Lavender granita

Pretty pink-purple lavender heads produce this stunning water ice with a most delicately perfumed taste.

* Makes about 1 pint

• 2 tbsp. fresh lavender heads
• 1/2 cup superfine sugar
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 cup chilled water
• 2 tsp. lemon juice
• 2 tsp. orange juice

Summer berry water ice

A mixture of really ripe berries gives a luscious flavor of summer and a gorgeous splash of color.

* Makes about 1 3/4 pints

• 1/3 to 1/2 cup superfine sugar (depending on ripeness and mix of berries)
• 1 cup water
• 2 cups fresh berries
• 1 tbsp. lemon juice

Coffee granita

This is a strong black coffee water ice tempered with a little sweetness and topped with a swirl of nutty cream.

* Makes about 1 1/2 pints

• 3 cups freshly made very strong black coffee
• 1/3 cup superfine sugar
• 1/4 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup water, chilled
• 1 cup whipping cream
• 2 tbsp. toasted hazelnuts

Green mint granita

This wonderfully aromatic water ice is delicious after spicy dishes as a palate cleanser or as a refreshing slushy drink on a hot day. Or serve it as an after-dinner frappé.

* Makes about 1 1/4 pints

• 1 1/2 cups (12 fl oz) boiling water
• 8 sprigs fresh mint (preferably picked early in the day or used immediately after buying)
• 3/4 cup superfine sugar
• 1 1/2 cups ice water
• 2 tbsp. finely chopped fresh mint leaves
• green food coloring (optional)
• mint sprigs for garnish (optional)

Watermelon granita

Be sure to find the ripest watermelon so that it has the most flavor.

* Makes about 1 1/4 pints

• 3 cups watermelon purée (approximately 1 3/4-lb. piece)
• 1/2 cup superfine sugar
• 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• juice of 1 pink or red grapefruit