The Boozy Addition That Produces A Velvety Smooth Lemon Sorbet
Lemon sorbet is a classic frozen dessert that is made with lemon juice and zest, sugar, and water (via MasterClass). The combination of these ingredients creates a tangy and refreshing treat that is perfect for summertime. However, traditional sorbets can sometimes have a gritty or icy texture, which can be off-putting to some people. This is where one special ingredient comes in: By adding just a small amount of alcohol, especially one common, nearly flavorless spirit, you can improve the final texture of sorbet.
If you haven't guessed it already, one of the best spirits to use is vodka, according to MasterClass. With its clean taste, it's easy to see why vodka, which is distilled from grains or potatoes (via Taste of Home), is a popular ingredient in many cocktails. But in sorbet, the addition of this booze not only adds a subtle alcohol flavor to the sorbet, but also helps to create a creamier texture by lowering the freezing point of the mixture, per Serious Eats.
Alcohol does not freeze as easily as water, so the addition of vodka keeps the sorbet from freezing too hard or becoming overly icy, resulting in a smooth sorbet. But when should you add it?
Timing matters
There is one thing to consider when adding vodka into your go-to sorbet recipe — and that is when to add it. Sorbet recipes that call for cooking the lemon juice, sugar, and water together on the stove top can cook the necessary alcohol out of the vodka if it is added at this step. That's why it is best to wait and add the liquor into the mixture after it has been cooked together and fully cooled (via The Spruce Eats). From this point, you can carry on with the normal directions.
Vodka and lemon sorbet is a great dessert option for those who are looking for something a little more grown-up. It is perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, or even as a palate cleanser between courses at a dinner party. It can be served alone or paired with other desserts like cake or fruit. You can also make it more interesting by adding some herbs or spices like mint or ginger to the mixture before freezing it (via MasterClass).
With its tangy lemon flavor and subtle alcohol taste, vodka and lemon sorbet is a refreshing treat that is perfect for any occasion. And the best part is that it is easy to make at home and requires minimal ingredients. So, go ahead and give it a try and treat yourself to a unique and delicious dessert experience.