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Lime Sorbet

Lime sorbet made with a quick stovetop simple syrup for a bright, icy frozen texture and a vivid pale green citrus punch. This homemade lime sorbet is churned until slushy, then frozen firm for an ultra-refreshing palate-cleanser.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
chilling + freezing 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 160
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Fresh limes
  • 1 cup fresh lime juice About 8–10 limes
Lime flavoring
  • 2 tbsp lime zest
Simple syrup
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water
Optional creamier texture
  • 1 egg white Optional, for creamier texture
Seasoning
  • 0.125 tsp salt Pinch
Serving
  • 1 fresh mint For serving

Equipment

  • 1 ice cream maker
  • 1 saucepan

Method
 

Make the simple syrup
  1. Combine granulated sugar and water in a saucepan, then heat until the sugar dissolves completely (about 5 minutes). Turn off the heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature.
Chill the lime base
  1. Stir the cooled syrup with fresh lime juice, lime zest, and salt until evenly combined. Refrigerate the mixture until very cold (at least 4 hours total including freezing time steps below).
Optional egg white
  1. If using egg white, whip it to soft peaks and gently fold it into the cold lime mixture. Keep the mixture cold as you prepare to churn.
Churn and freeze
  1. Churn the chilled lime mixture in an ice cream maker for 20–25 minutes, until thick and slushy. Transfer to a container and freeze for 2 hours until firm.
Serve
  1. Scoop into chilled bowls or serve in hollowed lime halves. Top with fresh mint and serve immediately.

Notes

For the clearest lime flavor, use freshly squeezed lime juice and zest only the green part of the limes. Refrigerate the lime base until very cold before churning to keep the texture extra icy-smooth, and chill until the sorbet is firm at least 2 hours after churning. Store leftovers covered in the freezer for up to 2 weeks; freezing is yes and texture may firm further. For a dairy-free lime dessert (already dairy-free), you can make it even more vibrant by adding a little extra lime zest to taste.