Easy Homemade Lime Sorbet Recipe (3 ingredients)
When the temperature rises, there’s nothing quite like this easy homemade lime sorbet recipe to cool you down. With only three ingredients, it’s perfect for a hot day. Fresh limes bring a burst of tangy flavor that’s really refreshing.

Making this sorbet is incredibly simple, so you can whip it up without breaking a sweat. The best part? You probably already have everything you need at home.
We’ll also take a look at how to make this recipe with and without an ice cream maker. Follow this recipe for a quick and delicious way to beat the heat on a hot summer day.
What can I do with an abundance of limes?
A great option to use those extra limes is to make a batch of homemade lime sorbet. This simple recipe and refreshing treat requires just a few ingredients like lime juice, water, and sugar, and is perfect for cooling down on hot days.
Plus, you can customize it with additional flavors like mint or berries for a delicious summer treat.
Ingredients you’ll need for this Lime easy Sorbet Recipe
This recipe requires only 3 simple ingredients, probably found already in your pantry, or any grocery store:
- Granulated sugar. Granulated sugar is the key to achieving the perfect balance of sweetness in this lime sorbet. It dissolves in the water to create a simple syrup, which ensures the sorbet has a smooth texture. This base is essential for binding the flavors together and preventing the sorbet from becoming too icy.
- Water. Water is the sorbet base for this recipe, combined with the sugar to form the sugar syrup. This mixture is crucial for the sorbet’s consistency, ensuring it’s light and scoopable. It also helps distribute the lime flavor evenly throughout the sorbet.
- Lime. You will need fresh lime juice and lime zest for this homemade sorbet. Fresh lime juice is a must for this recipe, as it makes a huge difference in the final result. Unlike store-bought lime juice, fresh lime juice offers a vibrant, tangy flavor that’s unmatched. It adds a refreshing zing that elevates the sorbet, making it the perfect treat for a hot day.
Check out the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the complete instructions.

Add-ons and Substitutions for this Lime Sorbet Recipe
Here are some add-ons and substitutions to customize your lime sorbet recipe
- Key Limes: Use key limes instead of regular limes for a more intense, slightly sweeter flavor.
- Mint Leaves: Add finely chopped fresh mint leaves for a refreshing twist.
- Coconut Milk: Swirl in a bit of coconut milk for a creamy, tropical flavor.
- Berries: Add a handful of fresh or frozen berries like raspberries or strawberries for extra color and flavor.
- Ginger: Grate a small amount of fresh ginger into the mixture for a zesty kick.
- Tequila or Rum: For an adult version, add a splash of tequila or rum for a boozy treat.
- Basil: Add basil for a unique, aromatic flavor.
- Lemon: Use fresh lemon juice and lemon zest for a lemon sorbet recipe
Experiment with these add-ons and substitutions to find your perfect combination!
How to make this Easy Homemade Lime Sorbet Recipe
You can make this sorbet in three ways: using an ice cream machine, a food processor, or adding a splash of alcohol to skip both.
In all 3 ways, you need to start by making the lime mixture.
Start by heating the sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Take it off the heat. Add the lime juice and zest of the lime, then mix well.




Ice Cream Machine:
Refrigerate the mixture until completely cooled. Pour the ice cream mixture into your ice cream maker’s frozen ice cream container, then churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Transfer the mixture to a freezer-safe container, cover it to prevent ice crystals from forming, and freeze for at least 4 hours.
Food processor or High-speed blender:
To make it with a food processor or blender, pour the ice cream mixture into a freezer-safe container, cover it with a lid or plastic wrap, and freeze for at least 4 hours.
Cut the frozen mixture into large chunks before serving, then blend it in a food processor or high-speed blender. Serve right away.
Splash of Alcohol:
Alcohol helps ice cream stay soft because it lowers the freezing point of the mixture. This prevents it from freezing completely solid, resulting in a creamier and more scoopable texture.
Add 2-4 tablespoons of any hard liquor you like (tequila, mezcal, vodka, rum), pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container, and freeze for at least 4 hours.
You can add an extra splash of alcohol before serving for an extra kick!

Tips and Tricks for the Best Lime Sorbet Recipe
Here are some tips and tricks for making the perfect lime sorbet:
- Use Fresh Limes: Fresh lime juice is crucial for the best flavor. Avoid bottled lime juice as it can taste artificial.
- Avoid Ice Crystals: Cover the sorbet with plastic wrap before sealing the container to prevent ice crystals from forming on top.
- Serve at the Right Temperature: Let the sorbet sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to soften slightly for easier scooping.
- Experiment with Add-ins: Add chopped mint, berries, or a splash of coconut milk for a unique twist on the classic lime sorbet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is lime sorbet made of?
The key components of a lime sorbet are water, sugar, and lime. It’s the proportion of each of these ingredients that matters in achieving the perfect texture and flavor.
What makes sorbet creamy?
Sorbet doesn’t have dairy and fat like ice cream does, so getting the right mix of sugar and fruit is what makes it creamy.
This balance is super important for making sure it’s smooth and not too icy. When the sweetness from the sugar and the tartness from the fruit come together just right, it gives sorbet that yummy, creamy texture.
What is the difference between sherbet and sorbet?
The main difference between sherbet and sorbet lies in their ingredients and texture. Sherbet typically contains dairy, usually in the form of milk or cream, which gives it a creamier texture compared to sorbet. Sorbet, on the other hand, is dairy-free and made primarily from fruit puree or juice, water, and sugar, resulting in a smoother and lighter texture.
Additionally, sorbet tends to have a more intense fruit flavor, while sherbet is often milder due to the presence of dairy.
How long does homemade lime sorbet last in the freezer?
This Homemade lime sorbet can last up to 2-3 weeks in the freezer if stored in an airtight container, though it’s best enjoyed within the first week for optimal texture and flavor.
Take a look at the recipes below for more lemon and lime desserts, or click this link for more Frozen dessert recipes.
If you make this recipe, please be sure to give it a star rating and leave a comment!
Follow me on Instagram and tag #sweetfixbaker to see all the recipes you make!
Easy Homemade Lime Sorbet Recipe (3 ingredients)
Equipment
- 1 ice cream maker optional
- 1 food processor optional
- 1 freezer-safe container
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups water
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups lime juice freshly squeezed
- 2 large lime zest
- 2 tablespoons alcohol optional
Instructions
- You can make this sorbet in three ways: using an ice cream machine, a food processor, or adding a splash of alcohol to skip both.In all 3 ways, you need to start by making the lime mixture.
- Start by heating the sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Take it off the heat. Add the lime juice and zest of the lime, then mix well.1 ½ cups water, 1 ½ cups granulated sugar, 1 ½ cups lime juice, 2 large lime zest
Ice Cream Machine:
- Refrigerate the mixture until completely cooled. Pour the ice cream mixture into your ice cream maker's frozen ice cream container, then churn according to the manufacturer's instructions.Transfer the mixture to a freezer-safe container, cover it to prevent ice crystals from forming, and freeze for at least 4 hours.
Food processor or High-speed blender:
- To make it with a food processor or blender, pour the ice cream mixture into a freezer-safe container, cover it with a lid or plastic wrap, and freeze for at least 4 hours.Cut the frozen mixture into large chunks before serving, then blend it in a food processor or high-speed blender. Serve right away.
Splash of Alcohol:
- Alcohol helps ice cream stay soft because it lowers the freezing point of the mixture. This prevents it from freezing completely solid, resulting in a creamier and more scoopable texture.Add 2-4 tablespoons of any hard liquor you like (tequila, mezcal, vodka, rum), pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container, and freeze for at least 4 hours.You can add an extra splash of alcohol before serving for an extra kick!2 tablespoons alcohol
Notes
Tips and Tricks for the Best Lime Sorbet Recipe
Here are some tips and tricks for making the perfect lime sorbet:- Use Fresh Limes: Fresh lime juice is crucial for the best flavor. Avoid bottled lime juice as it can taste artificial.
- Avoid Ice Crystals: Cover the sorbet with plastic wrap before sealing the container to prevent ice crystals from forming on top.
- Serve at the Right Temperature: Let the sorbet sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to soften slightly for easier scooping.
- Experiment with Add-ins: Add chopped mint, berries, or a splash of coconut milk for a unique twist on the classic lime sorbet.