Summer Berry Vodka Granita recipe, an easy red, white, and blue drink and dessert. Make it alcoholic or nonalcoholic for 4th of July, summer parties, and BBQs!
Happy 4th of July! If you’re looking for a last minute easy dessert (that could double as a cocktail), this frozen Summer Berry Vodka Granita recipe will fit the bill! Strawberry, blueberry, and ginger ale granita with a secret ingredient…vodka! Delicious, and only a few ingredients!
It’s hot out and frozen desserts are perfect this year like my Root Beer Granita Shots or these fun Oreo Ice Cream Pops.
So this Summer Berry Granita is not quite red, white, and blue (it’s a slightly more pink, white, and purple…) but this vodka granita recipe is delicious and perfect for a hot summer day and 4th of July.
It’s an easy recipe but does take a few hours since you do need to scrape the ice every 15-20 minutes or so. A great vodka infused dessert or cocktail!
What is Granita
The definition of granita is an Italian flavored ice. It’s generally made by placing a liquid base in a shallow container in the freezer and using a fork, the formed ice is scraped around the edges. The process continues repeatedly until it’s completely frozen, and like a coarse shaved ice.
Summer Berry Vodka Granita Ingredients
- Ginger Ale
- Vodka
- Defrosted frozen blueberries (or fresh)
- Defrosted frozen strawberries (or fresh)
How to Make Summer Berry Vodka Granita
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Place ginger ale, vodka, and blueberries in a blender. Process until smooth. Strain if desired, and pour into a shallow container, set aside.
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Mix together ginger ale and vodka in a second shallow container, set aside.
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Rinse out blender, then add remaining ginger ale, vodka, and strawberries. Process until smooth, strain if desired, then pour into a third shallow container, set aside.
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Place all containers flat in freezer. Every 15-20 minutes scrape around container edges, repeat for about 2 hours or until frozen.
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Store in freezer until ready to serve. Scrape with fork as necessary and spoon into serving glasses or bowls.
(Full printable recipe card is at bottom of post.)
Quick Tips for Best Results
- For best results, I’d suggest using defrosted frozen berries. Whether you use frozen or fresh, make sure your berries are good and flavorful.
- If you use fresh berries, you may need to add additional liquid (ginger ale or vodka) to get your blender to process it all since the defrosted frozen berries tend to be softer and have some liquid.
- Stack the granita one color on top of another for the red, white, and blue look.
- For more of a drink, you can add some ginger ale to the glasses or additional vodka for more of a cocktail.
- Make sure you scrape the granita every 15-20 minutes at least otherwise it will freeze into one big block.
Summer Berry Granita FAQ
What kind of vodka should I use?
When I first wrote this recipe several years ago, I used Pinnacle Rainbow Sherbet Vodka, however, that’s no longer in production last I checked. So I would suggest any of your favorite clear berry or fruit flavored vodkas such as Pinnacle Tropical Punch or Smirnoff Red, White, and Berry.
Can I use a different kind of liquor?
I haven’t tried it, but I don’t see why not! Just be careful not to use too much alcohol so that the granita will freeze. I’d also suggest sticking with clear colored liquors or liqueurs or coordinate the color with the layer such as a red colored liquor for the strawberry layer.
How do I make this nonalcoholic?
Substitute additional ginger ale, fruit juice, or lemon-lime soda for the vodka.
Can I use different kinds of fruit?
This granita would actually be good with just about any kind of summer fruit and not just strawberries and blueberries, so mix-it up a bit and try different flavors.
Other Berry Recipes You May Enjoy
- Blueberry Dump Cake – easy dessert with fresh blueberries and a cake mix. Great for a crowd!
- Strawberry Cobbler – Mini strawberry dessert baked in ramekins. Great with ice cream.
- Chocolate Cheesecake Stuffed Raspberries – Fun mini dessert but hard to stop at just one.
- Fruit Crumble – Yum! Full of berries and topped with a delicious looking crumble topping.
- Raspberry Curd – Looks like a great use for all those summer fresh raspberries.
Hope you enjoy this fun red, white, and blue drink and dessert! If you’re looking for more 4th of July treats check out these fun Red, White, and Blue Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries which would be great with this granita!
Summer Berry Vodka Granita
Ingredients
Blueberry Granita:
- 1/2 cup ginger ale
- 2 tablespoons Vodka (berry flavored)
- 1 cup defrosted frozen (or fresh) blueberries
Ginger Ale Granita:
- 1 cup ginger ale
- 2 tablespoons Vodka (berry flavored)
Strawberry Granita:
- 1/2 cup ginger ale
- 2 tablespoons Vodka (berry flavored)
- 1 cup defrosted frozen (or fresh) strawberries
Instructions
- Place 1/2 cup ginger ale, 2 tablespoons vodka, and blueberries in a blender. Process until smooth. Strain if desired, and pour into a shallow container, set aside.
- Mix together 1 cup ginger ale and 2 tablespoons vodka in a second shallow container, set aside.
- Rinse out blender, then add remaining 1/2 cup ginger ale, 2 tablespoons vodka, and strawberries. Process until smooth, strain if desired, then pour into a third shallow container, set aside.
- Place all containers flat in freezer. Every 15-20 minutes scrape around container edges, repeat for about 2 hours or until frozen.
- Store in freezer until ready to serve. Scrape with fork as necessary and spoon into serving glasses or bowls.
Notes
(Nutrition data is provided when available for informational purposes only and calculated using an online nutritional calculator. For the most accurate information please calculate based on specific ingredients and brands you use as well as any changes you made to the recipe. I am not a certified nutritionist or registered dietician and any nutritional information provided should only be used as a general guideline and estimate.)
This post was originally published in June 2014, but updated in July 2019 with additional information.
About Lisa Huff
Lisa Huff is a Cookbook Author, Freelance Recipe Developer, Food Photographer, Blogger/Writer, and award-winning home chef. She loves creating unique recipes from healthy to decadent including cocktails, appetizers, main dishes, dessert recipes and more and has appeared on various shows, publications, and websites.
Lisa, this Summer Berry Vodka Granita is quite the stunner!
I’d love to have one, two, three glasses full!
Perfect for winter, autumn and summer
Binge on these Heavenly Towers of Cool! :D
LOVE! F-f-f-f-five stars!
Pretty and refreshing. What a great thing to serve to 4th of July party guests. Have a great holiday!
Looks very refreshing! Can’t wait to try it!
great summer drink!
Thanks Dina!
That’s pretty neat!
Thanks :)