Spiked Watermelon Granite

, from Issue #22. September, 2015
Photography by Becky Nunes.
Spiked Watermelon Granite

Find the reddest watermelon you can for this granita.

Serves: 4-6

INGREDIENTS

1 kilogram watermelon flesh, pips removed
3 tablespoons white rum or vodka or to taste

Sugar syrup
150 grams granulated sugar
150 ml water
2 tablespoons chopped fresh ginger
1 stalk lemongrass, thinly sliced
zest of 1 lemon

METHOD

Cut the watermelon into small pieces and place on a freezer-proof tray. Cover and freeze until solid.

Put the sugar, water, ginger, lemongrass and lemon zest in a saucepan and bring to the boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Cook for 2 minutes, cool and refrigerate to chill. Strain through a sieve to remove the solids before using.

To serve: Put half the chilled syrup, half the frozen watermelon and half the alcohol in a blender or food processor and blend until thick and smooth. Place in the freezer while you process the remaining
ingredients. Pour into chilled glasses and serve immediately.