Go Orange Recipe

Prepare sorbetto base

Combine fresh orange segments, simple syrup, lemon juice, and optional orange zest in a blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth, about 30–45 seconds.

Chill and freeze

Taste the purée and adjust sweetness with more simple syrup if needed. Place the purée in a shallow airtight container and freeze until edges are set, about 45 minutes. Stir with a fork to break up ice crystals, then freeze again for another 30–60 minutes until firm but scoopable. (Alternatively, churn in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer instructions until sorbet consistency is reached.)

Scoop and store

When sorbetto has reached a scoopable consistency, portion into a small bowl or tray. Keep frozen until ready to build the smoothie.

Combine base ingredients

In a blender add 2 cups fresh orange juice, 1 cup nonfat vanilla frozen yogurt, and 1 cup ice cubes. Blend on high until smooth and slightly frothy, about 30–45 seconds. If the mixture is too thick, add up to 1/4 cup additional orange juice and blend briefly.

Adjust texture and sweetness

Taste the smoothie. If you prefer it sweeter or more intensely orange, add 1 tablespoon of simple syrup or 1/4 cup additional orange juice and blend 10–15 seconds more.

Assemble with sorbetto

Pour the blended smoothie into a chilled 16- to 20-ounce glass, leaving space (about 2–3 tablespoons) at the top for the sorbetto. Top the smoothie with one or two scoops (about 1/3 to 1/2 cup) of the prepared orange sorbetto. The sorbetto will create a layered/frozen peak.

Garnish and serve

Garnish with an orange wheel or twist and a mint leaf if desired. Serve immediately with a straw and a long spoon to scoop the sorbetto.