DIY Italian Ice {Lime, Lemon, Orange}
Today I have a refreshing summer recipe for you!
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.
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.
Let me know how you like it!
Enjoy!
I remember buying fresh Italian ice from a man in Irvington, N.J.. wish I could remember the corner where he had his stand. I was about 3-4 years old. Never had it fresh made since. Store bought don’t cut it. I will definetly try this recipe. Only lemon will fulfill this sweet memory.
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)
No, you leave it all together. You just want to move it all around so it doesn’t become a big ice cube. 😂
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!!!
Thank you for sharing that happy memory! I hope you enjoy making it!
How much sugar substitute would you use? Does it have to be equal to 4 cups water?
Yes on the water, but I’ve never used sugar substitute. Sorry. Straight up sugar over here. 😉
Quick question….is zest 1 teaspoon or tablespoon?
Tablespoon. 🙂
Can the recipe be cut in half? Once made, how long can you keep it frozen?
Yes. You can half it. I don’t know about storage time because it’s always gone in a day around here! lol 5 kids!!
How much orange juice I’m going to use freshly squeezed
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..
Good to know! thanks!!
thank you,so cheap,done quickly,all kind of flaors.thinking of adding jello to it..
Is this polcaris recipe? I always want to stop to try their slush but I am worried that it might have HFCS.
Thanks
No, but it’s similar to Polcari’s. I don’t know if they use HFCS. I think they said sugar.
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, 😉
You’ll love this!! Delish! 🙂
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. 🙂
I like that this recipe is simple, frugal, and doesn’t require an ice cream maker. Thanks so much for the recipe!
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!