DIY Italian Ice {Lime, Lemon, Orange}

Today I have a refreshing summer recipe for you!

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If you’ve ever been to the North End in Boston, you’ve most likely tasted Polcari’s lemon ice. When the weather’s hot, Polcari’s hundred-year-old barrel of lemon ice appears on the corner of their family owned store. For around $2 you can purchase the best lemon Italian ice in Boston.

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Authentic Italian ice is easy to make. It’s not like the rock-hard frozen cups you buy in the supermarket, and it’s not icy-crunchy like a snow cone. It’s smooth like a sorbet and has the consistency of a frozen lemonade. It’s also perfect on a hot summer night or on a sore throat.

So today I’m sharing my favorite Italian Ice recipe. It’s one of life’s simple pleasures! (Plus it’s pretty frugal to make!)

 

Today I made Lime Italian Ice, but you can substitute any citrus fruit.

Any Flavor Italian Ice

4 cups water

4 cups sugar

Bring to boil on the stovetop, and simmer for 3 minutes until sugar is dissolved, stirring frequently.

Allow to cool to room temperature, then add

3/4 cup *freshly* squeezed lime juice, (about 8-10 limes) ( or lemon, or orange juice. Lemon and Lime juice should be freshly squeezed. Don’t use lemon juice that comes in a plastic squeezy lemon. You won’t like the results. You can use 100% orange juice with good results.)

2 cups water

2 T lime zest (lime, lemon or orange, depending on what flavor you are making.)

Combine well. Pour into 9X12 glass pyrex dish and freeze for 2 hours. Then “rake” the mixture every hour until the ice is snowy and smooth. This can take up to six hours. Transfer to a plastic container with lid for storage.

*Actual freezing time varies by freezer. Can take over night.

*”Raking” with a fork can take elbow grease! 🙂 Use a large serving fork.

*The ice goes through several stages: slivers of ice, to a thick goo-ey mess that feels like you are stirring petroleum jelly, to fluffy, smooth ice.

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Let me know how you like it!

Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



25 thoughts on “DIY Italian Ice {Lime, Lemon, Orange}”

  • This sounds delicious, however, growing up on Polcaris lemon slush I have to say this looks nothing like it. Perhaps closer to another lemon slush sold closer to Bova’s bakery that has not been there for many years or another slush sold across the street from the north end pool. This looks like both those slushes which were more like a Richie’s slush consistency. We went out of our way for the slush at Polcaris which was more yellow, very lemony and more slushy. It doesn’t hold together enough to form a scoop or ball. Your recipe sounds fabulous and I can’t wait to give it a try with another citrus.

  • instead of raking could you break it up in small chunks and run thru a blender or food processor?

    • I don’t think so. The raking makes it almost “sticky” and then it freezes feathery. I don’t think the processor would do the same thing.

  • When you rake it do you take the raked part and bag it as you go ( hard to ask this question how I’m thinking it I hope it came out to your understanding)

    • My mother grew up in Jersey City, New Jersey in the Italian section. When I was a little girl (1960s) we would go visit her family every summer. At the end of her bolck was a park and there would be a Italian Ice vendor cart everyday. You could get two different sizes. The small cost 10 cents and the large was 20 cents. I always got the Lemon flavor. This brings back very happy memories. Thank you for the recipe!!!

  • How much sugar substitute would you use? Does it have to be equal to 4 cups water?

  • Can the recipe be cut in half? Once made, how long can you keep it frozen?

  • you can cut sugar in half,use sweet low packs..tried it,works.. also seiva sugar substitute works,less calories, use kool aid too for kids, popciles..

  • Is this polcaris recipe? I always want to stop to try their slush but I am worried that it might have HFCS.

    Thanks

  • Can’t wait to try this!!!! Boston’s italian ice is the best! I was always a Richie’s fan, but I’ll have to try Polcari’s next time, 😉

  • Wow, Sarah, This looks amazing! Could one cut back on the sugar or use honey, do you think?

    • I have never made it that way, but I think you probably could. I wonder if there is a healthier version on line. I bet there is! 🙂 this makes a perfect dessert for company on a hot night because it tastes so fresh. 🙂

    • You are welcome! It takes a little elbow grease and time ( I make it on a day when I am home all day anyway)–but it is so refreshing!

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