An Italian Dessert Treat! Frozen Mint Julep Granita for the Kentucky Derby!!
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My friend Hillary over at Baking Bad Food Blog is having a Virtual Kentucky Derby Party and invited me! When I think of the Kentucky Derby I think of big beautiful hats and plenty of Mint Julep’s. So I came up with a Mint Julep Granita, perfect for cooling you down after you have won 1st Place on your horse in the Derby! The Mint Julep Granita is made from a simple syrup infused with fresh mint, Kentucky Bourbon and Creme de Menthe, frozen and shaved. Simple and refreshing. 3 simple ingredients: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Creme De Menthe and Fresh Mint.
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After freezing over night.
Mint Julep Granita for the Kentucky Derby
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 3/4 cup (lightly packed) fresh mint leaves (from about 2 small bunches)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons bourbon
- 1 tablespoon Crème de Menthe
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh mint leaves
- 4 fresh mint sprigs
Instructions
- Combine first 3 ingredients in heavy large sauce pan. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat and bring to boil. Pour into medium bowl. Refrigerate until cold, about 2 hours.
- Strain mint syrup through sieve set over bowl, pressing on mint leaves. Discard mint leaves. Mix bourbon, Crème de Menthe and minced mint leaves into mint syrup. Mix an additional 1/2 cup of water. Freeze until semi firm, whisking occasionally, about 3 hours. Cover and freeze until solid, at least 6 hours or overnight. Using fork, scrape surface of granita to form crystals. Scoop crystals into frozen glasses;garnish with mint sprigs, serve immediately.
- Bon Appétit
- August 1996
This post has been featured on: Foodista Featured Drink Blog
They are so simple to make Joanne, you will love it! Nettie
What a fun drink, I have never tried one but would love to!
You would love it Tara! So refreshing! Nettie
Thank you Diane! Nettie
I think it’s time that you tried one Abby! Nettie
Thank you Katerina! Nettie
Sounds like a great idea Bintu! Nettie
I’ve never had mint julep granita. I can’t wait to try it, it looks so refreshing!
Thank you Elena! Hope you get a chance to try this super simple recipe! Nettie
This granita looks and sounds so delicious! What a great flavor combination 🙂
Thank you Nicole, granita’s are always such a hit! Nettie
LOVE LOVE this quick and delicious recipe. I am a huge fan of Mint Julep and just bought a whole new Mint plant for summer, so, I will be making these soon
Fresh Mint is the key ingredient for this frosty Mint Julep Granita~ Enjoy! Nettie
what a lovely recipe and great pictures to! love the idea of a granita.
Thank you Franglais Kitchen! Nettie
This would be the perfect use for some of the fresh mint that I have growing in my garden!! So refreshing and yummy!!
Thank you Rebecca! You are so lucky to have fresh mint growing! Hope you get a chance to try my Granita! Nettie
This sounds so refreshing and lovely! Perfect for a hot summer day!
Thank you Debi, love the hot summer days, such an easy recipe to throw together for last minute get together’s! Nettie
Sounds and looks so tasty and refreshing. Need to get some mint giong in my garden!
My mint reseeded itself after our crazy winter! Hope you get a chance to make this fun granita! Nettie