Grapefruit Ice

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Cuisine: American

A refreshing frozen treat with tangy grapefruit and lemon flavors, perfect for hot days or as a citrusy dessert that appeals to all ages.

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Ingredients

  • 4 cups water
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1/2 cup lemon juice
  • 1 can grapefruit sections

Instructions

  1. Boil water and sugar together until the sugar dissolves.
  2. Allow the syrup to cool to room temperature.
  3. Add lemon juice and grapefruit sections to the syrup.
  4. Pour the mixture into a freezing container.
  5. Freeze until solid.
  6. Shred the frozen mixture before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a sweeter ice, adjust the sugar to taste. If you prefer a more tangy flavor, consider adding a splash of lime juice along with the lemon juice. You can also use fresh grapefruit juice instead of canned sections for a more vibrant taste. If you’re short on time, use a simple syrup made with equal parts sugar and water, boiled until dissolved.

Serving Suggestions

Serve grapefruit ice in chilled bowls or glasses for an elegant presentation. It pairs beautifully with a light salad, such as Company Fruit Salad, or as a refreshing palate cleanser between courses. Garnish with mint leaves or a slice of grapefruit for added flair.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer. To rehydrate the icy texture, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. If it becomes too solid, you can briefly microwave it in 10-second intervals to soften slightly, but avoid melting it completely.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Grapefruit Ice contains roughly 209 calories, with 4g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (139% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

209 kcal 10% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.3g 9% DV
Total Fat 0.6g 1% DV
Carbs 52.1g 19% DV
Fiber 6.2g 22% DV
Sugar 21.6g 43% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 38.3mg 2% DV
Potassium 735.6mg 16% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin C 124.9mg 100% DV
Calcium 77.2mg 6% DV
Iron 1.2mg 7% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh grapefruit instead of canned sections?

Yes, using fresh grapefruit will enhance the flavor significantly. Just make sure to segment the grapefruit properly to avoid the bitter pith and add them to the syrup mixture as directed.

How long does it take for the grapefruit ice to freeze?

Typically, it takes about 4-6 hours for the grapefruit ice to freeze solid. For best results, freeze it overnight if you want to ensure it's completely set before serving.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as it does not include any animal products. Just ensure that the sugar you use is vegan-friendly, as some sugars are processed with bone char.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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