Gin And Tonic Sorbet Recipe

I absolutely love this gin and tonic sorbet because it’s the perfect blend of my favorite cocktail flavors, transformed into a refreshing and delightful frozen treat. Plus, it’s a nostalgic throwback to sunny afternoons with friends, effortlessly capturing the essence of summer in every zesty, boozy bite!

I adore taking iconic cocktails and turning them into thrilling dessert forms—like my Gin and Tonic Sorbet. It’s a drink-inspired dessert: 1/2 cup of gin and 3/4 cup of tonic water gives you the basis for a beloved beverage.

But instead of pouring it over ice, mix it into an ice cream maker with freshly squeezed lime juice and zest (for the sorbet’s bright, tangy, and sweet note), a pinch of salt (for flavor), and 1 cup of sugar. The end result is a balanced, cool, and sweet Asian dessert for those of us for whom the G&T was once our go-to drink.

Ingredients

Syrup’s foundation is water, which provides hydration and is devoid of calories.

Sweetness is provided by sugar; it is a carbohydrate and a flavor balancer.

Gin: Delivers herbal taste; boost from the booze makes the smell even sharper.

Tonic Water: Provides slight bitterness; is composed of quinine; enriches and deepens the flavor profile.

Juice of fruit limes: Contributes acidity; a powerful source of ascorbic acid; enlivens the dish.

The zest of lime: boosts the aroma of citrus; deepens the flavor; gives oils that are essential.

Salt: Boosts flavors; offsets sweetness; a tiny amount does the trick.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup gin
• 3/4 cup tonic water
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
• Zest of 1 lime
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, mix the water and sugar. Place them over medium heat. Stir occasionally. Continue heating until you have a clear mixture (that’s your simple syrup). Remove it from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.

2. In a large mixing bowl, blend the simple syrup, now cooled, with the gin, tonic water, lime juice, lime zest, and a whisper of salt. Give it a good stir to marry all the ingredients together.

3. Ensure that the blended mixture is spread evenly in a shallow container—one that can safely go in the freezer and has a lid. Then, pour the mixture into this container.

4. Put the container in the freezer and allow it to freeze for roughly 1 hour.

5. Remove the container after one hour, then use a fork to scrape and stir the mixture, breaking up any ice crystals that have formed.

6. Place the container back into the freezer and carry out the scraping process once more every half hour for a total of 3 to 4 hours. When you take the container out of the freezer to do the scraping, it will seem like the mixture is not yet frozen, but in fact, it has probably just started to freeze on the outer edges.

7. When the sorbet reaches the desired texture, it is ready for serving. Should it harden too much, let it sit out for a few and serve it slightly softer than it was intended.

8. Serve the sorbet in chilled cups or bowls that have been prepped for serving.

9. If desired, small slices or wedges of lime, or additional lime zest can be used to garnish each serving.

10. Relish your invigorating gin and tonic sorbet as an enjoyable, alcohol-infused indulgence!

Equipment Needed

1. Small saucepan
2. Stove or heat source
3. Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Whisk or mixing spoon
6. Measuring cups
7. Measuring spoons
8. Grater or zester
9. Shallow, freezer-safe container with a lid
10. Fork
11. Chilled cups or bowls for serving
12. Knife (for lime slices or wedges)

FAQ

• Q: Can I use any type of gin for this sorbet?You can use any kind of gin you want, but one that’s rich with strong citrus notes will pair beautifully with the lime.
• Q: How long does the sorbet need to freeze?B: Chill for at least 4-6 hours, or until the sorbet is hard enough to scoop.
• Q: Can I substitute lemon juice for lime juice?A: Yes, you can substitute lemon juice for the missing ingredient, but it will cause a slight change in flavor, making it less tart.
• Q: Is it possible to make this sorbet without an ice cream maker?The mixture should be poured into a shallow dish and frozen. After the dish has been frozen, the mixture should be stirred with a fork once each hour until it has completely set. When stirring, be sure to incorporate air into the mixture.
• Q: How long does the sorbet keep in the freezer?A: For up to 2 weeks, it can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer.
• Q: Can I adjust the alcohol content in the sorbet?Yes, the amount of gin can be changed, but be aware that alcohol affects freezing; thus, changing gin may alter texture.

Substitutions and Variations

You can use an equal amount of honey or a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol, adjusting to taste, in place of sugar.
When choosing a substitute for gin, you may use vodka or another clear spirit; however, this will change the flavor profile.
You could use club soda when making a gin and tonic if you prefer something less sweet. Just bear in mind that you may need to add a little sugar or simple syrup to make your drink as tasty as it should be.
You can substitute lemon juice for lime juice, and you’ll have a slightly different citrus flavor.
In the absence of fresh lime zest, you may use dried lime zest or lemon zest as a substitute when necessary.

Pro Tips

1. Chill Your Tools Before scraping the mixture, chill your fork and any utensils you plan to use. This can help prevent the sorbet from melting too quickly while you work.

2. Zest for Flavor To enhance the lime flavor, you can prepare additional lime zest to sprinkle on top of each serving as a garnish. This not only adds a burst of color but also intensifies the citrus aroma.

3. Layer the Garnishes Consider adding a thin layer of lime zest and finely crushed juniper berries to the top of the sorbet before freezing. This can enhance the gin’s botanicals and give each bite an extra depth of flavor.

4. Adjust the Sweetness Taste the mixture before freezing, and adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more lime juice or sugar. Since freezing dulls flavors slightly, ensure the mix is a touch sweeter or tarter than desired.

5. Properly Store for Later If you’re making the sorbet ahead of time, cover it with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface before placing the lid on the container. This helps prevent ice crystals from forming on the top layer, ensuring a smoother texture when serving.