Rainbow Sherbet Punch

There are certain recipes that instantly take you back, and rainbow sherbet punch is one of those for me. This is exactly the kind of punch I remember seeing at bridal showers and baby showers with my mom in the late ’80s and early ’90s.

A big punch bowl, colorful sherbet floating on top, and those little cups everyone somehow managed to fill without spilling.

I actually made this recipe twice because I wanted it to look as good as it tastes. Rainbow sherbet has several colors, and once you start stirring all of them together, they eventually turn into a not-so-pretty color. The punch still tastes perfectly good, but if you want that pretty pink, orange, and green sherbet floating on top, add the liquids first and the sherbet last and serve it right away.

This easy rainbow sherbet punch is made with just three main ingredients: pineapple juice, lemon-lime soda, and rainbow sherbet. It is sweet, fruity, fizzy, and perfect when you need a simple party punch for a shower, birthday, holiday, or family gathering.

Ingredients for Rainbow Sherbet Punch

• 48 ounces rainbow sherbet – One 1.5-quart container.
• 2 liters lemon-lime soda, chilled – I used Sprite.
• 48-64 ounces pineapple juice, chilled
• Fresh fruit, paper umbrellas, or colorful straws, optional for serving

A Note About the Pineapple Juice

Pineapple juice comes in a surprising number of container sizes. You may find a 46-ounce can, a 52-ounce carton, or something else entirely.

You do not need to make yourself crazy trying to hit an exact number. Anywhere from 48 to 64 ounces works well for this punch. Use the smaller amount for a sweeter, fizzier Sprite sherbet punch and add more pineapple juice if you want more fruit flavor or need a little extra volume.

For a really large punch bowl or party, you can also double the recipe.

How to Make Rainbow Sherbet Punch

Pour the chilled lemon-lime soda and pineapple juice into a large punch bowl and give them a quick stir.

Scoop the rainbow sherbet over the top of the punch. You can use large scoops or several smaller scoops so there is sherbet throughout the bowl.

Serve immediately, adding fresh fruit or other garnishes if desired.

As the sherbet starts to melt, it creates the creamy, foamy top that makes old-fashioned sherbet punch so good.

Punch Bowl vs. Pitcher

I tested this both ways, and the punch bowl wins.

The first time, I put the sherbet into a pitcher and poured the liquids over it. It tasted fine, but all those sherbet colors mixed together pretty quickly and the punch wasn’t nearly as pretty.

There is also a practical problem with a pitcher: the sherbet doesn’t pour neatly through the spout. I ended up scooping sherbet into each glass first and then pouring the punch over it.

A punch bowl lets everyone scoop up a little sherbet along with the drink, and you can keep those colorful scoops floating on top much longer. Mine is technically closer to a large salad bowl, but it fits my table better and works perfectly.

Make Party Punch Right Before Serving

This is not one I would assemble an hour before everyone arrives.

The soda starts losing carbonation, the sherbet melts, and eventually those pretty rainbow colors begin blending together and turn brownish green. It doesn’t hurt the flavor, but it definitely loses the fun look that makes rainbow sherbet punch worth putting in the middle of the table.

You can chill the soda and pineapple juice ahead of time. Then, when you’re ready to serve, pour everything into the bowl and add the sherbet.

Easy Party Serving Idea

For individual glasses, scoop a little sherbet into each cup and ladle or pour the punch over the top. I like adding colorful paper straws and little drink umbrellas, especially for summer parties or showers.

Fresh strawberries also look pretty alongside all those sherbet colors, but they’re completely optional. The punch already has plenty going on without adding anything else.

More Punch Recipes

If you love an old-fashioned party punch, try my Lime Sherbet Punch or this bright and bubbly Sparkling Citrus Punch next.