A super tangy and refreshing lime sorbet recipe that is simple to make and only uses a few fresh ingredients. There’s no ice cream maker required, but you can use one if you like to make this limey sorbet recipe.

three ice cream cones with a scoop of lime sorbet

WHY YOU’RE GOING TO LOVE THIS RECIPE

It’s refreshing, tangy, and it reminds me of a frozen margarita – non-alcoholic, of course. It’s perfect sweet treat for a hot summer day.
This lime sorbet recipe uses a few simple ingredients, including fresh lime juice, and it’s ready in a few short hours. If you don’t count the water, its a 3-ingredient lime sorbet.
You don’t need an ice cream maker to make this lime sorbet recipe, but you can if you like.

Love frozen treats? You might like this Watermelon Sorbet recipe. Pineapple Ice Cream is also simple to make and refreshing. For a creamier version, make this Lime Sherbet.

INGREDIENTS IN LIME SORBET

Water – Water helps add to the texture and balances out the lime and sugar.
Sugar – Adds sweetness. We haven’t tried this sorbet with a sugar substitute yet. Let us know in the comments if you use a sugar substitute.
Lime Juice – Fresh limes are the star of this easy sorbet recipe! And adds all the flavor that your taste buds will love.
Lime Zest – The zest of the limes adds additional flavor to this simple recipe.

If you have any questions about the ingredients, please leave a comment below.

collage of 4 photos showing the steps to make lime sorbet

HOW TO MAKE LIME SORBET

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the water and sugar, and boil until the sugar dissolves and it starts to thicken, about 3 minutes. This is your sugar syrup which starts your sorbet base.
Remove from heat and allow the syrup to completely cool.
Once cool, stir in the lime juice and lime zest.
Pour the mixture into a 9×5 metal baking pan or an ice cream container.
Freeze until firm (about 4 hours), stirring with a fork every thirty minutes for the first 3 hours. This is important. Don’t skip this step if you aren’t using an ice cream machine.
Store covered in the freezer for up to 3 months. Enjoy any time of the year! It’s especially refreshing on hot days.

These numbered steps match the numbered photos above and are for illustration purposes only. Please see the printable recipe card below.

HOW TO STORE LIME SORBET

Store this lime sorbet in the freezer-safe container in an airtight container (we love these reusable ice cream tubs) with a piece of parchment paper or wax paper pressed on top for up to 3 months. The wax paper helps prevent ice crystals

TIPS FOR MAKING HOMEMADE LIME SORBET

Stirring – Stirring the lime sorbet every thirty minutes adds air to the sorbet, making it smoother and easier to scoop.
Limes – You can use key limes in this lime sorbet recipe.
Tartness – If you like it more tart, increase the lime zest to 2 tablespoons.
Icy Sorbet – If the lime sorbet is too icy, allow it to soften for 20 minutes, add it to a food processor, process and refreeze.
Don’t skimp on the sugar – Sugar not only adds sweetness to homemade sorbets, it also helps with the texture and helps prevent sorbets from being too icy.
Scooping it – If the sorbet is too firm to scoop, allow it to sit on the counter for 15-20 minutes, or until it softens enough to scoop.

three ice cream cones with scoops of lime sorbet in each

HOW TO MAKE LIME SORBET IN AN ICE CREAM MACHINE

This homemade lime sorbet recipe works well in ice cream makers. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for sorbets and then cover tightly and freeze until you’re ready to serve.

MORE HOMEMADE SORBET RECIPES:

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