Redefining the Radler

This year I was tasked with putting some serious effort into the Union Wine Co. FIELD NOTES   This is a part of their site that tells employee stories, showcases recipes and cocktails as well as a few cool How To’s…

This is one of those posts.  Check them all out in the above link.

Redefining The Radler:

Riesling Radler Granita with Grilled Pineapple

During these hot summer months,  there is very little as refreshing as an ice cold Underwood Riesling Radler.   Its light, grapefruit infused white wine flavor makes for a solid afternoon beverage.  But that got us thinking about how else we could bring the flavor of one of our favorite cans to life.

Enter the Granita.   An Italian flavored ice dessert,  it is similar to sorbet but instead of needing an ice cream maker,  Granita can be made simply with a pan and a fork for mixing.  Often served as an intermezzo,  Granita also makes a delicious and refreshing dessert.  We decided to pair our Radler Granita with grilled pineapple as both can be done in advance when entertaining.  This recipe will serve 4-6 people.

STEP ONE:

Preheat your grill.

Peel your fresh pineapple and slice into rounds that are roughly 1/2 an inch thick. 

Lightly brush slices with canola oil and grill on both sides for about 5 minutes per side.*

Let slices cool and then keep in a container in the fridge until ready to serve.

(*To achieve the “crosshatching” grilled effect,  simply turn the slice 45 degrees halfway through the grilling process.)

\

STEP TWO:

In a medium sized metal or ceramic dish, pour:

1 can of Riesling Radler

1 oz fresh lime juice

1 1/2 oz simple syrup

Place dish in the freezer.  Set your timer for 20 minutes.

When the timer goes off,  stir the liquid gently with a fork to begin incorporating the frozen bits into the liquid.  This is done to create a shaved ice texture,  and not have the liquid freeze into a solid sheet.

Continue this process, remembering to set your timer and stirring every twenty minutes or so.  After about and hour,  you will see the liquid becoming quite slushy.

Continue this process until Granita is completely frozen and there is no more liquid in the pan.

At this point,  you can transfer the Granita to a quart container.  This will save room in your freezer and also make scooping it out easier.

STEP THREE:

When it is time to serve, place a slice of the grilled pineapple on a plate.  Using a 2 oz ice cream scooper, dip the scooper into some warm water,   pack the the Granita tightly into the scoop and place in the center of the slice.

Serve with an ice cold can of Radler.   Bon Appétit!

Photography, Recipe and Text by David L. Reamer.  (@dlreamer)