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A glass dessert bowl holding a smooth scoop of light green Lemon Basil Sorbet, garnished with fresh basil leaves, placed on a chilled surface.

Lemon Basil Sorbet

A refreshing frozen dessert combining bright lemon flavor with aromatic basil, perfect for a light summer treat.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Freeze Time 13 hours
Total Time 13 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dessert, Frozen Treat
Cuisine: American, Summer
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 150 g caster sugar for syrup
  • 300 ml water for syrup
  • 8 lemons zest 4 lemons, juice all 8
  • 15 –20 basil leaves or mint, divided for flavor layering

Method
 

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium heat and simmer for 10 minutes to create a simple syrup.
  2. Allow the syrup to cool to room temperature.
  3. Zest 4 lemons and juice all 8 lemons.
  4. Mix the cooled syrup with lemon zest and lemon juice until fully combined.
  5. Add a few basil leaves to the mixture for subtle aroma.
  6. Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container, cover, and freeze for 5–6 hours until partially set.
  7. Remove partially frozen mixture and blend in a high-speed blender with remaining basil leaves. Optionally add 3 ice cubes to keep mixture chilled.
  8. Return blended mixture to the container, remove any un-churned ice cubes, cover, and freeze for 8–9 hours or overnight for best results.
  9. Serve scoops immediately once fully frozen.

Notes

Use fresh lemons and aromatic basil leaves for the best flavor. Freezing overnight ensures a smooth, scoopable texture. Mint can be substituted for basil if desired.