Traditional Italian Lemon Sorbet (Homemade Recipe)

This traditional Italian lemon sorbet is light, refreshing, and bursting with citrus flavor! Made with fresh lemon juice, a touch of lemon zest, and sweetened naturally with honey, it’s a healthy and delicious treat. Perfect on a hot afternoon, this sorbet brings a traditional taste of Italy right to your table.

Why You Will Love This Italian Lemon Sorbet

Easy

This simple recipe only requires a few steps. First, gently warm some water and honey on the stove. Next, combine all the ingredients in a large bowl, add the sorbet mixture to an ice cream maker, and let it churn. After a few minutes of churning, it’s ready to enjoy. You can throw this lemon sorbet together in minutes!

Healthy 

This lemon sorbet recipe not only provides a boost of vitamin C from fresh lemon, but also uses honey as a natural sweetener!! For the healthiest sorbet, use organic ingredients and filtered water.

Delicious

The sweet taste of honey combined with sour lemon and bright zest combine to make a perfect treat for a hot day! 

History of Sorbet in Italy

Authentic Italian sorbet was first enjoyed by combining fruit juices and honey with snow. It dates back thousands of years to the 5th century in Rome and Greece.  (Source) There were even special “snow harvesters” called Nivaroli, and this snow was stored in caves or snow houses until ready to be used in frozen dessert recipes. (Source)

Ingredients That Make This Italian Sorbet Amazing

Fresh Lemon Juice: lemon juice is the star of the show in this recipe! It pairs perfectly with a mild honey, creating a refreshing dessert for a hot summer day. It is important to use fresh lemons for this recipe for the best flavor. 

Lemon Zest: lemon zest accentuates the citrus fruit flavor in this homemade lemon sorbet, with its bright lemony notes. 

Honey: People in the region of modern-day Italy have enjoyed honey, a natural sweetener, for over 2,000 years. This traditional and authentic Italian lemon sorbet follows the original method because it’s made with honey instead of processed sugar! Use a more mild variety like acacia or orange blossom honey if possible, so it doesn’t take away from the fresh lemon flavor. Raw and organic honey will make the healthiest sorbet!

Filtered Water: this recipe uses slightly warmed water to mix with the honey and lemon. Make sure to use filtered water for a clean tasting, healthy dessert. 

Do You Need an Ice Cream Machine?

The recipe is best when made with an ice cream machine. Not only does the machine create a smooth texture, but it is also the easiest way to make lemon sorbet, or sorbetto di limone. If you don’t have an ice cream machine you can try this slower and more labor intensive way of making smooth frozen desserts: place the sorbet mixture in a metal bowl in the freezer and give it a good mix every 30 minutes or so, until it is thick and smooth. An ice cream maker will give a smoother texture, but this alternative method will still make a delicious treat! 

How to Serve Italian Lemon Sorbet

Insulated Serving Cups or Bowls: It’s best to serve this Italian lemon sorbet in an insulated serving container because it melts very quickly! I photographed the sorbet in a glass for this recipe, but it melted very quickly and would have been better served in an insulated container

Garnishes: Top with fresh mint, basil leaves, lavender, thyme, or a lemon slice for a lovely, light dessert. 

How to Store Italian Lemon Sorbet

• Store the un-churned base of this homemade sorbet in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours.
• Store the churned sorbet in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 4 months. Keep in mind that the texture is not as smooth after freezing as is is when freshly churned. Allow it to thaw just a bit, then mix it up with a spoon or whisk before enjoying to improve the texture.

How to Make Traditional Italian Lemon Sorbet

Warm water in a small pot set to medium heat until it is it warm to the touch, about 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Warming the water is important for allowing the honey to dissolve properly. 

Once the water is warm, add honey to the pot and  mix with a hand whisk until well combined. 

Add lemon juice and zest to a medium sized bowl. 

Combine honey and water mixture with the lemon mixture in the bowl. 

Pour sorbet mixture into prepared ice-cream maker and allow it to complete the churning and freezing process. 

Once the sorbet has reached a smooth consistency, it’s ready to serve. 

Enjoy!

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Traditional Italian Lemon Sorbet (Homemade Recipe)

This traditional Italian lemon sorbet is light, refreshing, and bursting with sweet, citrusy flavor. Made with fresh lemon juice, a touch of lemon zest, and sweetened naturally with honey, it’s a simple and delicious treat. Perfect on a hot afternoon or as a sweet and tart dessert, this sorbet brings you a traditional taste of Italy.

Course Dessert

Cuisine Italian

Keyword frozen dessert, lemon, sorbet

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Servings 2

Equipment

• 1 small pot
• 1 large mixing bowl
• 1 whisk
• 1 ice-cream maker

Ingredients

• 1 cup filtered water
• 2/3 cup mild honey (acacia or orange blossom work well)
• 3/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• zest of 1 lemon

Instructions

• Warm water in a small pot set to medium heat until it is it warm to the touch, about 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Warming the water is important for allowing the honey to dissolve properly.
• Once the water is warm, add honey to the pot and  mix with a hand whisk until well combined.
• Add lemon juice and zest to a medium sized bowl.
• Combine honey and water mixture with the lemon mixture in the bowl.
• Pour sorbet mixture into prepared ice-cream maker and allow it to complete the churning and freezing process.
• Once the sorbet has reached a smooth consistency, it’s ready to serve.
• Enjoy!