Lavender Lime Granita

A few weeks ago we hosted a backyard BBQ and I was looking for an easy summery dessert to serve. I didn’t want cake or cookies. Candy was out of the question. I was considering making ice cream, but I wanted something even lighter and more refreshing. After much thought, I found the perfect thing….  a granita. 

A granita is a crunchy sorbet, a sweet flavored water ice with a grainy texture. Supposedly granitas are originally from Siciliy, but there are many cultures who claim the first water ices. When deciding upon the flavor of my own granita, I took a quick look around my pantries and in my garden.  I had a bag of limes on hand and plenty of lavender …. so lavender-lime it was. The process was easy and the end results were a big, big, big hit. And so I share the recipe (and pictures) with you! Perhaps this will inspire some of your own summer desserts.

First step is to make a lavender simple syrup with 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup water, and 3 tablespoons dried or fresh lavender flowers

Lavender? Check! (I used 3 tablespoons of  fresh lavender flowers and would recommend using a bit more)

Sugar and water go into a saucepot over medium heat. Add the lavender flowers and simmer all until the liquid is clear and all sugar dissolved. You now have 1 cup of your simple syrup! Set aside to cool, and then chill in the fridge.

Next step: In a separate bowl, squeeze out 2 cups fresh lime juice! To this add 2 tblspns honey, 6 tblspns vodka or tequila, and 2 cups cold water. (I also added a smidgen of orange zest just for an additional yet distinct note of citrus flavor).

Next Step: Mix the simple syrup with the flavored lime-juice water and pour the entire mixture into a ceramic or glass dish. A shallow dish is better than a deep dish. Place uncovered in the freezer for 45 minutes.

Next Step: When you check on the mixture after 45 minutes you should begin to see crystals forming around the edges of the dish. Use a whisk to scrape the crystals and blend the mixture. Check on the mixture every 20 minutes (or so, depending on how fast your freezer works), giving it a good whisking each time.  When the mixture consists entirely of light fluffy crystals, you’re done!

 If need be, you can leave the granita in the freezer for several days. Serve at your convenience in chilled glasses. Garnish with lavender flowers and enjoy!