One steamy July evening, after a backyard BBQ, I needed something cold—but not heavy like ice cream. I remembered a trick my grandmother used: freeze citrus juice with a bit of sweetener and mint. That night, I made this lime granita with fresh mint and honey... and it became my go-to cool down ever since. It’s light, clean, and feels like a spa day in a bowl.

Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cups water

• 1/2 cup fresh lime juice (about 4–5 limes)

• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)

• 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh mint leaves

• Optional: extra mint for garnish

Instructions

1. In a saucepan over low heat, warm the water and honey just until the honey dissolves (do not boil).

2. Remove from heat and stir in the lime juice and mint.

3. Pour mixture into a shallow baking dish and place in the freezer.

4. After 1 hour, use a fork to scrape any ice crystals forming.

5. Continue scraping every 30–45 minutes for about 3 hours, until light and fluffy.

6. Serve in chilled glasses with a fresh mint leaf on top.

Tips & Swaps

• Want more zing? Add lime zest to the mix before freezing.

• No fresh mint? Use a drop of mint extract instead.

• For a fancier presentation, serve in hollowed-out lime halves or cocktail glasses.

• This also makes a refreshing palate cleanser between courses!

Nutrition (per serving, approx.):

• Calories: 65

• Carbs: 18g

• Sugar: 16g (natural + added)

• Fat: 0g

• Fiber: 0g

• Protein: 0g