Aperol Granita

Adapted from The Silver Palate Cookbook via My Carolina Kitchen

~from Savoring Time in the Kitchen

Serves 6

3 cups strained fresh orange juice

1 cup Aperol

Juice of 1 lemon

1 cup granulated sugar

Mint sprigs for garnish

Combine all ingredients in a heavy saucepan and set over moderate heat. Stir constantly until the mixture until very hot and all the sugar is dissolved but do not allow to boil.  Cool to room temperature and then pour into a shallow pan and place in the freezer. Scrape the frozen mixture with a large spoon or spatula once every hour or so to prevent ice crystals from forming. The mixture will take from 3 to 6 hours to freeze. After it is completely frozen, scrap the granita into a container with a cover.

To serve, garnish with mint sprigs and orange zest, if desired.