Pink Grapefruit Sorbet Basil (Printable Version)
A refreshing blend of pink grapefruit juice and fresh basil for a vibrant, light dessert option.
# What You'll Need:
→ Sorbet Base
01 - 1 cup granulated sugar
02 - 1 cup water
→ Fruit
03 - 2 cups freshly squeezed pink grapefruit juice (about 3-4 large grapefruits)
04 - 2 teaspoons pink grapefruit zest
→ Herbs
05 - 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
→ Optional Enhancements
06 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
07 - Pinch of sea salt
# How To Make It:
01 - Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly until sugar completely dissolves. Remove from heat immediately.
02 - Add fresh basil leaves to the hot syrup. Cover saucepan with lid and let steep for 15 minutes to extract herbal flavors.
03 - Pour syrup through a fine mesh sieve to remove basil leaves. Discard used herbs. Allow syrup to cool completely to room temperature.
04 - In a large bowl, whisk together pink grapefruit juice, grapefruit zest, cooled basil syrup, lemon juice if using, and sea salt until fully incorporated.
05 - Refrigerate the mixture for at least 1 hour until thoroughly chilled. This step is essential for proper texture formation.
06 - Pour cold mixture into ice cream maker. Churn according to manufacturer instructions, typically 20-25 minutes, until mixture reaches thick, slushy consistency.
07 - Transfer sorbet to freezer-safe container. Cover tightly and freeze for minimum 3 hours until firm enough to scoop.
08 - Let sorbet stand at room temperature for 5 minutes before serving to soften slightly. Scoop into chilled bowls and garnish with fresh basil if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The way basil transforms grapefruit from merely tart into something sophisticated and mysterious
- It freezes into that impossibly smooth texture that only homemade sorbet achieves
- Five minutes of actual work, four hours of patience, one completely elegant dessert
02 -
- The sorbet needs that 5 minute counter time before serving or it will be rock hard
- Room temperature grapefruit juice yields more juice than cold fruit, and you want every precious drop
03 -
- Extend the basil steeping time to 30 minutes for a more pronounced herbal note that some people find utterly captivating
- Mint works beautifully instead of basil for a more traditional citrus dessert feel