Chef John's Lemon Ice

Name: Chef John's Lemon Ice
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 3 h 10 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 4 cups cold water; ⅞ cup white sugar; 2 tablespoons lemon zest; 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon extract

Rating: 4.57 stars

14 Ratings
13 Reviews
4 Photos

Using the classic Italian granita technique makes this an easy and refreshing summer treat. I love the contrast between that light texture and bright, vibrant flavor.

By Chef John

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Recipe Summary

prep:

10 mins

additional:

3 hrs

total:

3 hrs 10 mins

Servings:

Yield:

8 servings

Nutrition Info

Ingredients

Original recipe yields 8 servings

The ingredient list now reflects the servings specified

4 cups cold water
⅞ cup white sugar
2 tablespoons lemon zest
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon extract

Directions

Step 1
Dissolve sugar in water in a pot over medium heat, whisking while water heats up. As soon as sugar dissolves and water is clear, remove pan from heat. While water is still warm, add lemon zest. Allow to cool to room temperature before adding lemon juice.

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Step 2
Whisk in lemon juice and lemon extract. Pour into a baking pan about 9x13 inches. Place in freezer until ice starts to form around the edges, about 40 to 45 minutes. Use a fork to stir up ice. Do this every 20 to 30 minutes until lemon ice reaches your preferred texture, 2 1/2 to 3 hours.

Cook's Notes:

For the sugar, 7/8 cup equals 14 tablespoons.

Some people prefer their lemon ice on the slushy side. My preference is fully frozen, like shaved ice.

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving:

94 calories; protein 0.1g; carbohydrates 24.8g; sodium 4mg. Full Nutrition

Reviews (13)

Most helpful positive review

Imca

07/13/2017

I made this for my family and it was delicious! I skipped the lemon zest and added the lemon extract. If I left the lemon extract out it would have been better. I am excited to experiment with other fruits. I have already tried grapefruit and it came out beautifully. I plan to make a watermelon one and I hope it will be as good as the others. This technique is very easy and I would reccommend it to anyone. A great recipe to try with kids! Read More

Helpful

(7)

Most helpful critical review

lamentor79

07/24/2018

I modified this recipe slightly. I poured fresh lemonade into a plastic pitcher and put it in the freezer, stirring occasionally as it began to freeze. It made an entire gallon without all the fru-fru fuss. Step one: pour; step two: place in freezer; step three: stir...voila! Chef Gregg at your service. Read More

Helpful

(4)

14 Ratings

5 star values: 9
4 star values: 4
3 star values: 1
2 star values: 0
1 star values: 0

Reviews: Most Helpful

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Imca

07/12/2017

Helpful

(7)

Cyn

10/14/2016

This was so good! i made it more like a slushy with a straw in a glass. i think i ate an iceburgs worth! Read More

Helpful

(5)

Nan

06/19/2017

My Mom used to make lemon "sherbet" like this when I was little. I remember she poured it into a metal ice cube tray to freeze after she took out the cube dividers. It was always one of my favorite desserts. (I DON'T remember her taking it out and stirring it frequently tho') Read More

Helpful

(4)

lamentor79