Refreshing Mint Julep Sorbet Cups with Bourbon Ice
A cool, sophisticated summer dessert combining fresh mint sorbet with sharp bourbon ice cubes for a refreshing and indulgent treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- Fresh mint leaves (about 1 cup, packed)
- Granulated sugar (1 cup)
- Water (1 cup) for simple syrup
- Fresh lemon juice (2 tablespoons)
- Light corn syrup (2 tablespoons, optional)
- Bourbon whiskey (1 cup)
- Water (1 cup) for bourbon ice
- Simple syrup (½ cup)
- Fresh mint sprigs (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Make the Mint Simple Syrup: Combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, add fresh mint leaves, and let steep for 20 minutes. Strain out the leaves and cool the syrup completely.
- Prepare the Sorbet Base: In a blender, combine 1 cup of the cooled mint syrup, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons light corn syrup. Blend until smooth. Transfer to the ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions until sorbet reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- Freeze Sorbet: Spoon the sorbet into a freezer-safe container, cover, and freeze for at least 2 hours to firm up before serving.
- Make the Bourbon Ice: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup bourbon, 1 cup water, and ½ cup simple syrup until well combined. Pour the mixture into ice cube trays or silicone molds and freeze overnight until solid.
- Assemble the Sorbet Cups: Just before serving, place a scoop of mint sorbet in each dessert cup. Add a few bourbon ice cubes on top or alongside the sorbet. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy the contrast of cold sorbet and bourbon ice melting together for a refreshing treat that’s both sweet and spirited.
Notes
If you don’t have an ice cream maker, freeze the sorbet base in a shallow container and stir every 30 minutes until smooth. Dilute bourbon with water to freeze properly. Let sorbet sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before scooping if too icy. Prepare mint syrup ahead and store in fridge up to a week. Add bourbon ice just before serving to maintain texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup per serv
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 34
- Sodium: 5
- Fat: 0.2
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 0.3
Keywords: mint julep, sorbet, bourbon ice, summer dessert, refreshing dessert, mint sorbet, bourbon dessert, easy dessert