When summer arrives, few things are as refreshing as fresh fruit paired with a crisp, icy granita. This dessert combines sweet melon and watermelon with a sparkling cava granita, creating a treat that is both light and indulgent. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, simply swap the cava for grape juice, and you have a delicious alternative suitable for all ages. Essentially, it’s a fruit salad elevated with a frosty twist.
This dessert is perfect for any occasion where you want to end a meal lightly and with minimal guilt. The key is planning ahead: the granita requires a few hours in the freezer, and preparing it the night before is ideal. For this recipe, we used watermelon along with two types of melon—cantaloupe and Galia—but feel free to mix in other fruits like pineapple, as long as they are ripe and flavorful. The combination of flavors and textures makes every bite refreshing and satisfying.
Ingredients (Serves 6)
- 220 g sugar
- 750 ml cava (or grape juice if making a non-alcoholic version; reduce sugar to 150 g in that case)
- Juice of 2 lemons
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 250 g watermelon
- ½ cantaloupe melon
- ½ Galia melon
- 200 g seedless grapes
- A handful of mint or spearmint leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the Simple Syrup: Mix the sugar with 250 ml water in a small saucepan. Heat until the sugar dissolves, then simmer for five minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely. This forms the base of the granita.
- Add the Cava or Juice: Once the syrup has cooled, stir in the cava (or grape juice), lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix well and pour into a wide, shallow container suitable for freezing. Because the mixture contains alcohol, it won’t freeze solid and will remain easy to scrape.
- Freeze the Granita: Place the container in the freezer for several hours. If using grape juice, note that the mixture will freeze harder and may require slightly more effort to scrape.
- Prepare the Fruit: Peel and dice the watermelon, cantaloupe, and Galia melon into bite-sized cubes. Wash the grapes and remove any stems. Distribute all the fruit evenly among six bowls.
- Assemble the Dessert: Just before serving, scrape the frozen cava granita with a fork to create a fluffy, icy topping. Spoon the granita over the fruit in each bowl. Garnish with chopped mint or small sprigs for a fresh aromatic touch.
This dessert is versatile and visually appealing, making it perfect for summer parties, family gatherings, or even a casual weekend treat. The sweetness of the fruit pairs beautifully with the tartness of lemon and the effervescence of cava. The granita adds a delightful crunch of ice that elevates the simple fruit salad to a gourmet level. Even the non-alcoholic version retains its refreshing charm, making it suitable for children and anyone avoiding alcohol.
The beauty of this dessert lies in its simplicity. It relies on quality, fresh ingredients rather than complicated techniques. Using ripe melons ensures natural sweetness, while the cava or grape juice adds a unique flavor dimension. Lemon juice brightens the dish and balances the sweetness, while the mint adds a cooling finish. By preparing the granita in advance, you can focus on cutting the fruit and presenting the dessert beautifully.
For those hosting summer dinners, this dessert is a showstopper that requires minimal effort. Its combination of fresh, juicy fruit with icy, sparkling granita creates a sensory experience that is both refreshing and indulgent. It’s light on the palate yet full of flavor, making it an ideal way to end a meal on a high note without feeling heavy.
In summary, melon and watermelon with cava granita is a refreshing, elegant, and versatile summer dessert. Whether served with sparkling cava or a sweet grape juice substitute, it combines the best of fresh fruit with a frosty finish, creating a simple yet impressive dish that celebrates the flavors and colors of summer. Perfectly balanced, visually appealing, and utterly delicious, it is sure to become a seasonal favorite for any table.