The temperatures have once again risen here in Toronto, and there is nothing better to cool you down than a cool refreshing granita.

Granitas are simply an Italian ice dessert and can be made using any flavour.  I chose lime, because I love the taste of citrus on a hot summer day.

This dessert is perfect for those summer parties.  Its cool, refreshing and takes little effort (just a little bit of planning beforehand!) This is so much easier than ice cream, and much more impressive!

This dessert reminds me of the crushed ice treats I used to get as a child at my grandparents’ – but much, much more elevated.

To be honest, I was looking to make ice cream, but I don’t have an ice cream maker, and even though you don’t technically need one, I decided against the ice cream because, well, calories and summer bodies. So…granita it is!!!

This recipe has significantly less sugar and absolutely no cream involved, yet, possibly even more refreshing! Best of all, you can easily add a shot of vodka, white rum, tequila or gin (pick your poison) for n even more special events!