Boozy Blackberry Granita

This tart and refreshing summertime cocktail is easily modified into a mocktail to be enjoyed by all. The recipe has been adapted from The GoodLFE Cookbook.

Servings: Makes 8 cocktails

Preparation time: 3 hours

INGREDIENTS

• 1 pint blackberries (place 4-5 aside for garnish if desired)

• Juice of 4 lemons

• Zest of 2 lemons

• Slices for 1 lemon for garnish

• 3 tablespoons caster sugar + 2 tablespoons for the garnish

• 3 ½ cups water

• 8-16 ounces vodka

• Mocktail option: 8-16 ounces of raspberry or lemon flavored seltzer water

PREPARATION

Zest two of the lemons into a food processor. Juice the two zested lemons and the other two remaining lemons. Add the lemon juice, berries and sugar to the food processor containing the lemon zest. Process until smooth.

Pour the ingredients into a 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Place the baking dish into the freezer for 3 hours. Every 30 minutes, use a fork to break up and scrape clumps of ice that begin to form. 

While waiting, prepare the lemon wheel garnish. Cut the remaining lemon crosswise into thin, uniform rounds, discarding the ends to form whole. Put the slices into a small bowl with about 2 tablespoons of caster sugar. Toss the slices gentle to cover with sugar. Set aside.

After 3 hours, remove the baking dish from the freezer. Scoop the frozen granita into the serving glasses. Pour 1-2 ounces of vodka over the top and stir. For the mocktails, substitute seltzer water for the vodka.

Garnish each glass with a sugared lemon slice and blackberry.