Mojito Granita with Blueberries and Rum Whipped Cream

By Bakepedia on August 21, 2014

An Easy Frozen Dessert Granita That Doesn’t Require an Ice Cream Machine

My favorite summer cocktail is the ultra-refreshing Cuban Mojito. It was the inspiration behind this minty-lime ice that’s layered with fresh blueberries and spiked with rum. The granita can be done days ahead and kept in the freezer, and the whipped cream can be made the night before, making it ideal for entertaining. For a kid-friendly version, replace the rum with water in the granita and omit the rum from the whipped cream.

Mojito Granita with Blueberries and Rum Whipped Cream

Author: Sarah Tenaglia

Makes: 6

Ingredients

Granita:

2 cups water
1 cup sugar
1 cup packed fresh mint with stems
¾ cup fresh lime juice
½ cup gold rum (do not use dark rum as the flavor is too strong)

Rum Whipped Cream:

½ cup chilled heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons gold rum (do not use dark rum as the flavor is too strong)
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh mint leaves

Blueberries:

2 tablespoons blueberry jam
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
2 cups fresh blueberries
6 fresh mint sprigs (garnish)

Instructions

For the granita: Combine water, sugar, and mint in medium saucepan. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Bring to simmer. Remove from heat. Cover and let stand 1 hour.
Strain syrup into shallow plastic container, pressing on solids. Mix lime juice and rum into syrup. Cover and freeze overnight.
Drag metal fork across surface of granita, forming icy flakes. Repeat until all ice is flaked. Cover and return granita to freezer. (Can be made 1 week ahead; keep frozen).
For rum whipped cream:  Using electric mixer, beat cream, rum, sugar, and mint in medium bowl until peaks form. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Re-whisk to thicken before using.)
Place 6 martini glasses in freezer for at least 1 hour or overnight.
For blueberries: Mix jam and lime juice in medium bowl to blend. Fold in blueberries. (Can be made 4 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate).
Spoon ¼ cup blueberries into bottom of each of 6 frozen martini glasses. Top each with ¼ cup (packed) granita, then 2 tablespoons whipped cream. Top each with another ¼ cup (packed) granita, 2 tablespoons whipped cream, then remaining blueberries. Garnish with mint sprigs and serve immediately.