Cranberry Ice Aperitif
Notes: For this festive aperitif, we use cranberry ice from Gerri Gilliland, owner of Lula in Los Angeles. Rather than using the ice in a drink, you can serve it plain as a palate refresher or as a light dessert.
How to Make It
Step 1
1
Sort cranberries, discarding any bruised or decayed fruit; rinse and drain berries. In a 1- to 2-quart pan over high heat, bring cranberries and 1/2 cup water to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, until skins pop on berries, about 10 minutes. Add sugar and stir until dissolved. Remove from heat.
Step 2
2
Stir in 1/2 cup cold water, lemon peel, and lemon juice. In a blender, whirl half the mixture at a time until smooth. Pour purée into a 9- by 5-inch loaf pan. Freeze until solid, at least 3 hours or up to 1 week (cover when solid).
Step 3
3
Cut cranberry ice into 1-inch cubes. With a wide spatula, lift cubes out of pan and drop three into each Champagne flute or wineglass. Pour 1/4 to 1/3 cup wine over cubes. Garnish each glass with a mint sprig and serve immediately.
Ingredients
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 bottle (750 ml.) chilled sparkling wine such as Champagne or spumante, or sparkling apple cider
Fresh mint sprigs, rinsed
Directions
Step 1
1
Sort cranberries, discarding any bruised or decayed fruit; rinse and drain berries. In a 1- to 2-quart pan over high heat, bring cranberries and 1/2 cup water to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, until skins pop on berries, about 10 minutes. Add sugar and stir until dissolved. Remove from heat.
Step 2
2
Stir in 1/2 cup cold water, lemon peel, and lemon juice. In a blender, whirl half the mixture at a time until smooth. Pour purée into a 9- by 5-inch loaf pan. Freeze until solid, at least 3 hours or up to 1 week (cover when solid).
Step 3
3
Cut cranberry ice into 1-inch cubes. With a wide spatula, lift cubes out of pan and drop three into each Champagne flute or wineglass. Pour 1/4 to 1/3 cup wine over cubes. Garnish each glass with a mint sprig and serve immediately.
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