Step 1

Pre-freeze the canister for your ice cream machine for at least 24 hours. I also like to pre-freeze the container where I will store my sorbet (a loaf pan, generally).

Step 2

Note: This simple syrup recipe makes about double the amount needed for raspberry sorbet. Save the rest for cocktails, soaking cake, or more sorbet! If you make half of this simple syrup recipe, be wary of the sugar not dissolving completely before it boils.

Step 3

In a small sauce-pot, combine sugar and water. Stir to incorporate and bring just to a boil.

Step 4

Remove your simple syrup from the heat, and cool it to room temperature. Refrigerate it before using.

Step 5

Consider first the amount of raspberry purée you will need. It takes about twice as many fresh raspberries as the desired volume of purée.

Step 6

Blend fresh raspberries with an immersion blender, traditional blender, food processor, or Nutribullet. Stop blending once the raspberries are broken up.

Step 7

Press the raspberries through a fine sieve with the back of a large spoon in order to catch the seeds. Transfer your purée to a container and refrigerate until you are ready to use it.

Step 8

If using fresh raspberries, prepare your raspberry purée. Whether your purée is store-bought or homemade, let it cool in the refrigerator. If your ingredients are cold it helps the sorbet to cool faster and be less icy.

Step 9

Combine the raspberry purée, lemon juice, and half of the simple syrup in a bowl. Whisk vigorously or immersion blend.

Step 10

Spin the combined ingredients in your ice cream machine according to the manufacturer's instructions. The sorbet is done when it starts to create ripples that hold and don’t just fall back into the mixture. This will seem like a ‘soft-serve’ texture, and it’s important to stop spinning at that point. If you over-spin your sorbet, it will be hard (and not soft) once it is frozen.

Step 11

Transfer the sorbet to a frozen container and cover the surface with plastic wrap. Freeze it for several hours or overnight. Honestly, it will be delicious immediately! I suggest trying at least one spoonful just to treat yourself!