Rainbow Sherbet Punch

This Rainbow Sherbet Punch is your fast pass to being the fun one at the party. Fizzy, fruity, and topped with swirls of colorful sherbet, it’s the kind of drink that makes people say, “Wait, YOU made this?!” Whether you’re planning a baby shower, birthday, or just need an excuse to serve something magical—this punch is it. Keep scrolling, because you’re about to become everyone’s favorite host.

Punch recipes are always a hit with my readers—and for good reason! Don’t forget to check out the full collection of drink recipes to find even more crowd-pleasers. Craving something with a kick? Try my go-to fruit punch cocktail!

close up of a glass filled with punch and sherbet ice cream with fresh fruit garnish

“I use a store brand frozen concentrate, Hy-Vee. I use rainbow sherbet and seven up or squirt. The combination that’s my personal favorite is cherry flavored concentrate and raspberry flavored sherbet with seven up and float a bag of frozen pitted dark sweet cherries. This recipe has been a tradition since growing up and family reunions and birthday parties. I just turned 51, so long time. but it never goes out of style.” – Tonia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: This drink comes together in under 10 minutes and is a show stopper!
  • Make-Ahead: Scoop out the frozen treat in advance and keep stored in the freezer for when party guests arrive.
  • Only 4-Ingredients: That is all you need to whip up this party favorite recipe.

Can we all agree that this sherbet punch with sprite and pineapple juice, or at least some form of it, was served by all of our grandparents? My grandma would make this for any and every occasion, and we would drink it in giant gulps. Something about the melting creamy sherbet mixed with fruit punch and soda wins, at least in my book.

My grandma would stick with lime sherbet, sprite, and pineapple juice. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to find lime sherbet in AGES which means we have slightly adapted the recipe to include some of our favorite flavors: fruit punch, pineapple, and bubbly ginger ale. A triple win and much loved by our entire family.

single scoop of sherbet on white background

Ingredients You’ll Need

This punch is as easy as it is eye-catching. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a colorful, fizzy drink that steals the show at any party. Here’s what you’ll need to make the magic happen:

  • Fruit Punch – The bold, sweet base of the punch. Use your favorite brand or go for one with real fruit juice for extra flavor.
  • Pineapple Juice – Adds a tropical twist and balances out the sweetness of the punch.
  • Lemon-Lime Soda – Brings the fizz! Choose Sprite, 7UP, or any lemon-lime soda you like.
  • Rainbow Sherbet – The star of the show. Adds flavor, color, and that creamy swirl everyone loves.
  • Fresh Fruit (optional) – Toss in orange slices, cherries, or strawberries for a pretty pop and extra flavor.

That’s it! Just a few ingredients, minimal effort, and major wow-factor in every glass.

Jesseca, author of One Sweet Appetite.

This fruit punch recipe with sherbet is hands-down one of the most fun (and low-effort) drinks I’ve ever made. It’s bright, nostalgic, and always a crowd favorite—especially with kids and anyone who loves a little flair in their drink. Bonus points for how pretty it looks with basically zero effort.


Tip from Jesseca:

Scoop the sherbet onto a baking sheet and freeze it in advance. That way, you can drop in perfect, pre-frozen scoops without melting the whole bowl instantly.

Substitutions and Variations

Want to put your own spin on this party-perfect punch? Here are a few fun ways to mix it up:

  • No rainbow sherbet? Use any fruity sherbet you love—orange, raspberry, lime, or a combo of your own.
  • Swap the soda: Ginger ale or club soda can be used instead of lemon-lime for a different twist.
  • Make it boozy: Add a splash of vodka, rum, or sparkling wine for a grown-up version.
  • Try different juice combos: Instead of fruit punch, mix orange juice with cranberry or strawberry lemonade for a fresh flavor profile.
  • Make it dairy-free: Most sherbets are already dairy-free, but double-check if serving to guests with allergies.
  • Skip the fresh fruit: Totally optional, but great for adding color and texture—use what’s in season or what you have on hand.

With so many ways to customize, this punch can be as classic or creative as you want!

fruit punch being poured into a pitcher

How To Make Sherbet Punch

This fruit punch with rainbow sherbet comes together in just a few easy steps and looks like something straight out of a party dream. Here’s how to make it without breaking a sweat:

  1. Mix the base: Combine the fruit punch and pineapple juice in a large punch bowl or pitcher.
  2. Add bubbles: Pour in the lemon-lime soda right before serving to keep things fizzy.
  3. Scoop and float: Drop in mounds of rainbow sherbet—it’ll create those signature swirls on top.
  4. Garnish: Add fresh fruit for an extra pop of color and flavor (totally optional, but so pretty).

That’s it! A punch that looks over-the-top festive but takes less than 10 minutes to make.

Expert Tips

  • Pre-chill your juices and soda. Cold ingredients keep the punch refreshing without needing a ton of ice (which waters it down).
  • Scoop sherbet ahead of time. Place scoops on a baking sheet and freeze—this makes for quick assembly and less mess.
  • Add soda just before serving. It helps keep things bubbly and fresh for guests.
  • Serve in a clear punch bowl. The swirls of color from the sherbet make a big visual impact—let them shine!
  • Make it a float bar. Let guests add sherbet to their own cups for a fun, interactive twist.
  • Batch in smaller bowls if needed. Hosting a long event? Mix smaller batches throughout to keep the punch fresh and fizzy.

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

This punch is best served fresh, but you can still prep a few things ahead to make party day a breeze.

  • Make-ahead: Mix the fruit punch and pineapple juice up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge. Keep it sealed to lock in freshness.
  • Wait on the soda and sherbet: Add the lemon-lime soda and sherbet right before serving so you don’t lose the fizz or that creamy swirl.
  • Leftovers: While the fizz and sherbet won’t hold up well, you can refrigerate any leftovers and enjoy a sweeter, slightly slushier version the next day.

It’s a no-stress, high-impact recipe—perfect for easy entertaining!

glas filled with rainbow sherbet punch

Recipe FAQs

Can I make Sherbet Punch ahead of time?

You can mix the fruit punch and pineapple juice up to 24 hours in advance. Just wait to add the soda and sherbet until right before serving to keep it fizzy and fresh.

What kind of fruit punch should I use?

Any store-bought fruit punch works! Choose one you like the taste of, or go for one with real fruit juice for a less sugary option.

What if I can’t find rainbow sherbet?

No worries! Use any fruity sherbet—orange, lime, raspberry, or a combo works just as well.

Can I make this punch alcoholic?

Yep! Add a splash of rum, vodka, or champagne for a grown-up version. Just add the booze after the soda to keep the bubbles.

Do I need to add ice?

Not if your ingredients are chilled. If you want extra chill without dilution, use frozen fruit or freeze some of the juice in ice cube trays.

Will the sherbet melt too fast?

It starts to melt quickly, which is part of the magic! Scoop it in right before serving for those dreamy, colorful swirls.

top down photo of fruit punch with sherbet

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4.77 from 13 votes

Rainbow Sherbet Punch

Author Jesseca
Prep: 10 minutes
Total: 10 minutes
Serves: 10 servings
This Rainbow Sherbet Punch Recipe is filled with fruity flavor. Only 4 simple ingredients and a bold flavor that is sure to be the hit of any party or get-together!

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups fruit punch
  • 2 cups Pineapple juice
  • 1 liter lemon lime soda
  • 48 oz rainbow sherbet
  • Fresh fruit for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a large punch bowl or pitcher, pour in the fruit punch and pineapple juice. Stir to combine.
  • Just before serving, slowly pour in the ginger ale or lemon-lime soda. Stir gently to keep the fizz.
  • Scoop rainbow sherbet into rounded mounds and carefully place them on top of the punch. They’ll float and slowly melt, adding color and creamy flavor.
  • Add slices of fresh fruit like oranges, strawberries, or cherries for extra flair and flavor.
  • Ladle into cups and enjoy!

Notes

Optional: We like to mix the juices and soda in a large pitcher and serve the ice cream topping separately into each glass, as photo’d.

The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.

Course Drink Recipes
Cuisine American

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4.77 from 13 votes (11 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




5 Comments

  1. Tonia L Oliver says:

    5 stars
    I use a store brand frozen concentrate, Hy-Vee. I use rainbow sherbet and seven up or squirt. The combination that’s my personal favorite is cherry flavored concentrate and raspberry flavored sherbet with seven up and float a bag of frozen pitted dark sweet cherries. This recipe has been a tradition since growing up and family reunions and birthday parties. I just turned 51, so long time. but it never goes out of style.

  2. Susan McKissick says:

    What kind of fruit punch & how does it come packaged? Vague recipe.

    1. I find it inappropriate to review a recipe before you have even tried it. Not vague. In fact, the post clearly has a section where it talks about what type of fruit punch to use and includes the brand that we prefer. Pick the fruit punch brand that you like. I’ll be removing your review.

    2. 5 stars
      It says they use Simply Fruit Punch. The Simply line is my favorite for juices too. Delicious recipe, thank you!!

      1. Thank you, Heather! We are big fans of the Simply brand.

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