Strawberry Lemonade Sorbet

A 3-ingredient dessert you have to try this summer

Strawberry Lemonade Sorbet with Florida's Natural

A 3-ingredient dessert you have to try this summer. This Strawberry Lemonade Sorbet is made with Florida’s Natural Lemonade with Strawberry, a touch of maple syrup, and lemon juice. That’s it! It’s bright, sweet, and refreshing—the perfect warm-weather treat.

Why You'll Love This Sorbet

It’s no secret that summer desserts are all about balancing flavor and chill factor, and this one hits both. This Strawberry Lemonade Sorbet is:

Made with just 3 ingredients
Naturally sweet and tangy
Dairy-free and vegan-friendly
Quick to prep and freezer-friendly

Best of all? The flavor is powered by real lemonade, thanks to Florida’s Natural Lemonade with Strawberry. It’s made with real ingredients and delivers a bright, fruit-forward taste that truly shines in this sorbet.

Whether you're lounging by the pool or planning a weekend BBQ, this sorbet adds a refreshing, gourmet-quality touch to your table. Plus, it's a total crowd-pleaser — even kids love it!

Ingredients

Here’s all you need:

Florida’s Natural Lemonade with Strawberry (about 1 to 1.5 cups total)
2 tablespoons maple syrup
2 teaspoons lemon juice

Optional: Garnish with a slice of lemon, a few fresh strawberry slices, or mint leaves before serving.

How to Make It

Step 1: Freeze the Lemonade Cubes

Pour about 1 cup of Florida’s Natural Lemonade with Strawberry into an ice cube tray and freeze until solid (about 4–6 hours or overnight).

Step 2: Blend the Sorbet

Add your lemonade cubes to a food processor along with:

2 tablespoons maple syrup
2 teaspoons lemon juice
A splash more of Florida’s Natural Lemonade with Strawberry

Pulse until the cubes start to break down, then blend until smooth. You can add an extra splash of lemonade if the mixture needs help blending.

Step 3: Freeze to Set

Transfer your blended sorbet into a container and smooth the top with a spatula. Freeze for at least 2–3 hours, or until scoopable.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Use an ice cream scoop to portion into bowls or cones, garnish with lemon zest, fresh berries, or mint, and enjoy immediately!

Deep Dive into Flavor Pairings

Strawberry and lemon are a classic duo for a reason. The citrus from the lemonade brings a zesty, bright flavor that balances the natural sweetness of strawberries. By using Florida’s Natural Lemonade with Strawberry, you essentially shortcut your way to a perfectly balanced sorbet.

Here’s why this pairing works so well:

Acidity vs. Sweetness: Lemon brings tartness that cuts through the fruit sugars.
Aromatic Complexity: Strawberries have subtle floral notes that shine when paired with citrus.
Versatility: This flavor combo pairs well with herbs like mint, basil, or even thyme.

Try These Flavor Enhancements:

Add a small handful of fresh basil or mint leaves to the food processor.
Mix in frozen raspberries for a deeper berry flavor.
Swirl in a ribbon of honey after blending for a visual and textural treat.

Pair it with shortbread cookies, lemon bars, or serve as a palate cleanser between savory courses. The possibilities are endless!

More Detailed Ingredient Substitutions

Want to make it your own? Here are a few easy swaps and additions:

Lemonade: While the Florida’s Natural Lemonade with Strawberry is the star, their classic lemonade or lemonade with raspberry would also work great.
Maple Syrup: Can be swapped with honey (for a floral touch), agave (for a smoother finish), or even simple syrup if needed.
Lemon Juice: Lime juice adds a different zing and pairs beautifully with strawberry. You could even try orange or grapefruit juice for a twist.
Add Fruit: Toss in frozen strawberries, raspberries, or even mango for a more textured sorbet.

Nutritional Breakdown and Health Benefits

This sorbet isn’t just easy to make — it’s also a lighter dessert option compared to cream-based treats.

Estimated Nutrition Per Serving (based on 1/2 cup):

Calories: 70–90
Sugar: 12g
Fat: 0g
Protein: 0g
Vegan/Dairy-Free/Gluten-Free: ✔️

Health Highlights:

Hydrating thanks to the water content in both lemonade and strawberries.
Vitamin C boost from both lemon and strawberry.
Low-fat alternative to ice cream.
No artificial dyes or preservatives, especially when using Florida’s Natural.

Entertaining Tips for Serving

Whether you’re hosting a backyard party, picnic, or just want to treat yourself, this sorbet can easily be elevated:

Party Serving Ideas:

Mini Dessert Cups: Scoop the sorbet into small clear cups, add a tiny spoon, and garnish with a mint leaf.
Sorbet Floats: Add a scoop to a glass and pour in sparkling water or lemon-lime soda for a bubbly treat.
Tart Shells: Scoop the sorbet into mini tart shells and freeze again for an elegant hand-held dessert.
Fruit Boats: Hollow out half a watermelon or lemon and serve scoops inside.

Presentation Tips:

Pre-scoop and freeze for quicker serving.
Garnish with fresh berries or edible flowers for a pop of color.
Pair with citrusy cocktails or mocktails for a refreshing summer combo.

Behind-the-Scenes: Why I Love This Dish

This sorbet came together on a hot afternoon when I was craving something sweet but refreshing. I didn’t want to turn on the oven, didn’t want anything heavy, and definitely didn’t want to overthink it.

I had Florida’s Natural Lemonade with Strawberry in the fridge (it’s my go-to for summer hydration), and the idea hit — why not freeze it and make a quick sorbet?

What surprised me most was the texture — the frozen lemonade cubes blended into something creamy and smooth without any dairy. It reminded me of Italian granita but with a smoother, sorbet-like finish.

This dish is now my go-to for:

BBQs and cookouts
Easy desserts for guests
A treat to keep in the freezer just for me

It’s refreshing, it’s nostalgic, and it always gets compliments.

Tips for the Perfect Sorbet Texture

Achieving that dreamy texture doesn’t require an ice cream machine. Here are a few pointers:

Use a food processor, not a blender. The wider base and sharper blades help create a smoother consistency.
Don’t overdo the liquid. It’s tempting to add a lot when blending, but just a splash or two is all you need. Too much and you’ll have a slushy.
Freeze again to firm up. After blending, freezing for a few hours gives it that perfect scoopable texture.
Stir halfway if needed during the second freeze to keep the texture even.

Storage and Make-Ahead

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 week. For best texture, let it sit on the counter for 5–10 minutes before scooping.

You can also make this a day or two in advance for parties. Just blend, freeze, and scoop when it’s time to serve.

To prevent freezer burn, press a layer of parchment or wax paper directly on the surface before sealing the container.

Creative Variations and Flavor Twists

Make this recipe your own with some of these fun twists:

Berry Blast: Add frozen blueberries or raspberries.
Coconut Sorbet: Swap lemonade for coconut water and blend with a splash of vanilla.
Strawberry Lemon Mint: Add fresh mint to the blend for a garden-fresh upgrade.
Frozen Strawberry Margarita Sorbet: Add a splash of tequila and triple sec — adults only!

This base recipe is so flexible that it can be adjusted seasonally. In fall, try a cider sorbet with cinnamon. In spring, a cucumber lime variation could be refreshing!

FAQ: Your Sorbet Questions Answered

Can I use a blender instead of a food processor? Yes, but you may need to stir more frequently and add a little more liquid.

Can I make this without freezing the lemonade first? Technically yes, but freezing gives it that true sorbet texture. Otherwise, it’ll be more of a slush.

Can I make it sugar-free? You can use a sugar-free lemonade and swap the maple syrup for your favorite sugar-free sweetener.

How long does it last in the freezer? About 5–7 days is best for texture, but it’s safe to eat for longer.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re planning a summer gathering or just need a refreshing pick-me-up, this Strawberry Lemonade Sorbet delivers. It’s bright, bold, and made with ingredients you can feel good about.

Big thanks to Florida's Natural for making this possible. Their Lemonade with Strawberry is the star of the show, and I can’t wait for you to try this one.

You only need 3 ingredients, a little time, and one sweet craving. Let me know if you try it!