Cranberry Sorbet

The moment you take your first bite of Cranberry Sorbet, it’s like an explosion of fruity freshness dancing on your tongue. I still remember the first time I had a scoop of this refreshing treat at a family gathering. The tartness of the cranberries paired with the subtle hints of citrus zest had everyone going back for seconds. I decided to make it a tradition during the fall, especially for Thanksgiving, as a light and zesty dessert after a hearty meal.

Making Cranberry Sorbet at home is not just easy; it’s a delightful way to celebrate the flavors of the season. Just imagine the vibrant red color glistening in your bowl, inviting everyone to indulge. If you’ve never tried making sorbet before, you’re in for a treat! This recipe encapsulates everything I love about autumn: the coziness of home, the joys of gathering with loved ones, and of course, the tantalizing taste of fresh cranberries.

Key Ingredients for Cranberry Sorbet

When making Cranberry Sorbet, the choice of ingredients plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Each component contributes to creating that refreshing sorbet experience. Let’s look at the key players that make this recipe stand out:

• Cranberries (1 ½ cups): These tart berries are the star of the show, providing the signature flavor of the sorbet. They can be fresh or frozen, but they must be of good quality for the best taste.
• Water (1 cup): This is essential for creating the sorbet’s base and helping to dissolve the sugar.
• Sugar (¾ cup): It sweetens the mixture and balances the tartness of the cranberries, making the sorbet enjoyable to eat.
• Orange Zest (Grated zest of ½ orange): Adds a fragrant citrus note that brightens the overall flavor profile.
• Lemon Zest (Grated zest of ½ lemon): Enhances the tartness and elevates the sorbet’s freshness.
• Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice (½ cup plus more to taste): Provides a juicy sweetness and acidity to complement the cranberries.
• Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice (½ cup plus more to taste): It adds a zesty tang that balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Grand Marnier (2 teaspoons): While optional, this orange-flavored liqueur adds depth and sophistication to the sorbet.

Cranberry Sorbet Instructions

Preparing Cranberry Sorbet is a delightful experience that will fill your kitchen with tantalizing aromas. Follow these steps closely to create a refreshing sorbet that everyone will love.

1. In a medium, non-reactive saucepan, combine cranberries, water, sugar, orange zest, and lemon zest. Warm the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Keep an eye on it, as you want the sugar to dissolve completely and the cranberries to start softening.

2. Once the mixture comes to a boil, allow it to bubble for about one minute. You’ll notice the cranberries begin to pop, releasing their juices. Keep stirring gently during this time.

3. After boiling, remove the pan from the heat and cover it. Let the mixture steep for 30 minutes. This step is crucial, as it allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

4. Add the cranberry mixture to a blender. Blend until smooth, ensuring there are no chunks left. You want your sorbet to have a creamy texture.

5. Pour the cranberry puree through a fine mesh strainer into a large bowl. This step is important to remove any solids. Use a spatula to press down on the mixture, extracting as much liquid as possible.

6. Stir in the orange juice, lemon juice, and Grand Marnier. Taste the mixture and adjust with more lemon juice if necessary. It should be pleasantly tart and refreshing.

7. Cover the bowl and chill the sorbet base in the refrigerator for at least three to four hours or until it’s very cold. This ensures a smoother texture once frozen.

8. Once chilled, freeze the sorbet in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This typically takes around 20 to 30 minutes.

9. Transfer the sorbet to an airtight container and chill in the freezer for two to three hours. This final freezing will help achieve the perfect consistency.

Things Worth Knowing

Variations to Try

There are endless ways to enjoy Cranberry Sorbet by tweaking the recipe to your liking. Here are some fun variations:

• Mix in other fruits: Add in some chopped strawberries or raspberries for an exciting twist.
• Infuse with herbs: Try adding fresh mint leaves or basil for a refreshing herbal note.
• Customize the alcohol: If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, simply omit the Grand Marnier or replace it with extra orange juice.
• Layer flavors: Combine the sorbet with other sorbets or ice creams for a layered dessert experience.
• Serve with garnishes: Enhance the presentation with fresh fruit, shaved chocolate, or a sprinkle of nuts.
• Store leftovers: Keep any leftover sorbet in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a month, ensuring it stays fresh and delicious.
• Freezing: If the sorbet becomes too hard after freezing, let it sit out for a few minutes to soften before scooping.

Serve This Cranberry Sorbet With

When it comes to serving Cranberry Sorbet, the possibilities are endless. Here are some ideas to elevate your experience:

• As a palate cleanser: Serve it between courses during a dinner party to refresh guests’ taste buds.
• With fruit salad: Pair the sorbet with a bowl of fresh fruit for a light dessert option.
• In cocktails: Use it as a slushy base for festive cocktails, adding a fun twist to your drinks.
• With whipped cream: Top the sorbet with a dollop of homemade whipped cream for added indulgence.
• Seasonal celebrations: Perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings, Christmas parties, or summer barbecues as a refreshing treat.
• Storage tips: Ensure to store the sorbet in an airtight container to prevent ice crystals from forming.
• Seasonal pairings: Enjoy it alongside a warm apple pie or pumpkin dessert for a delightful contrast.

FAQ

Conclusion

This Cranberry Sorbet is truly a refreshing way to enjoy the flavors of fall, combining the tartness of cranberries with a touch of citrus. It’s so easy to make and perfect for any occasion. I encourage you to give it a try—your taste buds will thank you!

Cranberry Sorbet

Craving something refreshing and fruity? Try this homemade Cranberry Sorbet—the perfect blend of sweet and tart. It's easy to make and a fantastic addition to your fall desserts. Enjoy a scoop of vibrant flavor tonight!

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Servings: 4 servings

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 120

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• 1 ½ cups Cranberries fresh or frozen (not dried)
• 1 cup Water
• ¾ cups Sugar
• ½ orange Grated Zest of an orange
• ½ lemon Grated Zest of a lemon
• ½ cup Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice plus more to taste
• ½ cup Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice plus more to taste
• 2 teaspoons Grand Marnier Cointreau or Triple Sec would work here too

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Blender
• Frying pan
• Grater
• Wooden Spoon
• Mixing Bowl

Method

 

1. In a medium, non-reactive saucepan, warm cranberries, water, sugar, orange zest, and lemon zest over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, let bubble for one minute, remove the pan from the heat, cover, and let steep for 30 minutes.
2. Add the cranberry mixture to a blender, and blend until smooth. Pour the cranberry puree through a fine mesh basket strainer into a large bowl (preferably with a pour spout). Stir in orange juice, lemon juice, and Grand Marnier. Continue to add lemon juice to taste. The sorbet should be nice and tart. Keep in mind that the flavors will dull a bit after freezing. Add additional orange juice if you add too much lemon juice. Don't add more than ½ cup additional juice.
3. Cover the bowl and chill the sorbet base for at least three to four hours, or until very cold.
4. Freeze sorbet in an ice-cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Transfer sorbet to an airtight container and chill in the freezer for two to three hours.

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Meet Brooke Davis

I’m all about cozy, comforting food made with fresh, local ingredients. I develop most of our weeknight dinners and heartier main dishes. My specialty is taking a classic comfort food and giving it a bright, California twist. We all cook and test together, but I’m usually the one in charge of the main event and making sure every recipe is perfect.