Saturday Spirits: Melon & Mint Granita Cocktail

Okay, I’m not gonna lie… this drink takes some work. It is totally worth it though! First you have to make a granita. Granita takes some time to make, though very little effort. The granita can be used in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages or just eaten on its own as a delicious pallet cleanser or dessert.

What is a granita? According to good ole wikipedia a granita is a semi-frozen dessert made from sugar, water, and various flavorings. I learned how to make a granita from Martha.

Honeydew Melon, Lime, & Mint Granita Recipe:

*Makes enough granita for about a dozen of the Melon & Mint Cocktails

Ingredients:

• 1 medium sized honey dew melon– ripe and sectioned discarding rind
• Juice of 2 freshley squeezed limes
• Mint to taste (I used about 15 leaves)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• Food Processor
• sauce pan
• a non-reactive pan that will fit in fridge and has at least 1 inch sides (I used a loaf pan)

Directions: 

1. Put the melon in a food processor and process until there are no chunks, add mint and process
2. In a sauce pan on medium heat combine the sugar and water. Stir as it heats until it is completely dissolved. Take off the heat and let cool.
3. Combine the sugar/water syrup, freshly squeezed lime juice, and honey dew melon/mint puree in a non reactive pan. Put in freezer.
4. Every 30 minutes or so give the mixture a scrape with a fork. Continue to freeze until ice crystals are formed. I tend to cover my granita with plastic wrap between freezings.
5. Store granita in freezer in a airtight container

Melon & Mint Granita Cocktail Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 scoop of your Honeydew Melon & Mint Granita
• 1 1/4 oz Gin
• 2 oz sparkling water

Directions:

1. Drop 1 scoop of granita in a martini glass
2. Top with 1 1/4 oz of Gin
3. Slowly pour over the sparkling water– pouring it slowly helps mix a bit of the granita flavor in with the gin
4. Garnish with mint

This drink has a strong beginning and then gets sweeter as the granita melts. It is a good drink for sipping on a hot Summer day!

Enjoy!