Italian Strawberry Water Ice
A refreshing Italian strawberry water ice with vibrant fruit flavors, perfect for hot days and entertaining, served with optional pink champagne for a touch of elegance.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine sugar and water in a medium saucepan.
- Heat and stir until sugar dissolves; boil for 5 minutes.
- Cool the syrup completely.
- Force strawberries through a food mill or blend in an electric blender; strain to remove seeds.
- Blend strawberry puree, lemon juice, and orange juice into the cooled syrup.
- Pour the mixture into ice cube trays.
- Wrap trays in aluminum foil and freeze until firm.
- Twenty minutes before serving, remove from freezer to soften slightly.
- Serve in sherbet glasses with optional pink champagne.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure the strawberry puree is well-strained to remove seeds. If fresh strawberries are unavailable, you can use frozen strawberries, but let them thaw completely before blending. Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar based on your taste. This Italian Strawberry Water Ice is a refreshing dessert that complements rich dishes like Veal Saltimbocca.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Italian Strawberry Water Ice in chilled sherbet glasses for an elegant presentation. For an extra touch, garnish with fresh mint leaves or a slice of strawberry. It pairs beautifully with pink champagne for a festive occasion or alongside light Italian recipes for a complete meal experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer. To reheat, let the water ice sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving to soften it slightly, making it easier to scoop. Avoid refreezing after thawing to maintain the best texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Strawberry Water Ice contains roughly 128 calories, with 3g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (162% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 other fruits for this water ice?
Yes, you can substitute strawberries with other berries like raspberries or blueberries for a different flavor. Just ensure the fruit is ripe and sweet for the best results.
How can I make this recipe non-alcoholic?
Simply omit the pink champagne and serve the water ice as is. You can add a splash of sparkling water or soda for a fizzy effect without the alcohol.
What can I do if my water ice is too hard after freezing?
If the water ice is too hard, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving. This will help soften it. Alternatively, you can blend it briefly to achieve a smoother consistency.
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).