Craving a refreshing and healthy treat? This three-ingredient watermelon sorbet is the perfect go-to summer recipe. With just juicy watermelon, sugar and lemon juice, this sorbet recipe delivers a burst of fruity flavor with a smooth, icy texture that’s perfect for cooling down on hot days. The lemon juice adds a tangy twist that elevates the natural sweetness of the watermelon, making each bite delightful.
No ice cream maker is needed for this recipe for watermelon sorbet—just blend the ingredients, freeze and enjoy. Make this extra refreshing watermelon sorbet recipe for summer parties, or serve with your favorite grilled foods for a deliciously light frozen dessert that’s sure to be a hit with everyone!
Ingredients for Watermelon Sorbet
- Watermelon: Seedless watermelons are the easiest to work with for this recipe. When picking a ripe watermelon, go for one that’s firm, evenly shaped and bruise free, with a deep color and a creamy yellow spot where it sat on the ground. You can even try a yellow watermelon for the same flavor in a different shade.
- Sugar: The simple syrup base adds sweetness and helps achieve a smooth texture in this watermelon sorbet recipe. You can also use powdered sugar as a substitute, for an even silkier finish.
- Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice counteracts the sweetness of the sorbet and adds a refreshing tang.
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the simple syrup
In a small saucepan, bring sugar and water to a boil. Cook and stir until sugar is dissolved; set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the sorbet base
In a blender or food processor, process the watermelon in batches until pureed. Transfer to a large bowl; stir in the sugar syrup and lemon juice.
Step 3: Combine the simple syrup and sorbet base
Pour the mixture into a 13×9-inch dish; cover and freeze for eight hours, or until firm. Just before serving, puree the watermelon sorbet in batches until smooth.
Editor’s Tip: If desired, garnish with fresh mint leaves.
Watermelon Sorbet Variations
- Add herbs: Stir in finely chopped fresh basil or mint for an herbal twist.
- Mix in other fruits: Blend in raspberries or blueberries for a mixed berry and melon sorbet.
- Try a little alcohol: A splash of vodka or champagne can add a fun, adult twist. It will also help keep the sorbet from freezing too hard.
- Grate in spices: Freshly grated ginger or 1/4 teaspoon of cardamom, cinnamon or allspice can up the ante of your watermelon sorbet.
How long does watermelon sorbet last?
This homemade watermelon sorbet will keep in the freezer for two to three months, when stored in an airtight container. To prevent ice crystals in your watermelon sorbet, cover tightly with plastic wrap before sealing, and stir the mixture every 30 minutes during the initial freezing period.
Watermelon Sorbet Tips
How is homemade sorbet different from ice cream?
Making watermelon sorbet is a lot like making homemade ice cream. The main differences are that sorbet is usually dairy-free and most often vegan. Sometimes, recipes will include honey or milk products, but this isn’t the norm. The process for churning the sorbet can be done a number of ways. The traditional method would be to churn it like ice cream, as in this recipe for lemon sorbet. Another way is to make a pureed mixture, pour it into a pan and let it freeze, stirring every 30 minutes.
Do you need an ice cream maker to make sorbet?
Nope! When learning how to make watermelon sorbet, an ice cream or sorbet maker is helpful, though it’s not required. But if you’re curious, here’s how to use an ice cream maker.
Can you use other acids instead of lemon juice?
You can swap out the lemon juice for some freshly squeezed lime or orange juice. While citrus juices are most commonly used in sorbets, you can also try balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a unique twist—start off with a tablespoon, and taste as you go to ensure the sorbet base flavor is to your preference.
