Lemon Vodka Ginger Granita

Sean Armstrong’s Kitchen published by Random House

Use as much vodka as you like when serving this simple, refreshing treat -  it’s a total taste thing. I’m a big fan of 3 parts granita to 1 part vodka.

(Serves 6)

Ingredients

• 100ml water
• 100g caster sugar
• 1 tsp chopped fresh ginger
• 1 tsp chopped fresh mint
• zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 2 x 330ml bottles ginger beer
• lemon vodka
• mint leaves for garnish

Method

Place water, caster sugar, ginger, mint, and lemon juice and zest in a saucepan on a medium heat and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sugar has dissolved. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool. Pass the liquid through a muslin cloth into a clean stainless-steel bowl and add the ginger beer. Place the mixture in the freezer for 1 hour.

Remove from the freezer and break up the ice with a whisk. Return the mixture to the freezer and repeat the freezing and smashing process until the granita is chunky and slushy, but holds its shape in the freezer.

Place glasses or portion-sized bowls in the freezer to chill for 1 hour before serving. To serve, spoon mixture evenly between the chilled glasses or bowls and pour the vodka over the granita. Finish with mint leaves.