
A bright sorbet with honey, citrus, and warming spirit notes inspired by the structure of a hot toddy.
Use good-quality bourbon for the best depth of flavor.
Adjust honey to balance tartness of the lemon.
Serve with a cinnamon stick garnish for a festive touch.
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In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, honey, cinnamon, and cloves.
Simmer over medium heat until sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes.
Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice and zest.
Cool mixture completely in the refrigerator.
Stir in bourbon before churning.
Pour into ice cream maker and churn until smooth and frozen.
Transfer to a container, press parchment against surface, and freeze at least 4 hours.
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Everything you want to know about this recipe.
This sorbet keeps the idea of a hot toddy but translates it into something lighter and colder. Citrus provides the top note, honey softens the edges, and the spirit gives the flavor its warming suggestion rather than actual heat.
Because there is no dairy, every flavor reads more directly. That means the citrus and honey balance needs to be right before churning, or the final scoop can feel either too sharp or too flat.
Alcohol should stay restrained here. Too much weakens texture quickly, while a small amount gives the sorbet a more aromatic finish and keeps it aligned with the drink inspiration.
Serve it in small scoops after a rich meal or as part of a winter dessert spread. It is especially useful when you want something seasonal that is not cream-heavy.
Sorbet like this should be churned only until smooth and softly frozen. If the mix goes in warm or the alcohol level is too high, it can stay slushy instead of setting into a clean scoop.
The honey should round out the lemon rather than dominate it. Taste the base before chilling so the final sorbet still feels bright enough to read as citrus-first.
This works well on its own, but it also makes a good palate cleanser between heavier holiday desserts. Serve small portions and let it sit briefly before scooping for the best texture.
Because the flavor is fairly direct, use fresh citrus juice if possible. Bottled juice can flatten the edges of the sorbet and make the honey read sweeter than intended once everything is frozen.
Serving Size: 1/2 cup (about 100 g)
* Reference intakes are based on an average adult's 8,400 kJ / 2,000 kcal diet. Your needs may be higher or lower.
Yes, omit the bourbon and replace with more lemon juice or apple cider for a kid-friendly version.
A splash of bourbon keeps the sorbet scoopable and adds depth of flavor.
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3 ratings
How would you rate this recipe?
Loved this! Tastes just like a frozen hot toddy cocktail.
Perfect palate cleanser for a holiday dinner—refreshing yet warming at the same time.
Such a fun grown-up sorbet. The bourbon and honey balance beautifully with the lemon.
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