Sorbet bliss: making frozen delights with your blender or juicer

Transform your kitchen into a sorbet wonderland 

Sorbet, everyone’s favourite frozen treat, is a global sensation thanks to its vibrant colours and refreshing flavours. Unlike creamy ice cream or gelato, sorbet is dairy-free, making it a lighter and healthier option. At its core, sorbet is all about simplicity – just frozen fruits blended into a smooth, icy delight that’s naturally sweet and tangy.

Homemade sorbet has been making waves, thanks to all the blenders and cold press juicers now available on the market. Both these machines let you whip up sorbet from scratch in seconds, using fresh ingredients and without needing to be a culinary expert. This trend shows how people are keen to take charge of their diets and enjoy homemade alternatives to store-bought desserts.

The charm of homemade sorbet goes beyond how easy it is to make. Creating your sorbet at home means you can make it to your tastes and dietary needs. You can also play around with different fruits, tweak sweetness levels, and even add herbs or spices for a twist.

In this article, we’ll explore the art of making sorbet using blenders and cold press juicers. We’ll cover techniques, share recipes and go through the benefits of each. Whether you’re looking to expand your dessert range, or after something sweet, mastering homemade sorbet offers a world of delicious possibilities.

Sorbet essentials

At its heart, sorbet is made from just three essential ingredients: fruit, sweeteners and water. The fruit is where all the flavour and colour come from – think juicing berries, zesty citrus or tropical goodies like mango and pineapple. A touch of sweetener, like sugar or honey, balances out the tartness, while water or fruit juice turns everything into a smooth, icy blend. For those who like to get fancy, you can even mix in herbs like mint, spices like ginger, or even a splash of something fun like champagne for extra flair.

What sets sorbet apart is its texture. It’s not creamy like ice cream or rich like gelato, instead, it’s smooth with a slightly grainy feel that melts in your mouth. Plus, you don’t need to churn it or add air, making it a breeze to whip up.

Sorbet also wins on the dietary front. Since it’s dairy-free and fat-free, it’s perfect for anyone who’s lactose intolerant, vegan, or just watching their calorie intake. With all the fruit, it’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a treat that’s super nutritious.

Blender sorbet basics

Whipping up sorbet at home with a blender is super easy and a total game-changer when you need a quick dessert. Blenders are kitchen rockstars that can turn frozen fruit into a smooth sorbet in no time. With just a few ingredients and some simple steps, you’ll have a tasty, healthy treat that’s tailored just the way you like it.

You’ll need a few essentials to get started. A high-powered blender like the Optimum 9400X, Optimum G2.6 Slim Platinum Series, or Optimum 9200A 2nd Generation works best. Grab some freezer-safe containers to store your sorbet and have a knife and cutting board handy for prepping your fruit. A baking tray and parchment paper or a silicone mat will help with the freezing process.

Getting your fruit ready

Start by picking out your favourite ripe fruits – think strawberries, mangoes, bananas, peaches or berries. Make sure they’re perfectly ripe to get the sweetest and best-tasting sorbet. Give them a good wash, then peel, core and chop them into small pieces. Next, line a baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Spread the fruit pieces out in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch to avoid clumping. Pop the baking tray in the freezer and let the fruit freeze for at least four hours or until completely solid.

Blending your sorbet to perfection

To get started, make sure your blender is clean and dry – ideally, use a high-powered one like the Optimum 9400X, Optimum G2.6 Slim Platinum Series, or Optimum 9200A 2nd Generation that can handle ice and frozen fruits like a boss. Toss the frozen fruit into the blender jug. If you want an extra-smooth texture, let the fruit sit out for a few minutes to soften a bit.

Next, add your sweetener – whether it’s honey, agave syrup, or sugar – start with a little and adjust to taste. Pour in a splash of water, fruit juice, or coconut water to make the blending easier. Blend everything on high and use the tamper tool to push the fruit towards the blades. Keep blending until the mixture turns smooth and creamy. If your sorbet is too thick, add a bit more liquid. If it’s too runny, throw in a bit more frozen fruit.

Delicious sorbet combos

For a classic strawberry sorbet, blend frozen strawberries with a splash of lemon juice and a drizzle of honey. If you’re craving a tropical twist, mix frozen mango chunks with a splash of lime juice and a hint of chilli powder for a little kick. For a berry blast, combine frozen blueberries, raspberries and blackberries with a drizzle of agave syrup and a few fresh mint leaves. Or try something unique with peach basil by blending frozen peach slices with fresh basil leaves and a splash of orange juice for a refreshingly different flavour.  

With these steps and tips, you’ll be whipping up your own tasty sorbet right in the comfort of your kitchen with your blender. It’s not just a healthy, dairy-free treat, but also a chance to get creative with flavours and different combinations.

Cold press juicer sorbet

Cold press juicers, or masticating juicers, are the go-to for extracting juice while keeping all those precious nutrients and flavours intact. They work slower than centrifugal juicers, which means less heat and oxidation. This makes them perfect for making the most delicious sorbet from frozen fruits. Instead of high-speed blades, cold press juicers use a pressing mechanism that gives the sorbet a smoother, more refined texture. The result? A delicious, nutrient-packed treat that bursts with vibrant fruit flavours.

Here's what you’ll need to whip up sorbet with a cold press juicer. A powerful cold press juicer like the Optimum H3000 2nd Generation or Optimum 600M, some frozen fruit, freezer-safe containers, a knife and cutting board, a baking tray, and parchment paper or a silicone mat.

Prepping frozen fruit

To get your fruit ready for freezing, first pick out ripe, juicy fruits like berries, mangoes, peaches or bananas. Make sure they’re perfectly ripe to get the best results. Give them a good wash, peel, core and chop them into small, even chunks. Spread the fruit pieces out on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat, making sure they don’t touch. Put the baking tray into the freezer and let the fruit freeze solid for at least 4 hours.

Cold press sorbet magic

First things first, get your cold press juicer like the Optimum H3000 2nd Generation or Optimum 600M ready by assembling it with the blank strainer as per the user manual. Make sure everything’s squeaky clean and dry before you start.

Next, pull out your frozen fruit and let it sit for a few minutes to soften up just a bit. Then start your juicer and feed the fruit pieces into the juicer one at a time, using the pusher to help them along. The juicer will work its magic, pressing the fruit and turning it into a smooth, creamy sorbet. As your fruit gets processed, the sorbet will collect in the pulp cup. Now, eat and enjoy the sweet sorbet deliciousness.  

Sorbet flavour fusions

Making sorbet with a cold press juicer lets you explore endless flavour options. For a sweet and tangy treat, try mixing frozen peaches with a hint of vanilla and a squeeze of lime. If you’re in the mood for something exotic, combine frozen pineapple with coconut water and a touch of ginger. For a berry burst, mix frozen raspberries and blueberries with a splash of apple juice and a few mint leaves. Or, create a refreshing twist with frozen watermelon, a dash of mint and a splash of cucumber juice. Mix and match these ideas to find your perfect sorbet blend.

Making sorbet with a cold press juicer is a breeze, offering a smooth, creamy treat packed with vibrant fruit flavours. Thanks to the juicer’s slow pressing action, you get a nutrient-rich sorbet that’s both delicious and easy to prepare. With just a few ingredients and some frozen fruit, you can create refreshing flavours to your taste. Enjoy the simplicity of making your own homemade sorbet.

Sorbet showdown

When it comes to making sorbet, using a blender or cold press juicer will give you different results. Blender sorbet tends to have a chunkier texture with more ice crystals, while cold press juicer sorbet is smoother and finer thanks to its slow pressing action, which keeps air and ice crystals to a minimum.

Flavour wise, the cold press juicer comes out on top by preserving the natural taste and nutrients of the fruit better. It works more gently on frozen fruits, resulting in a fresher and more vibrant sorbet. On the other hand, blenders make sorbet quicker and will save you time.

Ultimately your choice depends on what you value more. If you’re after the smoothest sorbet with the best flavour and don’t mind a bit more assembly, go for the cold press juicer. If you want something quicker and easier, the blender is your best bet. 

Let the flavour fun begin

Whipping up sorbet at home with a blender or a cold press juicer is a win for your taste buds and your health. Blenders are your go-to for a quick, easy treat with a slightly coarser texture, while cold press juicers deliver a velvety smooth sorbet, locking in all those natural flavours and nutrients.

The fun really begins with the endless flavour possibilities. Mix and match fruits, from tangy berries and tropical mangoes to zesty citrus and juicy peaches. Don’t shy away from trying out herbs, spices or a splash of something stronger for a special twist.

Dive into the world of homemade sorbet and let your creativity shine. Whether you’re blending or pressing, making sorbet is a delightful adventure that lets you enjoy fresh, homemade frozen treats all year round.

Curious to see sorbet being made with a blender or cold press juicer? Check out our videos for more recipes and inspiration.