syrup**
• 1/2 cup of white rum (if you’re making it alcoholic)

**Add more or less simple syrup based on the sweetness of the watermelon. You can easily make your own simple syrup by adding 1 part water and 1 part sugar in a saucepan over low heat until sugar is dissolved. Let cool before adding to mixture.

(Optional) Add Ins / Garnishes

• The juice of one lime. I’ve made these with and without the lime juice. And it’s good either way. If you want something just straight sweet, skip the lime. If you want a tiny bit of sour mixed in, add lime.
• 2-3 sprigs of mint. You can add 1-2 sprigs on mint into the blender of wood processor with thewatermelon. Or just use it as a garnish after the granita is prepared.
• Small pinch of sea salt. To make things extra fun, you can add a little salt for a salt rim to finish things off.

Watermelon Granita Recipe

To make non-alcoholicwatermelon granita

Add all ingredients into a food processor or blender. Blend until mint is finely chopped and watermelon is pureed.Pour into metal baking dish and cover tightly with foil.Freeze for 1-2 hours, then use a fork to rake the mixture into a soft, fluffy texture.

Return to the freezer for another 1-2 hours and rake again.When you’re ready to serve, simply remove from freezer again, rake, and fill glasses.

I like to rim my glass with a little salt or sugar and garnish with a sprig of mint, but not required.**Leftovers can be stored in the freezer for about a week after making.

To make watermelon granita with alcohol

If you’re looking to enjoy a real mojito, simply add 1/2 cup of white rum to your watermelon mixture before freezing. Serve with another ounce of white rum on top. The consistency will be more of a slushy, but just as enjoyable and refreshing!

What type of container is best for making granita?

A metal pan (like an 8×8 or 9×9) is great for making granita.

You can also use a tupperware container, bowl, etc – whatever you have on hand is fine. But a baking pan is the best option, if you have it.

Can I make a different flavor of granita with this recipe?

Yes! You can swap out the watermelon for lots of other fruits and even other liquids, like juices, teas, etc. In fact my favorite granita recipe I’ve ever made is this peach sweet tea granita. It’s so good!

Other fruits that can be made by swapping out the watermelon and keeping everything else the same, include: strawberries, blueberries, other melons, etc.

And you can also use fruit juices, like cranberry juice, orange juice, cherry juice – even soda (like co*ke or cream soda) can be used. My cherry limeade granita is made using juices only.

Quick note…If you’re using juices or sodas to make your granita, you most likely want need to add simple syrup at all because it will be sweet enough on its own.

What else can you make with cubed watermelon?

If taking the time to freeze and rake your summer treat sounds like too much work, I’ve got you covered with an even easier recipe. Try a mint and watermelon salad.

Take your cubed watermelon, add lime juice, freshly chopped mint, a sprinkle of sea salt, and gently toss. Refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. So easy, and just as refreshing as the granita.

Photography Amelia Lawrence

What’s your favorite way to cool off during summer? Is it with a favorite beverage by the pool, or front porch sittin’ with an icy co*cktail?