Rainbow Sherbet Punch is a vibrant, creamy, and fizzy drink that combines scoops of colorful sherbet with fruit punch and lemon-lime soda. It’s a nostalgic party favorite that’s perfect for birthdays, baby showers, holidays, or any festive gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This punch is incredibly easy to make, visually stunning, and always a crowd-pleaser. The sherbet creates a frothy, creamy texture that blends perfectly with the fruity base, while the soda adds just the right amount of fizz. It’s customizable, kid-friendly, and can even be spiked for adults.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Rainbow sherbet
- Lemon-lime soda (such as Sprite or 7UP)
- Fruit punch or a mix of fruit juices (like pineapple juice and orange juice)
- Optional: ginger ale, limeade, or sparkling water
- Garnishes: maraschino cherries, citrus slices, fresh mint
Directions

- In a large punch bowl, pour in chilled lemon-lime soda and fruit punch or juice blend.
- Just before serving, add scoops of rainbow sherbet to float on top.
- Stir gently if desired, or leave as-is for a layered effect.
- Garnish with cherries, citrus slices, or fresh mint.
- Serve immediately with a ladle or in individual cups.
Servings and timing
Serves: 20–30
Prep time: 5–10 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes
Best served immediately for maximum fizz and visual appeal.
Variations
- Use orange, lime, or strawberry sherbet for themed colors or different flavors.
- Mix in pineapple juice, limeade, or even cranberry juice for a flavor twist.
- Add Prosecco, vodka, or rum for an adult version.
- Use sparkling water or diet soda for a lighter version.
- Pre-scoop sherbet and freeze in muffin tins for easy serving.
storage/reheating
Rainbow Sherbet Punch is best served fresh. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days, but the soda will lose its fizz and the texture may become flat. Do not freeze.
FAQs
What makes sherbet punch frothy?
The sherbet reacts with the carbonation in soda, creating a foamy, creamy texture.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can mix the juice and soda in advance, but add sherbet just before serving.
Is sherbet different from ice cream?
Yes, sherbet contains less fat and includes fruit juice, which helps it blend smoothly in drinks.
Can I make it sugar-free?
Yes, use diet soda and sugar-free juices or sparkling water.
What soda works best?
Sprite, 7UP, or ginger ale are classic choices that pair well with fruity flavors.
Can I spike the punch?
Yes, vodka, rum, or Prosecco are great additions for adult gatherings.
Can I use sorbet instead of sherbet?
Yes, sorbet will work and is a great dairy-free alternative.
How do I keep it cold at a party?
Serve in a chilled punch bowl and keep extra sherbet scoops frozen until ready to add.
What fruits are best for garnish?
Cherries, citrus slices, pineapple, and mint leaves work beautifully.
Can I make single servings?
Yes, simply add soda and juice to a glass, top with a scoop of sherbet, and serve.
Conclusion
Rainbow Sherbet Punch is a festive, flavorful drink that’s both nostalgic and incredibly easy to make. With its fizzy, fruity, and creamy layers, it’s sure to bring fun and color to any party or celebration. Make a big batch and watch it disappear—this punch is always a hit!
PrintRainbow Sherbet Punch
Rainbow Sherbet Punch is a vibrant, fruity party drink that layers scoops of colorful sherbet in sparkling punch for a fun and nostalgic refreshment.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes (plus serve time)
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage/Punch
- Method: Assembling, no-cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 quart rainbow sherbet (about 4 scoops each of orange, lime, raspberry)
- 1 liter lemon-lime soda, chilled
- 2 cups pineapple juice, chilled
- 1 cup orange juice, chilled
- Fresh berries or citrus slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large punch bowl, place scoops of rainbow sherbet (arranged by color if desired).
- Pour pineapple juice and orange juice over the sherbet scoops.
- Slowly drizzle lemon-lime soda over the top to avoid breaking up the sherbet too quickly.
- Let the punch sit for a few minutes to allow flavors to meld and sherbet to soften.
- Garnish with fresh berries or citrus slices, if using.
- Serve immediately with ladle and punch cups, scooping sherbet with the drink.
- When serving runs low, refill gently with soda or juice to maintain level of sherbet and fizz.
Notes
- For adults, add a splash of vodka or rum to the liquid before pouring soda.
- Use fruit juices and soda well-chilled for best frothy effect.
- Serve immediately—the soda will gradually flatten as sherbet melts.
- Use any color variation of sherbet to match party themes.
- To make ahead: freeze scoops on a tray, then add soda and juice just before guests arrive.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 15 mg
- Fat: 1 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg