Pink Grapefruit Basil Sorbet (Printable version)
A vibrant sorbet blending zesty pink grapefruit with fresh basil for a light, refreshing citrus dessert.
# Ingredient list:
→ 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
06 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
07 - Pinch of sea salt
# Directions:
01 - Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat.
02 - Add basil leaves to the hot syrup. Cover and steep for 15 minutes to extract herbal flavor.
03 - Strain syrup through a fine mesh sieve, discarding basil leaves. Let syrup cool to room temperature.
04 - In a large bowl, combine pink grapefruit juice, grapefruit zest, cooled basil syrup, lemon juice if using, and a pinch of sea salt. Stir until fully incorporated.
05 - Refrigerate the mixture for at least 1 hour until thoroughly chilled.
06 - Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer's instructions, typically 20–25 minutes, until thick and slushy.
07 - Transfer sorbet to a freezer-safe container. Cover and freeze for at least 3 hours until firm.
08 - Let sorbet sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before serving to soften. Scoop into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The grapefruit brightness wakes up your palate without being overpowering or bitter
- Basil adds this sophisticated herbal note that makes people guess whats in it
- It comes together faster than you can finish a glass of wine on the porch
02 -
- Fresh squeezed grapefruit juice cannot be substituted—bottled juice gives you a weird metallic aftertaste
- The basil steep time matters because 15 minutes gives you fragrance but 30 minutes brings actual flavor depth
- Patience during the chilling phase prevents those annoying ice crystals that ruin the texture
03 -
- Room temperature sorbet scoops like a dream—five minutes on the counter makes all the difference
- Taste your grapefruits first and adjust the sugar if they are especially sour or sweet