Kiwi Grapefruit Sorbet – made with water, sugar, honey, grapefruit juice, kiwi, grapefruit zest, and vodka for a refreshingly tart and sweet summer treat.
Don’t let this one slip away — pin it now and thank yourself later!
Don’t let this one slip away — pin it now and thank yourself later!
As pretty much every great story begins, I found myself wandering the aisles of the grocery store without a plan, just letting the colorful produce inspire me. That’s when I noticed kiwi and grapefruit sitting side by side, almost calling out for attention. It was fate – I grabbed a handful of each and headed home, curious to see what kind of culinary magic I could whip up.
When I got home, they sat together in the fruit bowl, looking like they were ready for their big debut. Sorbet immediately came to mind – it’s hot, it’s easy, and hello, we all need an excuse to dust off the ol’ ice cream maker, right? A few scoops in, with those delightful kiwi seeds crunching and the zing of grapefruit dancing on my tongue, I knew this was the kind of treat I’d be making again (because let’s face it, this “portable” air conditioner isn’t cutting it).
Oh, and if you’re thinking this is one for the grown-ups, you’re spot on – though, let’s give the kids some credit. When I was little, I loved anything out of the ordinary, so maybe they’ll surprise you too.
Why You’ll Love This Kiwi Grapefruit Sorbet
● It’s refreshing with a nice balance of tart grapefruit and the subtly sweet kiwi.
● Those little kiwi seeds give it a fun texture and a pop in every bite.
● It’s easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
● Vodka isn’t just for fun; it keeps your sorbet smooth and scoopable directly from the freezer.
Ingredient Notes
This sorbet is made with just a handful of ingredients, but each one plays an important role in balancing the flavor and texture.
- Grapefruit Juice: Freshly squeezed is a must here! It provides that tart, zesty punch that makes this sorbet so refreshing.
- Kiwis: The sweetness and texture are key, especially those awesome little seeds that add a bit of crunch.
- Honey: Adds a natural sweetness and depth of flavor, complementing the tartness of the grapefruit.
- Vodka: Keeps the sorbet from becoming too icy. Don’t worry – you won’t taste it!
How To Make This Kiwi Grapefruit Sorbet
Making this sorbet is as easy as blending, chilling, and freezing. Let’s walk through it step by step!
- Step 1: Combine the water, sugar, and honey in a small pot over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Transfer this mixture to a large bowl and refrigerate it while prepping the rest.
- Step 2: Blend the kiwis with the grapefruit juice and zest until smooth. Stir this mixture with the chilled sugar mixture and add the vodka.
- Step 3: Let the mixture chill in the fridge for a couple of hours, then freeze in your ice cream maker according to its instructions. You can enjoy it soft or freeze it for a firmer texture.
Storage Options
Store your kiwi grapefruit sorbet in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two weeks – though, let’s be real, it’s so good it probably won’t last that long! To serve, just let it sit on the counter for a minute or two to soften slightly for perfect scoops.
Variations and Substitutions
If you’re feeling creative, here are a few ways to mix things up:
- Swap the grapefruit: Try orange or blood orange juice for a sweeter spin on this recipe.
- Add herbs: A touch of fresh mint or basil blended in with the fruit would add a beautiful fragrance and flavor.
- Make it kid-friendly: Skip the vodka altogether and serve this as a simple, healthy treat for the whole family.
What to Serve with This Kiwi Grapefruit Sorbet
Don’t let this one slip away — pin it now and thank yourself later!
Don’t let this one slip away — pin it now and thank yourself later!
This vibrant sorbet pairs beautifully with light and summery dishes:
- Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins: A soft and citrusy muffin adds that sweet, cakey contrast to the tart sorbet.
- Crisp White Wine: For the adults, a chilled Sauvignon Blanc is the ultimate refreshing pairing.
- Fruit Salad: A medley of fresh summer fruits complements the tart and sweet flavors perfectly.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this without an ice cream maker?
A: Absolutely! Freeze the mixture in a shallow dish and stir every 30 minutes until it’s fully frozen for a granita-like texture.
Q: Can I use store-bought juice instead of fresh grapefruit juice?
A: Fresh juice is highly recommended for the best flavor, but store-bought can work in a pinch. Just make sure it’s 100% juice without added sugar.
Q: Can I replace the vodka with something else?
A: If you want to skip the alcohol, substitute with more grapefruit juice or water. Just note the texture may be slightly firmer.
Kiwi Grapefruit Sorbet
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) water
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (85 g) honey
- 2 cups (480 ml) freshly squeezed grapefruit juice from about 3 grapefruits
- 3 kiwis peeled and chopped
- 1 tbsp (6 g) grapefruit zest
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) vodka
Equipment
- Small pot
- Blender
- Ice cream maker
- Large Bowl
Instructions
- Warm the water, sugar and honey in a small pot over medium heat until the sugar is completely dissolved. Pour into a large bowl and put in the fridge to cool down while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
- In a blender, puree the kiwis with the grapefruit juice and zest. Add the fruit mixture and vodka to the sugar mixture, stir to combine. Put this back in the fridge for a couple of hours to cool completely.
- Freeze according to your ice cream maker's instructions. Either serve straight out of the machine (it will be a little soft), or freeze until ready to serve.
