Can I make this sorbet alcohol-free?

Yes, omit the bourbon and replace with more lemon juice or apple cider for a kid-friendly version.

Why add alcohol to sorbet?

A splash of bourbon keeps the sorbet scoopable and adds depth of flavor.

25 September 2025

Jeni’s Hot Toddy Sorbet 🍋🥃 (Cozy Winter Refreshment)

Name: Jeni’s Hot Toddy Sorbet 🍋🥃 (Cozy Winter Refreshment)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 480 ml Water; 150 g Granulated sugar; 60 ml Honey; 120 ml Lemon juice, freshly squeezed; Lemon zest (finely grated); 60 ml Bourbon; 1 g Ground cinnamon; Pinch of ground cloves

JojoM adapted from Jeni Britton Bauer

A spirited winter sorbet from Jeni Britton Bauer—bright lemon and honey balanced with bourbon and a touch of spice for a refreshing yet warming scoop.

A Cozy Winter Scoop ❄️🍋🥃

When the weather turns chilly, nothing warms the spirit quite like a hot toddy. But what if you could enjoy those same flavors in frozen form? Enter Jeni’s Hot Toddy Sorbet—a refreshing yet cozy dessert that transforms the classic winter cocktail into a scoopable treat.

This sorbet combines bright lemon juice, golden honey, and a splash of smooth bourbon, balanced with a touch of spice from cinnamon and cloves. The result is a dessert that’s light, zesty, and soothing all at once—perfect for holiday gatherings or a festive palate cleanser after a rich meal.

Why You’ll Love This Hot Toddy Sorbet 💛

Seasonal & Festive: Inspired by the beloved hot toddy cocktail, this sorbet is a unique way to enjoy winter flavors.
Bright & Balanced: Lemon adds tang, honey adds sweetness, and bourbon deepens the flavor.
Refreshing Twist: Unlike heavy winter desserts, this sorbet feels light yet indulgent.

Tips for the Best Sorbet 📝

✨ Use a good-quality bourbon for a smooth, warming finish.
✨ Adjust the honey to balance the tartness of the lemon.
✨ For a festive look, serve scoops in small glasses and garnish with a cinnamon stick.

Perfect for the Holidays 🎄

This sorbet makes a brilliant holiday dessert, whether served on its own, as a playful cocktail-inspired course, or as a refreshing end to a cozy winter meal. Imagine serving it between courses at Christmas dinner—it’s elegant, surprising, and memorable.

Make It Your Own 🍯🍎

If you’d like an alcohol-free version, simply skip the bourbon and replace it with extra lemon juice or apple cider. You’ll still get that comforting hot toddy vibe in a family-friendly form.

Final Thoughts ✨

Jeni Britton Bauer’s Hot Toddy Sorbet captures everything we love about the classic drink—zesty lemon, soothing honey, warm spice, and a kick of bourbon—and freezes it into a scoop of pure winter magic. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just want a cozy treat to brighten a cold evening, this sorbet is a must-try.

Jeni’s Hot Toddy Sorbet 🍋🥃 (Cozy Winter Refreshment)

JojoM adapted from Jeni Britton Bauer

A spirited winter sorbet from Jeni Britton Bauer—bright lemon and honey balanced with bourbon and a touch of spice for a refreshing yet warming scoop.

Jeni’s Hot Toddy Sorbet 🍋🥃 (Cozy Winter Refreshment) image

Prep Time

15 mins

Cook Time

10 mins

Total Time

25 mins

Servings

Chef's Tips

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.

Tools Used

Medium Saucepan Whisk Ice Cream Maker

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Ingredients

Scale

USMetric

Scale

Instructions

Cook the Syrup

1
In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, honey, cinnamon, and cloves.
2
Simmer over medium heat until sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes.
3
Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice and zest.

Chill & Churn

1
Cool mixture completely in the refrigerator.
2
Stir in bourbon before churning.
3
Pour into ice cream maker and churn until smooth and frozen.
4
Transfer to a container, press parchment against surface, and freeze at least 4 hours.

Comments & Reviews

Marco
9/13/2025
Loved this! Tastes just like a frozen hot toddy cocktail.
Chloe
7/22/2025
Perfect palate cleanser for a holiday dinner—refreshing yet warming at the same time.
Daniel
6/18/2025
Such a fun grown-up sorbet. The bourbon and honey balance beautifully with the lemon.

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Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1/2 cup (about 100 g)

Calories 160

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 0g0%

Saturated Fat 0g0%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 0mg0%

Sodium 5mg0%

Total Carbohydrates 38g14%

Dietary Fiber 0g0%

Sugars 34g

Protein 0g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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Jeni’s Seasonal & Special Releases: Limited-Time Scoops

Celebrate the seasons with Jeni Britton Bauer’s limited-edition flavors—Pumpkin 5-Spice, Cranberry Royale Sorbet, Sweet Potato with Torched Marshmallows, Sun-Popped Corn, Savannah Buttermint, and Hot Toddy Sorbet.

7 recipes • Updated 9/27/2025

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