Ever have one of those days when it’s so hot you don’t even want to look at the oven? That used to be me every summer in our tiny kitchen — sweaty, flustered, and reaching for whatever frozen treat I could find, even if it meant bright blue popsicles loaded with who-knows-what.

Then I discovered granitas. And this Lime Basil version? It’s become my summer obsession.

It’s icy, citrusy, and the fresh basil gives it that spa-day kind of vibe  like something you’d get on vacation, but way easier to make than it looks. These days, when the afternoon heat kicks in, I just scrape a batch from the freezer and serve it up. It feels like a little luxury… and everyone loves it. No baking, no fuss, just pure refreshment in a bowl. 

Ingredients

• 1 cup water

• 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)

• 1/2 cup fresh lime juice (about 4–5 limes)

• 2 teaspoons lime zest

• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

• Pinch of sea salt

Instructions

1. Make the basil syrup:
   In a small saucepan, combine water, honey/maple syrup, and chopped basil. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sweetener dissolves. Turn off the heat and let steep for 10–15 minutes.

2. Strain & combine:
   Strain out the basil leaves, then stir in lime juice, lime zest, and a pinch of sea salt. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.

3. Freeze the magic:
   Pour mixture into a shallow baking dish or loaf pan. Place in the freezer for 30–45 minutes.

4. Scrape & repeat:
   Once ice crystals form around the edges, use a fork to scrape the mixture. Repeat scraping every 30 minutes for about 2–3 hours until it becomes fluffy and icy like snow.

5. Serve & savor:
   Scoop into bowls or glasses. Top with extra lime zest or a tiny sprig of basil for a fancy touch.

Sarah’s Tips

• Make it ahead! Granita can be stored in the freezer for 3–5 days — just scrape before serving.

• Try other herbs like mint for a twist, or add a splash of coconut water for a tropical vibe.

• Great as a light dessert after spicy meals or grilled dinners.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 65

• Carbs: 18g

• Sugars: 14g

• Fat: 0g

• Protein: 0g

• Fiber: 0g
  (Nutrition will vary slightly depending on sweetener choice)