A couple of weekends ago I invited a few friends over for a very simple BBQ. I provided burgers and hot-dogs. I told my guests to bring the rest: salads, merguez, sandwich platters, and chips. I knew there were going to be a couple of desserts already but I wanted to offer my gluten and dairy free friend a sweet option.
Sorbet was an obvious choice and it was perfect for the warmer weather. Standard go-to flavors in my home are a no-no. I had to find something original. This Lemonade Iced Tea Sorbet fits the bill. It’s thirst quenching and practically doubles as the usual tea or coffee served at the end of a meal.
Tricks for making sorbet:
– Add BOOZE! Adding a touch of alcohol to your frozen dessert will help keep it a bit soft. Why? Because alcohol only freezes around -173F (-114C). When a bit of alcohol is mixed in well its particles will remain liquid and keep the whole mass from sticking together. But don’t put too much or the sorbet will never freeze.
– Keep in mind this is totally optional. If you want to keep the sorbet booze free just add a bit more lemon juice then the recipe calls for, an acidic juice will convert table sugar to simple sugar which will help in preventing crystallization.
Well, at least those are the theories. You could use any type of alcohol you would like here but I went with Bourbon. For one, I am still under the influence of my trip to New Orleans (brought back a bottle), and I also had a Bourbon lemonade in Montreal a couple of month’s ago. It’s a good marriage! If you are not a fan of Bourbon why not try Vodka or Gin!
The recipe I used for this Lemonade Iced Tea Sorbet was an all-around hit with my guests. Everyone loved it and they all thought it was very refreshing.
Lemonade Iced Tea Sorbet
Ingredients
- 2 cups boiling water
- 4 regular-sized English Breakfast tea bags
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup ice water
- 2 tbsp bourbon (optional)
Instructions
- Steep tea bags in boiling water for 5 minutes and remove tea bags.
- Add sugar to the tea and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Then stir in lemon juice, ice water and alcohol is using. Chill completely in refrigerator.
- Pour mixture into an ice-cream maker and freeze according to manufacturer's manual. Place in a covered container and freeze until firm.
What a perfect name for this sorbet! You’re right – it’s like eating your afternoon tea and is perfect for hotter weather! I usually add a little vodka to my sorbets and you can’t even taste it, but I do see how bourbon would actually contribute to this sorbet. Maybe you should call it Long Island Ice Tea Sorbet? 🙂
I love the 2 tbsp of bourbon. I makes this perfectly respectable dish feel naughty
This is such a gorgeous treat. Look at the colour! And the perfect way to end a barbecue.
Lovely color and I bet this is such a refreshing treat! A boozy, frozen Arnold Palmer 🙂
yum. This sounds and looks so refreshing.
I love how simple and refreshing this looks!
Can’t wait to give this drink a taste!
All I heard was add booze to deserts. You got it.
Evelyne, your tips for the perfect textured sorbet are so so so helpful….thanks for sharing them and this lovely tea and citrus sorbet,must taste refreshing 🙂
What a fabulous flavour for sorbet! 😀 And I’d imagine so refreshing too!
This sounds like a perfect summer sorbet! I can imagine having this in hot summer days… SO refreshing!
My mouth is watering when I read ‘lemon’! This looks so refreshing and perfect for the bbq season.
I’d say too it is very refreshing. And what an elegant and light way to finish a BBQ…leaving everybody in a good mood 🙂
ela h.
My kind of drink for sure. Love it!!