Sparkling Sherbet Citrus Punch

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A colorful and creamy punch combining sherbet and sparkling citrus juices for a festive, kid-friendly treat. This general-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 15 minutes brings together quart orange sherbet, liters lemon-lime soda, orange juice for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 160 calories and feeds 12, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Serves 12 160 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large punch bowl, scoop 1 quart orange sherbet and allow it to soften slightly at room temperature for 10 minutes to help it blend.
  2. Step 2: Pour 3 cups orange juice and 2 cups pineapple juice over the softened sherbet, gently stirring to combine the flavors without melting the sherbet completely.
  3. Step 3: Slowly add 2 liters lemon-lime soda, stirring gently to preserve the bubbles and create a light fizz.
  4. Step 4: Add 1/2 cup fresh orange slices and 1/4 cup drained maraschino cherries to the punch for color and fruity accents.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately with a ladle into glasses, making sure each serving has a scoop of sherbet and some fruit pieces.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sparkling Sherbet Citrus Punch take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.

How do I store leftover Sparkling Sherbet Citrus Punch?

Refrigerate any leftover sparkling sherbet citrus punch in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sparkling Sherbet Citrus Punch?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Sparkling Sherbet Citrus Punch for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Sparkling Sherbet Citrus Punch?

General cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.