Sorbetti and Granite

The basic ingredients for granite and sorbetti are the same: sugar, water, optional lemon juice for acidity, plus flavorings (fruit purées, fruit juices, liqueurs, wines, spirits, brewed teas, coffees, and herbal infusions). The difference between the two lies in the procedures for making them: granite are stirred very little while sorbetti are churned, like gelati.

Sorbetti are based on a mixture of sugar with a variety of fruit juices or purées, wines (Moscato, sherry, port, champagne), spirits (fruit brandies), or liqueurs, such as grappa. These frozen concoctions may also be based on infusions from aromatic plants (mint, tea, lemon verbena, lavender, thyme, or other herbs).