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This lime sorbet recipe is a perfect summer treat with its refreshing and tangy flavor. With just three simple ingredients, it’s so easy to make.
Bonus! It’s not only light in calories compared to ice cream, it is dairy-free and vegan-friendly.

With its tangy, refreshing flavor, this sorbet is sure to cool you down on a hot summer day! This easy sorbet recipe is not too sweet or sour and will delight your taste buds! It takes just 3 ingredients and 3 minutes to prep!
Lime Sorbet
It’s amazing on its own, in a sugar cone, or as a margarita float – because why not? Or try this creamier Orange sherbet, too.
Why You’ll Love It

Ingredients and Substitutions
- Lime Juice – Freshly squeezed or store-bought in your grocery store’s produce or juice section. Use standard limes or Key Limes, your choice!
- Simple Syrup – Adds just the right amount of sweetness to sorbet. You can make your own by combining equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Cool to use.
- Water – Reduces the tartness and provides great consistency for this dairy-free treat.

Variations
- Zest – For even more lime flavor and a little texture, add the zest of 1-2 limes.
- Herbs – Chopped Mint or Basil is the perfect compliment to lime sorbet.
- Fruits – Fold in sliced strawberries or papaya, or tropical fruit.
- Whipped Cream – A dollop of whipped cream is always a good idea to top with!
How to Make
This is an overview. Visit the printable recipe card for complete ingredients + steps.
- Prep – If you’re starting from scratch, juice limes and make simple syrup (about 1.5 cups sugar and 1.5 cups water on a stovetop over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Allow to cool. Use 2 cups for this recipe.)
- Combine – Combine lime juice, simple syrup, and water in a loaf pan.
- Freeze – Freeze overnight or approximately 8 hours.

How to Squeeze Fresh Limes
- Citrus Juicer Attachment – Affix to your KitchenAid Mixer. Cut lemon into half. Turn mixer on 2 or 4 and press lime on attachment with a bowl underneath to capture the juice.
- Citrus Squeezer – Cut lime in half, place one half in the citrus squeezer and squeeze over a pitcher or a bowl.
- By Hand – Roll lemon firmly on counter to soften. Slice lime in half. Squeeze over bowl multiple times, pressing a spoon to release any remaining juice if needed.

Tip
Allow the sorbet to soften for 5 minutes at room temperature before scooping.
Serving Suggestions
- Make a Sorbet Mimosa for a delicious cocktail!
- Or, try serving in this Mojito Float.
How to Store
Freeze – Store in a freezer-safe container or cover securely in plastic wrap. Double wrap in a freezer bag to store for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! The same steps apply – juice the fruit, make the syrup, add water, then freeze.
You don’t need an ice cream machine to make this recipe! All you need is a loaf pan!
Of course! You can add ingredients like lime zest for texture or coconut milk for extra creaminess!
Absolutely! All you need to do is prep the sorbet, then freeze for at least 8 hours!
Yep! Lime juice, sugar, and water are all low fat!
Yes! Corn syrup is a great substitute for simple syrup if you have it on hand!


Lime Sorbet
Ingredients
- 1 cup lime juice
- 2 cups simple syrup
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- In a loaf pan or small baking dish, mix ingredients.
- Freeze overnight.
Tips
- Allow the sorbet to soften for 5 minutes at room temperature before scooping.
- Store in a freezer-safe container or cover securely in plastic wrap. Double wrap in a freezer bag to store for up to three months.
Nutrition Information
Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.
Jules says
Used this recipe as a base but blitzed a bad of frozen mango chunks to one batch and 3/4 kiwis to the other .. also added some grated zest to the mango sorbet. Taste and adjust as you go to get the balance of sharp/ sweet right for you.
Going to experiment with orange/passion fruit!
Freezing your metal dish first for even ten minutes will speed up the freezing process
Julie Blanner says
Thanks for sharing, Jules!
Barbara Hill says
Surprisingly easy to make. I was tired,wanted to get to bed so made it quickly.’
I’d suggest letting it unfreeze a little before scooping it so it is ‘snowy’ rather than ‘icy’. You don’t need a large serving either as it is very refreshing and sharpish. I added one teaspoon of finely grated lime rind to texture it a little.
The following day I made some candied lime slices to garnish it and served it in tall glasses.
Little effort,big result!
Julie Blanner says
Mmmmm! Love that idea! I agree…great notes!
Laurie Mills says
have you ever tried adding tequila to this before/after freezing? I make a rum summer slush, but this sounds like it would be fantastic with some tequila added to it!
Julie Blanner says
Why not? I make a float with tequila, but mix it in and make it a slush. Cheers!
Hannah says
This is the first time I ever tried a lime sorbet and I loved it! It was so good!
Lisa says
Hello love your blog!
Julie says
Thank you, Lisa! Have a beautiful day!