Sour Beer Sherbet: Tart, Creamy, and Packed With Bright, Fruity Funk

This Sour Beer Sherbet is a cool, tangy blast of berry and citrus with just enough cream to smooth the edges. Made with real strawberries, a splash of sour ale or fruited gose, and a whisper of vanilla, it’s the frozen lovechild of sherbet and a fruit beer slushie.

It’s bold, refreshing, and exactly what to serve when “ice cream” feels too safe.

Ingredients (Makes ~1 quart)

For the Sherbet

• 2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries (hulled)
• ⅔ cup sour beer (fruited sour, gose, or Berliner Weisse — look for strawberry, raspberry, or citrus)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup whole milk or half-and-half
• 1 tbsp lemon or lime juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Optional Add-Ins

• Zest of 1 lemon or orange
• 1 tbsp corn syrup (for smoother texture)
• 1 tbsp vodka or fruit liqueur (to soften scoopability)

Instructions

Blend the Base

• In a blender, combine strawberries, beer, sugar, citrus juice, vanilla, and salt. Blend until smooth.
• Add milk and blend again briefly to combine.
• Taste and adjust — you want tart, sweet, and balanced. Chill mixture for at least 2 hours (or until very cold).

Churn & Freeze

• Churn in an ice cream maker until it reaches a soft-serve consistency (about 20 minutes).
• Transfer to a freezer-safe container. Cover and freeze for 4+ hours, or until scoopable.

No-Churn Option

• Pour blended base into a loaf pan or shallow dish.
• Freeze for 1 hour, then stir vigorously with a fork. Repeat every 30–45 minutes for 3–4 hours until smooth and firm.

Serving Suggestions

Serve With

• Shortbread cookies or graham crackers
• Sour beer caramel or lemon syrup drizzle
• Fresh berries or candied citrus slices

Make It a Float

• Scoop into a glass and top with more sour beer or lemon soda
• Add a splash of sparkling wine or Aperol for a next-level spritz vibe

Garnish With

• Mint sprigs or basil leaves
• Crushed freeze-dried berries
• Sea salt flakes or hop sugar rim

Beer Pairing

In the Sherbet

• Fruited sour (strawberry, raspberry, cherry, etc.)
• Gose with citrus or berry additions
• Berliner Weisse with tropical or stone fruit

In Your Glass

• Same beer as in the base
• Brut IPA or dry saison for bubbly contrast
• Strawberry lambic or tart cider for full fruit overload

Final Thoughts

Sour Beer Sherbet is bright, unexpected, and totally addictive — a grown-up frozen treat that doesn’t pretend to be subtle. It’s fruity, tart, and tinged with just enough cream to keep you coming back with a big spoon.

Best enjoyed outside, in the sun, with a sour in hand. Cheers to bright fruit, tart beer, and sherbet with an edge! 🍓🍺❄️

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