Gin and Tonic Sorbet

Gin and Tonic Sorbet makes a light, only slightly boozy, dessert at any time of year, but especially on a warm, summer’s day.

I find a sorbet can be just the thing at any time of year. In the summer it’s cold and refreshing and in colder months it’s a light dessert when you feel like something sweet but don’t want another pie or crumble. Added to that, you keep it in the freezer and help yourself whenever you feel like a little bit of something special. But on a hot summer’s afternoon in the garden, a sorbet is especially good.

What is a sorbet?

Sorbets can be as simple as frozen, flavoured sugar syrup. I prefer to add a whisked egg white to give a lighter texture.

This Gin and Tonic Sorbet is really halfway between a sorbet and a granita – the texture is grainier and a little less compact, more like snow. It tastes clean and not too sweet.

Does it matter what gin or tonic is in G&T Sorbet?

In a word, yes. The flavour is a very limey version of gin and tonic so use the brands that you like to drink as you will be able to taste the difference.

Usually, in a sorbet, the sugar syrup has equal quantities of sugar and water, but I’ve made this one a bit stronger to balance the tonic – which should be full-fat, by the way, not a diet variety.

There are 3 measures of gin in the sorbet, which serves 10-12 people. So unless you get really greedy, your alcohol intake will be very small – but probably better to save it for the grown-ups.

What equipment do you need?

• Helix Citrus Press – I’ve had a number of juicers over the years and this one’s quite different. I wasn’t sure that it would get all the juice out but it seems to, and doesn’t require much effort. If your grip isn’t good, this really helps.
• IQ Lemon Zester – This zester changed my cooking life. I know I’m late to this particular party but I relied on my box grater for decades. Now I’ve changed to a microplane type of zester I don’t grate my fingers and it catches the zest so there’s more of it and it goes where I want

If you like this…

…Why don’t you try:

Frozen Watermelon Strawberry Smoothie

Frozen Watermelon Strawberry Smoothie is a refreshing fruit drink with no added sugar. Add soda for a non-alcoholic spritzer.

Easy Baked Alaska

Easy Baked Alaska is a firm family favourite. Cheat with an Arctic Roll.

Rhubarb Gin

Rhubarb Gin is a pretty, pale pinkish gin with a hint of fruit.

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Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Gin and Tonic Sorbet

A refreshing G&T sorbet for any time of year, with lots of lime and lemon.

Prep Time20 mins

Freezing Time4 hrs

Total Time4 hrs 20 mins

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: English

Keyword: sorbet, summer dessert

Servings: 10 servings

Author: [email protected] Cooks

Ingredients

• 350 g caster sugar
• 250 ml heated water
• 2 limes
• 1 lemon
• 75 ml gin, 3 measures
• 500 ml tonic water, not slimline
• 1 egg white

Equipment

Lemon zester

Citrus juicer

Instructions

• Dissolve the sugar in the water in a saucepan over a gentle heat. Turn up the heat and boil for 1 minute.

  DO NOT STIR once the sugar is dissolved or the mixture will turn grainy
• Pour the mixture into a bowl or jug and cool, then chill in the fridge
• Zest and juice the limes and lemons
• When the sugar syrup is cold, add the gin, tonic, fruit juice and zest and stir well
• Freeze for 2-3 hours

  You don't want it to be frozen solid. If it's too solid, leave to melt slightly
• Froth the egg white with a fork or electric mixer on slow
• Break up the frozen mixture with a fork and beat vigorously with a fork, electric mixer or in a processor. Add the egg white and give it another blitz
• Pour the mixture into a plastic box and freeze until solid
• Serve 3-4 small scoops per person.

Notes

Everyday Cooks Tip:

• Keeps for up to 3 months in the freezer
• Serve with tiny mint leaves for a pretty effect