Cool Coffee – Granita al Caffè

Decades before Starbucks and imitators launched cold coffee and frappuccino beverages, Italians have been enjoying cool and refreshing granita al caffè, the great-granddaddy of cold coffee drinks.

A cross between a slushy and sorbet, granita al caffè originated in Sicily. It is made from lightly sweetened espresso that is frozen and then crushed, prepared like a sorbet. Enjoy it with a generous dollop of “panna”,  whipped cream. In Italy, whipped cream is typically unsweetened; it is a nice counterpoint to the sweet espresso.

Two of Rome’s most famous establishments for Granita al Caffè are Sant’Eustachio and Tazza d’Oro.

 

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