If you live in a big city, all beautiful snowfalls turn to grey, nasty slush on the sidewalk in what seems like minutes. You can choose to trudge through the sidewalks disgusted by your surroundings, or you can take a look at what's around you and get inspired to make dessert. We're not crazy! Read on.

If you make granita, you'll be making the delicious version of slush. It's a dairy-free, often fat-free dessert that is popular in Italy. Granita consists of ice mixed with whatever flavor you want, be it fruity, coffee-y, or herby. It's an elegant dessert that takes only a few minutes of active effort to make. Pick your flavor, mix it up, let it freeze, scrape away, freeze some more, and it's time to devour your sweet, refreshing creation.

It's the sophisticated older sister of slushies and shaved ice, says The Little Epicurean.

Here are eight delicious varieties of granita to throw together for your next dinner party or just to have as a sweet treat to cut your cravings.

The most popular flavors of granita, found all over italy on hot summer days, are lemon and coffee.

Classic Lemon Granita from Food.com

Classic Coffee Granita from Add A Pinch.

If you want to add a boozy kick to your granita, it'll make the freezing/scraping process even easier, plus it can double as a frozen cocktail!

Strawberry Champagne Granita from Food and Wine.

Peach Mango Sangria Granita from My Imperfect Kitchen.

Gin and Tonic Granita from ChewTown.

Adding herbs and citrus peels is a way to make your granita look and taste even more elegant.

Rosemary, Cucumber and Elderflower Granita from The Indolent Cook.

Candied Lemon Peel Granita from Sid in the Kitchen.

Strawberry Basil Granita from The Little Epicurean.