Watermelon Vodka Granita
Contributed by on Jul 09, 2016
Zero readers love this post.
One of my favorite things to do is serve a boozy after-dinner dessert that can substitute as a cocktail too. This Watermelon Vodka Granita is the perfect way to do that, and it’s super easy. And what better to use in the warm weather than watermelon!
Watermelon is perfect for all kinds of cocktails like this Watermelon Paloma, or this Watermelon Mint Spritzer. But you can use all sorts of different recipes to make a boozy granita — even a Negroni Granita!
The hardest part about this recipe is cutting up the darn watermelon; those things make such a mess when you start to cut them apart, there’s seeds and juice everywhere — but once it’s cut up you’re more than halfway there.
This recipe is really a basic method; you’ve got a fruit, an herb, and a liquor.
That could be cantaloupe, fresh thyme, and gin. Or maybe strawberries, basil, and tequila… any combination of flavors that you like. Just keep the proportions here in this recipe and you’ll be all good.
The one important thing to remember is to not go overboard on the booze — yes, it’s me — I just said that I know. But if you put too much liquor in it won’t freeze properly and you’ll end up with more of a runny slushy than a granita.
So here’s the run down… once you get the watermelon “juiced” in the blender pour it into a mixing bowl along with the mint and the vodka. Give it a stir and pour it all into a glass dish that’s big enough to hold the mixture with a little room left for it to expand when it freezes.
If you happen to have any extra watermelon, you can use it to make dinner too. These Fish Tacos have a crunchy watermelon slaw that’s sweet and spicy — and totally delicious.
But now it’s time to make some granita.
Get a fork and start scraping the granita into a pile of shavings, then once you have enough scraped off, spoon it into a glass and garnish with fresh mint.
You’ve got the fresh watermelon, mint, and vodka all mixed into this light and refreshing dessert. This one’s a showstopper I promise; it’s definitely a dessert that tastes as good as it looks!
Watermelon Vodka Granita Recipe
Ingredients
8 cups diced watermelon 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint 1 lime, juiced 3/4 cup watermelon vodka, or plain vodka fresh mint, for garnishDirections
Blend the watermelon cubes in a blender until completely liquefied. Add to a mixing bowl and stir in the mint. Lime juice and vodka. Pour into a 9-by-13-inch glass dish and freeze for 2 hours or up to overnight. When ready to serve, scrape the granita with a fork to make ice shavings and spoon into a glass. Garnish with fresh mint and serve.Recommended
Cuisinart Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls
