Lemon Granita

Directions

1. 1
   In a heavy saucepan, bring the water, sugar, and 5 sprigs of the lemon balm to a boil over medium-high heat until the sugar is dissolved.
2. 2
   Discard the lemon balm and cool the syrup over a bowl of ice water until cold.
3. 3
   Whisk together the syrup, lemon juice, lemon rind, and vodka in a metal bowl and place in the freezer.
4. 4
   Whisk the mixture every 30 minutes until frozen, about 2-3 hours .
5. 5
   Remove any ink on the lemons by rubbing with almond extract.
6. 6
   Cut 1/4 from the stem of each lemon.
7. 7
   Using a grapefruit knife, cut between the pulp and the pith, the remove the pulp with a grapefruit spoon, scraping the shell clean.
8. 8
   Using a teaspoon, mound each lemon with granita.
9. 9
   Keep in the freezer until they are ready to serve.
10. 10
    Remove from the freezer, garnish each with half a sprig of lemon balm, and serve immediately.