In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, bring water, sugar, and star anise to boil until sugar is dissolved. Remove and discard star anise and let the syrup cool. Once cool, stir the prepared syrup into the grapefruit juice.
Pour grapefruit mixture into a 13x9-inch baking dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and freeze approximately 45 minutes or until icy at edge of pan.
After 45 minutes, whisk to distribute frozen portions evenly. Cover and freeze again until icy at edge of pan and overall texture is slushy (be sure to scrape the ice crystals off the sides and into the middle of the pan) about 45 minutes.
After 45 minutes, again whisk to distribute frozen portions evenly. Cover and return to freezer and freeze about 3 hours or overnight until frozen solid.
When ready to serve the granita, remove from freezer. Using a fork, scrape granita down length of pan, forming icy flakes. Return to freezer for at least 1 hour.
Can be made 1 day ahead.
When served, the granita should look like a fluffy pile of dry red crystals.
To serve, scoop flaked granita into tall goblets or parfait glasses. Serve immediately with iced tea spoons.
Makes 6 servings.
Grapefruit Star Anise Granita Recipe: https://whatscookingamerica.net/granitagrapefruit.htm