Pairings & Pours: Tart & Tipsy

Sophisticated cocktails starring raspberry sorbet: from Tajin-rimmed margaritas to Italian Limoncello floats

If The Dinner Bell is a love letter to food, Pairings & Pours is the handwritten note tucked in the wine bottle. Each week, I uncork a story, a pairing, and a moment to savor, from vineyard visits to spirited cocktails, non-alcoholic options, and seasonal drinks that bring the week’s recipe to life. Join me for a pour, a pairing, and something extra.

Raspberry Sorbet Margarita

Now here's where things get fun! I'm giving Sunday's raspberry sorbet the same elevated treatment as that popular Fizzy Scoop Tipple I shared a couple of weeks back—you know, the one with spirit-spiked strawberry ice cream, effervescent soda, and fragrant basil that had everyone asking for more.

Here's what I love about raspberries—that bright, tart flavor is like the perfect wingman for cocktails. It plays beautifully with classic pairings but isn't afraid to get adventurous either. Today, I'm showcasing raspberry sorbet as the star ingredient in a sophisticated margarita that'll completely change how you think about sorbet cocktails.

Classic Pairings

Prosecco or Champagne offer effervescent elegance that makes any day feel like a celebration, while Moscato d'Asti provides honeyed sweetness that won't overpower the delicate fruit. But honestly, why stop there when adventure awaits?

Adventurous Pairings

Limoncello Float - Float a generous scoop in a small glass with a splash of limoncello for an Italian-inspired digestif that marries citrus brightness with berry tartness. It's like summer vacation in a glass.

Provence Rosé - A bone-dry rosé creates a sophisticated contrast that'll make you feel très chic, especially when served alongside dark chocolate shavings (because we're fancy like that).

Featured Pairing

Raspberry Sorbet Margarita - Here's my newest creation: a sophisticated twist on the classic margarita that combines tequila with raspberry sorbet and Chambord for a drink that's both refreshing and indulgent. The Tajin-sugar rim adds the perfect balance of spice and sweet (no extra salt needed since Tajin has it covered).

P.S. I originally planned for a coconut rum twist but got inspired by

Betty Williams

' month of Mexican food and margaritas. So I switched to tequila and crafted this drink instead—perfect for Memorial Day gatherings and cooling down in the heat!

Raspberry Sorbet Margarita

Serves 1

For the rim:

• Equal parts Tajin and sugar

• Fresh lime wedge for rimming

For the cocktail:

• 2 oz white/silver tequila

• 2 scoops of raspberry sorbet

• 1/2 oz Chambord (raspberry liqueur)

• 1/2 oz fresh lime juice

• Ice for the shaker

• Crushed ice for a glass

• Lime wheel for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the rim: Mix equal parts Tajin and sugar on a flat plate. Run a lime wedge around the exterior and interior rim of your glass, then dip it into the spice mixture to coat.

2. Make the cocktail: In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, raspberry sorbet, Chambord, and lime juice with ice. Shake vigorously until well mixed and the sorbet is incorporated.

3. Serve: Fill your rimmed glass with crushed ice and strain the mixture into the glass. Garnish with a lime wheel.

Chef's Note: The sorbet melts as you drink, creating a beautiful gradient and evolving flavor profile. The Tajin rim provides a delightful contrast to the sweet-tart cocktail—it's like a frozen margarita's sophisticated cousin.

Raspberry Sorbet Margarita

Raspberry Sorbet Margarita Ingredients

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Cheers to weekend sipping and the perfect match of fruit and spirits! 🍹

Get the complete raspberry sorbet recipe in Sunday's Dinner Bell!