Peach and Moscatel Granita Recipe: Refreshing Spanish Dessert 2026

This peach and moscatel granita recipe from Spanish chef José Pizarro is a light, refreshing dessert that combines ripe peaches with sweet moscatel wine. It's the perfect ending to a warm-weather meal.

Why You'll Love This Peach and Moscatel Granita

Granita is a classic Italian-Spanish frozen dessert with a coarse, icy texture. Unlike sorbet or ice cream, it's simple to make without an ice cream maker. The moscatel wine adds floral sweetness, while lemon thyme and lemon zest brighten the flavor.

This dessert is ideal for summer entertaining because it can be made ahead and stored in the freezer. The poached peaches are tender and juicy, providing a lovely contrast to the icy granita.

Key Ingredients for the Perfect Granita

• Moscatel wine – sweet, aromatic Spanish wine
• Ripe peaches or nectarines – choose fragrant, juicy fruit
• Lemon thyme – adds a subtle citrus-herb note
• Unwaxed lemon – zest and juice for brightness
• Caster sugar – balances the wine's acidity

Step-by-Step Method

Start by heating the wine, sugar, lemon thyme, and lemon zest until the sugar dissolves. Add water and bring to a simmer. Poach the peaches for 4-5 minutes until tender, then cool and peel them.

Boil the poaching liquid with the skins to extract color and flavor. Strain, add lemon juice, and chill. Freeze the syrup in a shallow tray, stirring every 30 minutes until you get a crystalline granita.

How to Serve the Granita

Scoop the granita into chilled glasses or bowls. Top with a whole poached peach or halved and pitted fruit. For extra elegance, garnish with a sprig of lemon thyme.

Tips for Perfect Granita Every Time

Use a shallow metal tray for faster freezing. Stir with a fork every 30 minutes to break up ice crystals. If the granita becomes too hard, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scraping.

Adjust sweetness to taste—if your wine is very sweet, reduce sugar slightly. For a non-alcoholic version, substitute white grape juice and a splash of verjus.

Key Takeaways

• Granita is a simple, elegant frozen dessert
• Poaching peaches enhances their flavor and texture
• Moscatel wine adds a unique floral sweetness
• Make ahead and freeze for up to a week
• Serve with fresh fruit and herbs for a beautiful presentation

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