Sunny Lemon Sorbet

Directions

1. 1Whisk the water, lemon juice, sugar, and zest until the sugar fully dissolves.
2. 2Pour into a Creami pint, staying beneath the fill line.
3. 3Freeze the pint flat for around 24 hours.
4. 4Seat the pint in the machine and run SORBET.
5. 5Because there is no fat, expect a crumbly first pass; add a tablespoon of water and Re-spin.
6. 6Serve once smooth and slushy.

Tips

• Freeze the pint completely flat and level in your freezer for the full 16-24 hours so it spins evenly through the Creami without getting stuck.
• If your sorbet comes out too crumbly or powdery after spinning, add a splash of cold water or even a tablespoon of simple syrup and run the sorbet program again for a smoother texture.
• Zest the lemon before juicing it, then store the zest separately so it stays fresh and potent for the final mix.

Variations

• Swap half the fresh lemon juice with lime juice for a bright citrus blend that's still crisp and summery.
• Add a tablespoon of honey or agave to the base before freezing if you want extra smoothness and a slightly less tart finish.
• Make it a boozy sorbet by replacing 2 tablespoons of water with vodka or limoncello before freezing, which lowers the freezing point and creates a softer scoop.

FAQ

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

You can, but fresh lemon juice tastes noticeably brighter and less bitter. Bottled juice works in a pinch, so use it if that's what you have, just know the flavor won't be quite as vibrant.

What if my pint didn't freeze solid after 24 hours?

Your freezer may not be cold enough, or the pint wasn't level. Try leaving it another 6-8 hours flat on a shelf, or check that your freezer is set to 0 degrees F or below.

Can I make this lighter with less sugar?

You can reduce the sugar by 2 tablespoons and the sorbet will still freeze and spin, but it may come out icier or crumbly. Start there and add a splash of water when you re-spin if you need a smoother texture.

How long does the frozen pint last once I freeze it?

It keeps well in the freezer for up to 2 weeks, though it's best spun and enjoyed within the first week while the lemon flavor stays fresh and bright.

Nutrition

Per serving · makes about 2 servings · estimated