How to Make Orange-Lemon Italian Ice

Make refreshing Italian ice at home.

Italian ice makes for a refreshing cool treat on a hot summer day. Akin to granita and sorbet, Italian ice consists of a flavoring (often citrus-based) combined with sugar to form a syrup, which is then mixed with water and frozen. While Italian ice already has fewer calories than dairy-based ice cream, you can reduce the calories in this preparation by switching regular sugar for a sugar substitute.

Things You'll Need

• 4 cups water
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 cups orange juice
• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• Medium-sized saucepan
• 9-by-13-inch baking pan

Instructions

1. Combine the water and sugar in a medium-sized saucepan. Heat over medium-high heat and bring to a boil for 5 minutes.

2. Remove the sugar-water mixture from the heat until slightly cool. Stir in orange and lemon juices. Pour the mixture into a baking pan and place in the freezer.

3. Stir the mixture every half hour until a slush forms. Set a kitchen timer to remind yourself to stir. Freezing time will vary from 2 to 3 hours.

4. Spoon out the orange-lemon Italian ice into individual bowls and serve. If the Italian ice is too hard to spoon out, let it stand at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't forget to stir every half hour, otherwise you will end up with a solid block of ice instead of an enjoyable treat.

Resources

• Food Network: Lime Italian Ice