Lemon, Mint and Vodka Granita

Lemon, Mint and Vodka Granita

Sitruuna-minttu-vodkagranita

Now that the weather is finally getting a little warmer, I have been trying out a few more summer recipes.  I love all things ice cream related, but decided to make something a little more adult.  For anyone not in the know, Granita is a frozen dessert, usually made from blended fresh fruit and water, which is semi frozen and forked to create ice crystals.  This version is amazingly fresh and light and a great finish to a summer meal.  The lemon and lime are super zingy, which contrasts perfectly with cooling mint and what is not to love about the addition of vodka to any dessert.  Another plus, the granita can be made well in advance.  Then when you are ready to serve quickly fork the mixture over, spoon into glasses and top with a few strawberries or a simple sprig of mint.

Feel free to experiment with the fruit flavours, strawberries work particularly well.  However if your fruit is sweeter I would recommend cutting down a little on the sugar.

Lemon, Mint and Vodka Granita – serves 6 – 8

3 limes, peeled and segmented

3 lemons, zest and juice

25 g mint (leaves only) – I would recommend using a little less if you use a stronger mint

150 g sugar

90 ml Vodka

Simply add all the ingredients to a blender with 400 ml of water.  Blend until smooth and pour into a freeze proof container.

Freeze for around 6 hours.  During the freezing process, fork the mixture every hour or so to break up the ice crystals.

Spoon into glasses just before serving.