Lemon Sorbet

My Lemon Sorbet is a refreshing homemade treat that’s full of sweet and tart lemon flavor. It’s the perfect way to beat the heat! The sorbet is surprisingly simple to make, needing just a few basic ingredients and minimal effort. With its perfectly balanced sweet and tart taste, this homemade lemon sorbet is sure to become a favorite for hot days and warm nights.

Don’t just stop at my lemon sorbet! Try these refreshing lemon desserts too: Lemon Bars, Lemon Tiramisu and my No Bake Lemon Pie!

Lemon Sorbet

There’s something undeniably satisfying about making a homemade dessert, especially when it’s as easy as lemon sorbet! This refreshing treat is a perfect example of simple ingredients delivering big flavor. All you need are sugar, water, and lemon juice and zest to create a vibrant sorbet that bursts with citrusy goodness.

Plus, the beauty of homemade sorbet is its versatility. Enjoy it as a palate cleanser after a rich meal, a sweet finish to a light summer dinner, or a cool and tangy afternoon pick-me-up. Pack it in a container for a picnic in the park, bring it to a potluck for a crowd-pleasing dessert, or simply scoop yourself a bowl and savor it on your patio as you soak up the summer sun.

Forget the store-bought tubs and elevate your summer with this refreshing homemade lemon sorbet recipe. It’s full of sunny citrus flavor and lighter than ice cream, making it the perfect complement after a summer meal. So skip the long lines at the ice cream shop and create a refreshing treat right in the comfort of your own home instead!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Light and Refreshing: Lemon sorbet is lighter and more refreshing than ice cream, making it the perfect way to beat the heat without feeling weighed down.
• Simple Ingredients: With just a few basic ingredients like lemons, sugar, and water, you can whip up a batch in no time!
• Good for Any Occasion: The beauty of homemade lemon sorbet lies in its versatility. Enjoy it as a palate cleanser in between rich courses at a dinner party. It’s the perfect light and refreshing ending to a summer barbecue. Or, scoop yourself a bowl for a tangy afternoon pick-me-up, perfect for enjoying on your porch swing.

How to Make Lemon Sorbet

With only four ingredients, this lemon sorbet is so simple to make! It’s a super easy and tasty way to cool down on a hot summer day. As always, you can find the full printable recipe card at the end of this post.

Lemon Simple Syrup

1. Bring granulated sugar, water, and lemon zest to a simmer in a small saucepan.
2. Stir until the sugar has dissolved. Remove the pan from heat and let cool.
3. Optionally, you can strain the mixture over a fine mesh sieve to remove the lemon zest, but keep in mind that the sorbet will have a little less lemon flavor.

Lemon Sorbet

1. Whisk the lemon simple syrup, water, and fresh lemon juice together in a large bowl.
2. Transfer to a shallow, freezer-safe container with a lid.
3. Cover the mixture with plastic wrap and then place the lid on.
4. Freeze for 4 to 6 hours, stirring (or whisking when you can) every 30 minutes until the desired consistency is achieved.
5. Serve frozen with a slice of lemon and a fresh mint sprig. Enjoy!

Use a handy dandy zester to get the lemon zest off easily so you get maximum lemon flavor!

Be sure to use a shallow container to freeze your sorbet. If you use a deep container it tends to separate and freeze unevenly. When you use a shallow container it freezes more quickly and thus doesn’t have time to separate. Remember to stir the sorbet multiple times when it is partially frozen to get a smoother, more even consistency.

Storage Information

Store your lemon sorbet in a shallow, freezer-safe container with a lid. Cover the top of the sorbet with parchment paper or plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. When stored properly, lemon sorbet will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Variations to Try

• Add another layer of flavor by infusing your simple syrup with fresh herbs like mint, basil, or lemongrass.
• Incorporate pureed berries like raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries into the sorbet mixture for some sweet flavor.
• For a richer texture, add a couple of tablespoons of heavy cream or coconut cream before freezing. This will create a smoother and creamier sorbet.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few slices of fresh ginger to the simple syrup for a surprising and delightful kick.

Can I make this Lemon Sorbet with an ice cream maker?

Yes, you can and even an inexpensive ice cream maker produces amazing results! After whisking the simple syrup, water, and fresh lemon juice together, pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for freezing and churning.

Churn the mixture until it reaches a creamy, sorbet-like consistency, then transfer it to a shallow, freezer-safe container and freeze until solid.

The exact time and instructions may vary depending on your specific ice cream maker, so be sure to consult the manufacturer’s instructions.

Trish’s Tips

• When zesting the lemon, use a zester to remove just the yellow part of the rind, avoiding the white pith, which can be bitter.
• Sugar plays a key role in the sweetness and texture of your sorbet. Aim for a good balance—too little and your sorbet will be icy, too much, and it won’t freeze properly. 
• If you’re using an ice cream maker, churn the mixture according to the manufacturer’s instructions. But remember, you don’t want to over-churn! Stop when the sorbet reaches a thick, slushy consistency.
• Once churned, transfer the sorbet to a container and freeze for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
• Let your sorbet soften slightly at room temperature before scooping. This ensures your sorbet will be easy to scoop rather than rock hard.

More Frozen Treats to Try

1. Watermelon Slushie
2. Classic Banana Split
3. No Churn Vanilla Ice Cream
4. Brookie Ice Cream Sandwich
5. Ice Cream Cake