Mint Julep Granita

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup tightly packed fresh mint leaves, plus extra for garnish
• 0.5 cups of sugar
• 1 cup bourbon
• Special equipment: 3-liter glass or metal baking dish measuring 22x32 cm.

Preparation:

1. Place 6-7 glasses in the refrigerator to cool.
2. Combine 3 cups of water, mint, and sugar in a medium saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves, about 2 minutes. Strain through a sieve into a medium bowl, pressing down on the mint with the back of a spoon to extract all the juices. Let cool completely or chill in a bowl of ice.
3. Add bourbon and pour the mixture into a 3-quart glass or metal baking dish measuring 22x32 cm. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze overnight.
4. Use a fork to scrape the surface of the ice with long, light strokes to create snow-like crumbs. Break up any remaining clumps. Refreeze the granita for at least 2 hours before serving. Fifteen minutes before serving, place 6-7 glasses in the refrigerator to chill. Serve the granita in glasses, garnished with fresh mint leaves.