Cooking Lesson #256: Cherry Amaretto Granita Cocktail

… from the Perspectives Happy Hour Bar

How you doin’? I think there is a familial relationship between almonds and cherries because they go so well together. I used to dream of an Almond Joy studded with cherries. The flavors are so symbiotic. Now that spring has sprung let’s think about some cool drinks that are really “cool.”
 
Amaretto means "a little bitter" in Italian. It is a unique, sweet Italian liqueur that originated in Saronno. Depending on the brand, it may be made from apricot kernels, bitter almonds, peach stones or almonds, all of which are natural sources of the benzaldehyde that provides the almond-like flavor of the liqueur.
 
When served as a beverage, amaretto can be enjoyed by itself, used as an ingredient to create several popular mixed drinks or added to coffee. Amaretto is also commonly used in culinary and pastry applications.
 
This light and refreshing Cherry Amaretto Granita Cocktail is perfect for drinks on veranda or just on the balcony of your condo. It’s light and refreshing—a glass filled with “spring.”
 
You can you use frozen cherries from the freezer case, or if they’re in season, buy fresh sweet cherries. Just remember to plan ahead so you have at least 24-hours to pit and freeze the pitted sweet cherries before needed.
 
Prep time:   5 minutes
Yield:  Serves 2 people
 
Ingredients
1 cup sweet cherry juice, chilled
2 ounces Amaretto liqueur
2 ounces vodka, chilled
2 cups ice
1 cup frozen pitted sweet cherries
 
Instructions

1. In a blender jar, combine the cherry juice, Amaretto and vodka. Add the ice 1 cup at a time and blend until very smooth and slushy.
2. Add the frozen sweet cherries and blend well.
3. Serve frozen immediately in tall glasses with straws.

ChefSecret:  You can also make it a non-alcoholic version, by substituting the Amaretto with 1 teaspoon of almond extract—more if you crave it.

Covid-19 Quip of the Day:  “I’ve learned during the last year it might be nice to retire. My goal is to become a retired lottery winner.”
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