
On sweltering days nothing cools me off quite like a homemade mango sorbet. It is so easy to whip up with just a blender and some very ripe mangoes and always feels like a bright tropical treat right from my own kitchen. Whether you are dairy-free vegan or just craving fruit this recipe delivers pure mango flavor in every scoop.
I always make a batch the moment I spot beautiful ripe mangoes. The first time I made it my family devoured every bite and nobody missed the store bought stuff.
Ingredients
- Ripe mangoes: Make up the base and give this sorbet its bold tropical taste. Always look for fruit that smells fragrant and gives just slightly when pressed
- Sugar: Bumps up the sweetness and keeps the sorbet scoopable. Adjust if your mangoes are extra sweet or tart
- Fresh lime juice: Provides zing and balances the mango’s richness. I like using plump juicy limes for the most liquid
- Salt: A pinch brightens all the natural fruit flavors. Use a fine sea salt to dissolve easily
- Optional vodka: Helps keep the texture soft and creamy without leaving alcohol flavor. Choose a neutral vodka if using
Step by Step Instructions
- Peel and Prep the Mangoes:
- Slice both ends off each mango then stand the fruit on one end and cut away the peel with downward strokes. Cut the flesh off each side then chop it into rough chunks. Try not to nibble too many pieces while working.
- Blend to a Smooth Puree:
- Add the mango chunks to your blender along with sugar lime juice and salt. Blend on high until the mixture is silky smooth and completely uniform. Scrape down the sides as needed so no pieces remain.
- Taste and Fine Tune:
- Dip in a spoon to check the flavor. Add a bit more sugar if your mangoes are tart. This is a good time to blend in the vodka if you want extra smooth sorbet.
- Chill the Mixture:
- Pour the blended mixture into a bowl or container and place it in the refrigerator for two hours. This step makes the sorbet freeze faster and helps flavors meld.
- Freeze the Sorbet Mixture:
- If you are not using an ice cream maker spread the chilled mango base in a shallow metal pan. Freeze and stir with a fork every half hour breaking up any ice until firm about three hours. With an ice cream maker pour in and churn as the machine suggests usually under half an hour.
- Final Firm Freeze:
- Scoop the churned or stirred sorbet into an airtight container. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface and pop it back in the freezer for two hours or until fully set.
- Serve:
- Let the sorbet sit at room temp just long enough to soften for those perfect creamy scoops. Dive in and enjoy alone or with your favorite toppings.

I cannot resist using champagne mangoes when I can find them since their floral sweetness is unreal. My kids still talk about the time we taste tested three different mango varieties for this sorbet just to pick their favorite.
Storage Tips
Keep mango sorbet in a shallow airtight container so it freezes evenly and is easy to scoop. For best texture eat within a week though it will keep longer. Press plastic wrap right on the sorbet’s surface to block freezer burn or icy bits. If your freezer runs especially cold let the sorbet rest on the counter for a few minutes before scooping.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap out mango for other juicy tropical fruit like ripe peaches or pineapple though flavor will vary. In place of sugar agave syrup or honey work too if you adjust to taste. If you skip the vodka the sorbet will be just a touch firmer but still delicious.

Serving Suggestions
This sorbet is delicious on its own but try serving in chilled dishes with a sprinkle of toasted coconut or a dash of chili salt for a spicy kick. It also makes an amazing side for coconut cake or mini pavlovas. Sometimes I scoop it into little cones for a fun party treat.
Cultural Context
Mangoes are celebrated in so many tropical cuisines and sorbets are a classic way to showcase their full juicy flavor. In India and Southeast Asia both mango ice creams and sorbets are traditional summer desserts that beat the heat. This recipe is my tribute to sun ripened fruit and the universal joy of a cold treat on a hot day.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make mango sorbet without an ice cream maker?
Yes, simply freeze the blended mixture in a shallow metal pan, stirring every 30 minutes until firm and smooth.
- → How do I keep the sorbet texture soft?
Adding a tablespoon of vodka to the mixture helps prevent the sorbet from freezing too hard, making scooping easier.
- → What’s the best way to store homemade mango sorbet?
Store in a shallow airtight container and press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to avoid ice crystals.
- → Can I adjust the sweetness level?
Absolutely! Taste after blending and add more sugar if your mangoes aren’t sweet enough.
- → Does lime juice affect the flavor?
Lime juice brightens the mango flavor, balancing the sweetness with a subtle tang.
- → Is this suitable for vegans and anyone avoiding dairy?
Yes, this mango sorbet contains no dairy or animal products, making it vegan-friendly and entirely plant-based.