Bubbilicous Grape

The Bubbilicous Grape is a party punch designed for volume and fun, not serious mixology. It brings together sweet grape soda, creamy rainbow sherbet, and a double dose of fruit liqueurs for a vibrant, nostalgic flavor. This drink is a go-to for casual gatherings where guests want something easy to drink, fruity, and refreshingly sweet. It’s a crowd-pleaser for those who enjoy a playful, low-fuss beverage at a backyard BBQ or a big celebration.

Bubbilicous Grape

4.30 from 10 votes

Calories: 192kcal

Prep Time: 3

Total Time: 5

Ingredients

▢ 2 Litre(s) Grape Soda
▢ 1 Gallon(s) Rainbow Sherbert
▢ 0.5 Bottle(s) Peach Liqueur
▢ 1 Cup(s) Grape Schnapps

Instructions

▢
Open sherbert and dump the entire package of it into a punch bowl. Add grape soda. southern comfort and grape pucker. Stir. and serve out.

Estimated Nutrition:

Calories: 192kcal (10%)Carbohydrates: 21g (7%)Sugar: 20g (22%)

Where it came from

The Bubbilicous Grape is a modern party punch, almost certainly born in a home kitchen rather than behind a bar. It belongs to the broad category of ‘sherbet punch’ recipes that gained popularity at potlucks and family gatherings across North America from the late 20th century onwards. It is designed for easy assembly and mass appeal, typically served at events where a large, sweet, and lightly boozy drink is the order of the day.

This punch sits firmly in the ‘big batch’ cocktail family, alongside other crowd-pleasers like the Jungle Bird punch or a classic Rum Punch. What sets the Bubbilicous Grape apart is its reliance on sherbet for both texture and cooling, combined with the specific, intensely sweet fruit profile of grape and peach liqueurs and soda. It leans heavily into a nostalgic, candy-like flavor profile.

You will not find a Bubbilicous Grape on a craft cocktail menu. This is a drink for backyard cookouts, college parties, or any casual gathering where a festive, easy-drinking option is needed. It is a perfect fit for events where people want to sip something sweet and fun without much thought, rather than dissecting complex flavors.

What it tastes like

Expect a full-frontal assault of sweet grape, softened by the creamy, tangy notes of rainbow sherbet. The initial sip delivers a fizzy grape candy essence from the soda, quickly followed by the rich, melting texture of the sherbet. Peach liqueur adds a layer of stone fruit sweetness through the mid-palate, while the grape schnapps reinforces the dominant grape flavor into a smooth, sugary finish. It is unapologetically sweet and fruity.

Given its substantial volume of soda and sherbet, the Bubbilicous Grape clocks in at a very mild alcohol content, around 1.4% to 2% ABV for the entire batch. This means a typical serving is closer to a lightly spiked soft drink than a standard beer or a single mixed cocktail. It is a party punch designed for enjoyment over an extended period without quickly overwhelming guests with alcohol.

The technique

Building this punch is straightforward. Start by spooning the entire gallon of rainbow sherbet into a large punch bowl. Next, pour in the grape soda, followed by the peach liqueur and grape schnapps. Stir everything gently until the ingredients are well combined and the sherbet begins to break down and swirl into the liquids. Serve immediately to maintain the fizz and the creamy sherbet texture.

The most critical technique for this type of punch is managing the temperature and dilution. Since the sherbet provides a significant cooling effect and slowly melts, avoid adding regular ice directly to the punch bowl, as it will quickly over-dilute the drink. Instead, keep the punch bowl chilled in a larger ice bath, or use frozen fruit or a large ice ring to maintain temperature without excessive watering down.

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Ingredient Spotlight

The bottles that make or break this drink.

Rainbow Sherbet

Use: A good quality, multi-fruit rainbow sherbet will provide the best visual appeal and flavor complexity, with citrus and berry notes complementing the grape.
Skip: Regular ice cream will make the punch too heavy and milky. Sorbet lacks the creamy texture that is key here.
Why: Sherbet is load-bearing for this drink’s unique texture, contributing a creamy, fizzy melt that differentiates it from a simple soda and spirit mix.

Grape Soda

Use: Any popular brand of grape soda, such as Fanta Grape, Crush Grape, or Welch’s Grape Soda, will work well. The carbonation and bold grape flavor are key.
Skip: Grape juice will result in a flat, overly syrupy drink lacking the essential fizz. Diet grape soda often leaves an artificial aftertaste.
Why: Grape soda provides the primary flavor profile and the crucial carbonation, making the drink lively and refreshing.

Three Variations

Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.

Tropical Twist

A vacation in a bowl.: Swap grape soda for pineapple soda, rainbow sherbet for orange or lime sherbet, and use coconut rum instead of peach liqueur for a sunnier vibe.

Berry Burst

Red fruit explosion.: Use a mixed berry soda or cranberry soda, raspberry sherbet, and a berry liqueur or Chambord for a different fruity profile.

Spiked Lemonade

Tart and refreshing.: Replace grape soda with lemonade or lemon-lime soda, use lemon or lime sherbet, and add a shot of vodka or gin for a zesty, brighter punch.

What if I don't have…

Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.

No Peach Liqueur?

Peach schnapps is a good direct substitute. For a less sweet option, use a splash of peach juice with a neutral spirit like vodka.

No Grape Schnapps?

Grape vodka or a plain vodka with a little grape juice concentrate can mimic the flavor and alcohol content.

No Rainbow Sherbet?

Any fruit sherbet will work, changing the flavor profile. Vanilla ice cream can substitute for creaminess but will result in a much heavier, milkier drink.

No punch bowl?

A large beverage dispenser or multiple pitchers can handle the volume, though the presentation will be different.

Frequently Asked Questions

Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.

What is in a Bubbilicous Grape?

The Bubbilicous Grape contains grape soda, rainbow sherbet, peach liqueur, and grape schnapps.

Is Bubbilicous Grape alcoholic?

Yes, it contains peach liqueur and grape schnapps, giving it a mild alcohol content.

How do you make Bubbilicous Grape?

You combine rainbow sherbet in a punch bowl with grape soda, peach liqueur, and grape schnapps, then stir gently and serve.

What kind of sherbet should I use?

Rainbow sherbet is specified, but any fruit-flavored sherbet that complements grape and peach flavors would work.

Can I make this ahead of time?

It is best made just before serving to preserve the carbonation from the soda and the texture of the melting sherbet.

What type of glass should I use?

Any festive, sturdy glass or plastic cup suitable for a party punch works well.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version?

Yes, simply omit the peach liqueur and grape schnapps for a sweet, fizzy, and creamy grape sherbet punch.

Is this drink very sweet?

Yes, with grape soda, sherbet, and two fruit liqueurs, the Bubbilicous Grape is designed to be quite sweet and fruity.

From the Drink Lab catalogue

Drink Lab has been collecting cocktail recipes since 2013. Some we wrote ourselves, plenty came in from readers, and the rest got passed across a bar somewhere along the way.

Last updated May 8, 2026 · 1 min read