Woodchuck Draft Cider Sorbet
Thursday, June 17, 2010 at 1:16PM in Ice Cream, Scoopapalooza, beverages, desserts, recipes, snack, vegan Sorbet is one of the easiest things you can make. It’s true! There’s no mixing cream and eggs, and doing all of those ice creamy type things. It’s pretty much just your main ingredient--the star of the sorbet, and most likely some sugar or other sweetener, and usually a touch of lemon juice. Most often, we see sweet fruit sorbets (Or chocolate--chocolate’s good too!), which are a nice alternative to ice creams, gelatos and sherbets. Sorbet doesn’t have cream or fats in it, so if you’re looking to have a frozen dessert without dairy or fat, sorbet is the way to go. It’s also a great dessert idea if you’ve got vegan friends.
Sorbet is smooth, unlike a slush or granita--those have a more chunky or icy texture. They can be sweet--but also savory. Typically, a savory sorbet would be served between courses for a palate cleanser. Some that I’ve seen are tomato, beet, roasted red pepper, and fresh green pea sorbet--but I’m sure there are tons more. In some cases, a bit of alcohol is added to a sorbet to keep it smooth and prevent a hard chunk of ice. Which brings me to…
Sorbets made with alcohol. Think frozen cocktails! What about a Bloody Mary sorbet as a savory choice? Have fun and experiment!
My favorite cider is Woodchuck, made right next door to me, in Vermont. It’s clean, crisp, slightly sweet--and refreshing, and just look at the flavors they have! When Heather and I started Scoopapalooza, I knew right away that I’d make a sorbet with their cider. It’s local, right? Vermont and New Hampshire are small, so Woodchuck doesn’t have to travel very far to get to me. Nice!
Like I said, this is ridiculously easy to make. Three ingredients, that’s it! I figured since the cider is slightly sweet, it didn’t need much sugar, so I kept that pretty light. Add a touch of lemon juice as a contrast to the sweet, and you’re done. Well, you still have to freeze it, obviously. But that’s not hands on work, so there’s more simplicity.
Woodchuck Draft Cider Sorbet
2 (12 oz) bottles of ice cold Woodchuck Cider
2 tbsp sugar (If you've got superfine or castor sugar, it's especially good here for dissolving quickly.)
1 tbsp lemon juice
-In a medium bowl, whisk the cider, sugar and lemon juice.
NOTE: When you add the sugar to the cider, it'll foam up a bit. Don't worry, it won't turn into Bob the Blob and take over your kitchen. Though, that may be kinda fun, yes? He’s cute!
-Whisk all of this until the sugar is completely dissolved. Taste at this point to see if you need to adjust the sweetness.
-If you don't think it's cold enough, refrigerate it for a couple of hours. If it's nice and cold, go ahead and freeze according to manufacturers instructions for your ice cream maker.
This took 35-40 minutes to get really good and sorbet-ish in my ice cream maker.
*Transfer sorbet to a container with a tight fitting lid, and pop it in the freezer to firm up a bit more. As with any homemade frozen dessert like this or ice cream, it'll need that extra time to set, or it'll be like soft serve ice cream.
If you don’t have an ice cream maker, just whisk it all together, pour it into a shallow container and freeze. After it’s frozen, break it up into chunks and toss them into the food processor or blender till it’s smooth-but work quickly to prevent too much melting.
Store any leftovers in a container in the freezer.
- This is so cold and refreshing--and more importantly, mouthwatering!
- It’s a great light dessert after a cookout, while sitting on the deck and chilling out.
- Super easy to make, so make a lot and have a party! But please do keep in mind that it has alcohol in it. So be aware and remember the saying: friends don’t let friends have too much sorbet and drive. ;)
Elle | Print Article | Share Article | Email Article | 23 Comments tagged dessert, draft cider, frozen, new england, recipe, sorbet, vermont, woodchuck cider
Reader Comments (23)
I'm trying to pick my jaw up off my keyboard right now. You have put two of my favorite things together and its simple brilliance! I cannot wait to make this... THANK YOU!!!
-Laura :)
Thank you so much! I'm happy to help. :)
Elle, you got me curious about Woodchuck so I went to the website and sent a msg asking where in RI can I buy it. They have a recipe section and are looking for reader submissions - send yours!!
Jane
I love that I don't need an ice cream maker for this recipe. My spirits-loving friends will adore this treat!
Jane--thank you for suggesting that! I've actually already been contacted by them, and they're going ahead and adding it to their site. :)
Jenious--Yes--I love that this one can be made both ways. Everyone can enjoy it!
Thanks for stopping by!
I love this, and I'm going to try it with the their Limited Release Summer Cider. Seems like a good fit to me. Thanks!
I'm going to try it with that one, too, Joe. Please let me know how you like it? Thanks!
I stand by my marriage proposal. And I am definitely going to make this to celebrate our new patio furniture. Because new patio furniture needs proper celebrating and what better way than one of my favorite fizzy beverages.
This is genius.
Wow, that comment came out all kinds of weird!
I have new patio furniture. And I want something breezy and fun to eat while watching lightning bugs. And this sounds like just the right thing, especially now that it is officially summer.
Okay, weird comment-leaver is out of your hair now. Need I repeat how much I love your blog?
What a refreshing summer treat!
I love Woodchuck Cider. They tweeted your recipe so I am going to try it. But probably with pear or raspberry cider (if I can get it).
This is completely brilliant. I love love love love LOVE cider and this is such a great way to summer it up! Must make soon!
Elle I am totally in love with this!!! Love Woodchuck! Funny now, especially since we have a woodchuck living under our porch.
You can make so many delicious food. I admire you very much.I like delicious food.
That sorbet sounds just divine! I love the ease of making sorbet, which reminds me, I don't make it often enough, I need to start experimenting! Thanks for the inspiration. :)
That looks gorgeous. I wonder what the alcohol content of the finished sorbet is?!!
I've had limited success with sorbets...they seem to turn out too grainy for me. I gave up last year an made a granita instead, which i kinda like a very icy sorbet. I figured my sorbets were icy anyway, so I may as well embrace it.
Might be worth another go, though. After all, it is summer in Britain. It's been sunny for two days straight now. Actually, come to think of it, summer might be over now....
WOW. My friend just emailed me this link, and if it weren't 8:30am, I'd be rushing home to make some!
I occasionally make granita with leftover prosecco or cava and a simple syrup, but never thought to try it with cider. This is a great idea!
Mmm, cider + mmm, sorbet = MMMMMMMM! I'm going to try it with a big bottle of Scrumpy, too, since it's what I tend to keep in the fridge.
There's only one thing to say about this dessert...fabulous!
Just found your post on the Kitchn. I adore Woodchuck cider! It's coming home with me on our next liquor store run so I can make some sorbet.
I found this recipe via Pinterest and finally made it. Amazing! I love that you don't cook off the alcohol so there's still a little kick to the sorbet! Thanks for an awesome idea.
Thank you, Shannon! i appreciate your feedback--I'm glad you liked the sorbet. It's a favorite of mine!
Perfection Elle!
The other day I saw a recipe for a white wine sorbet which looks really delicious
This is one to put on the list of recipes to try!