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Summer officially starts Saturday and this refreshing watermelon mojito granita is a fabulous option for your summertime dessert needs!
Soooo, this is my favorite thing I have made for my blog so far. I am actually finishing off the rest of the amazingness that is this frozen dessert right now.
I got the idea because, like I've stated in a previous post, it has been kind of hot here in Los Angeles and I have been spending too much money on shaved ice and snow cream. Don't get me wrong, shaved ice and snow cream are delicious, but... money.
I needed to figure out how to get some flavored ice crystals into my face without spending too much money. I did a little research and discovered granita. I had never had granita before. I knew about it in the back of my head from some food network show I watched when I was younger (I think I remember Emeril making it).
A few days before deciding I needed to make my own frozen treats, I purchased a watermelon. It had been sitting around, feeling all sad that I hadn't cut into it yet. I thought it would be the perfect fruit for granita. It has tons of water in it and the flavor of watermelon is so refreshing, just what I would need for the heat.
My mint plant was becoming super big, and I love limes, so... Watermelon + mint + lime = Watermelon Moji.... well, it needed rum to truly be a watermelon mojito granita. Honestly, I didn't have any rum in the house so I biked up to the store to buy some. I know that I could have made it without the alcohol, but why? It’s way more fun with the rum!
But if you want to give it a go without rum, all you have to do is substitute the same amount of water for rum. Please note that I have not tested the virgin Watermelon Mojito variation, so results may vary 🙂
Hopefully you get a chance to try this icy treat sometime soon! It's so delicious, and the watermelon has some health benefits to it! Helen, of Well-Being Secrets, has a great article discussing the benefits of watermelon here. Definitely check it out!
Recipe
Watermelon Mojito Granita
Ingredients
- 6 cups seedless watermelon cut into 1-inch pieces about ½ large watermelon
- ¾ cup light rum
- ⅔ cup lime juice about 8 limes
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup loosely packed mint leaves about 10 large leaves
Instructions
- Place all ingredients into a large pot or bowl.
- Using an immersion blender and puree until smooth.
- Transfer pureed mixture into a 9x13 baking pan and place it in the freezer (you can cover the pan with plastic wrap if you like).
- Freeze for one hour. Using a spoon or fork, scrape the ice crystals that have formed around the edges of the pan and stir the mixture well. Return the pan to the freezer.
- Repeat the scraping and stirring process, every hour, until the mixture is slushy and frozen (usually 3-4 hours).
- Transfer granita to a freezer safe sealable container.
Notes
To make the granita without the rum, just substitute equal parts water for rum. Please note the recipe was not tested with water, so your results may vary!
nicole (thespicetrain.com) says
Oh, wow, what a fabulous idea - these look and sound great! Will pick up a watermelon this afternoon and make this. Yummm! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Michelle Ferrand says
Thanks Nicole! It is a super fun recipe and it might be an awesome adult only dessert option for the 4th this Friday 🙂 Let me know if you make it and how it goes!
nicole (thespicetrain.com) says
Made it yesterday and it was awesome! Will make it again for a picnic on Friday! 🙂
Michelle Ferrand says
YAY! I am glad you liked it 🙂 It honestly makes me sooooo happy and grateful that you made it! Have a great 4th.
nicole (thespicetrain.com) says
You too, Michelle! 🙂
Traci | Vanilla And Bean says
Hi Michelle,
I adore mojitos and watermelon. I love how you've put the two together! Thank you for the inspiration! Pinned!
Michelle Ferrand says
Hi Traci! I am so happy the recipe has inspired you 🙂 Love your website name too!