Mint Julep Granita for the Kentucky Derby

My friend Hillary over at Baking Bad http://bakingbad.com/ 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.

After freezing over night.

Mint Julep Granita ~ A fabulous frozen treat!

Mint Julep Granita ( An Italian Frozen Dessert)
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

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
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