Raspberry Sherbet Punch

This Raspberry Sherbet Punch is a non-alcoholic party staple, a sweet, fruity crowd-pleaser that brings a touch of nostalgia. It’s easy to throw together for any gathering, offering a vibrant, fizzy refreshment without the booze. Expect requests for the recipe, especially from anyone with a sweet tooth or looking for a lighter option.

Raspberry Sherbet Punch

4.42 from 17 votes

Calories: 461kcal

Prep Time: 3

Total Time: 5

Ingredients

▢ .5 gal Raspberry Sherbet
▢ 2 Liter(s) Ginger Ale
▢ 33 oz Apple Juice

Instructions

▢
Combine ingredients in a large punch bowl and serve.

Estimated Nutrition:

Calories: 461kcal (23%)Carbohydrates: 111g (37%)Sugar: 106g (118%)

Punch

Where it came from

This kind of sherbet punch is a backyard barbecue and family gathering classic, not a bar menu item. Its origins are likely rooted in home entertaining guides from the mid 20th century, a simple and inexpensive way to serve a festive drink to a crowd. It’s the kind of thing you’d find at a baby shower or a kid’s birthday party, but adults often enjoy it just as much.

It sits squarely in the ‘party punch’ category, a close cousin to other non-alcoholic fruit and soda concoctions. Think of it as a step up from a basic fruit punch or a sparkling cider, with the sherbet providing a unique creamy texture that sets it apart from simpler fizzy drinks.

You won’t order this at a cocktail bar, but you’ll serve it at any event where you need a large batch, easy to make, and universally appealing drink. It’s ideal for potlucks, holiday brunches, or any casual get-together where a non-alcoholic option is appreciated.

What it tastes like

On the palate, this punch leads with bright, sweet raspberry, quickly followed by the crisp, slightly tart apple. The ginger ale adds a gentle effervescence and a subtle, warming spice on the finish, balancing the fruit. The sherbet melts slowly, giving the drink a pleasant, creamy body that lingers.

As prepared, the Raspberry Sherbet Punch is completely non-alcoholic. It contains zero ABV, making it a refreshing option for designated drivers, kids, or anyone avoiding alcohol. You could drink a gallon of this and still pass a sobriety test.

The technique

Building this punch is straightforward: grab your largest punch bowl, scoop in the raspberry sherbet, then pour in the chilled apple juice and ginger ale. Give it a gentle stir to combine the liquids without completely deflating the soda. Serve immediately with a ladle and plenty of glassware.

The single most important tip is to keep all your liquid ingredients thoroughly chilled before mixing. Adding warm soda to cold sherbet will cause it to melt too quickly and lose its fizz. A pre-chilled punch bowl also helps maintain temperature and prolong the sherbet’s creamy texture.

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Ingredient Spotlight

The bottles that make or break this drink.

Raspberry Sherbet

Use: Any decent brand of raspberry sherbet. The quality of the fruit flavor matters here.
Skip: Raspberry ice cream. It’s too heavy and fatty, turning the punch into a milkshake. Sorbet also misses the creamy texture.
Why: It’s the defining ingredient, providing the namesake flavor, a rich mouthfeel, and a visually appealing swirl as it melts.

Ginger Ale

Use: Standard ginger ale like Canada Dry or Seagram’s. Its mild ginger spice and sweetness are key.
Skip: Ginger beer. Its aggressive spice will overpower the delicate raspberry and apple. Club soda offers fizz but no flavor.
Why: Provides the necessary effervescence and a subtle counterpoint to the sweetness of the fruit and sherbet, preventing it from being cloying.

Three Variations

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

Adult Berry Punch

For a boozy kick: Add 10-12 oz of vodka or white rum to the punch bowl for an adult-friendly version. Adjust to taste.

Tropical Sherbet Punch

A sunny twist: Swap the apple juice for pineapple juice and use a lime or orange sherbet for a more tropical profile.

Sparkling Cranberry Punch

Tart and festive: Replace the apple juice with cranberry juice and the ginger ale with sparkling cider for a different kind of holiday fizz.

What if I don't have…

Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.

No Raspberry Sherbet?

Try strawberry, lime, or orange sherbet. The flavor profile will shift, but the creamy texture remains.

No Ginger Ale?

Lemon-lime soda or sparkling apple cider can work, but expect a sweeter, less spicy drink.

No Apple Juice?

White grape juice or pear juice are good alternatives for a similar sweetness and body.

No Punch Bowl?

A very large stockpot, a clean bucket, or several large pitchers will get the job done for serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What is in a Raspberry Sherbet Punch?

A Raspberry Sherbet Punch contains .5 gal Raspberry Sherbet, 2 Liter(s) Ginger Ale, and 33 oz Apple Juice.

Is Raspberry Sherbet Punch alcoholic?

No, the traditional Raspberry Sherbet Punch is a non-alcoholic drink. You can add spirits to make an adult version, but it’s not part of the standard recipe.

Can I make Raspberry Sherbet Punch ahead of time?

You can pre-chill the apple juice and ginger ale, but it’s best to add the sherbet and combine everything right before serving to maintain fizz and texture.

What’s the best way to serve Raspberry Sherbet Punch?

Serve it immediately from a large punch bowl, with a ladle and plenty of ice, or with extra scoops of sherbet in individual glasses.

What kind of sherbet should I use?

Any good quality raspberry sherbet will work well. Look for one with a strong, natural raspberry flavor.

What is the difference between sherbet and sorbet?

Sherbet contains a small amount of dairy, giving it a slightly creamy texture, while sorbet is completely dairy-free and typically made with just fruit, sugar, and water.

How do you keep punch cold at a party?

Use an ice ring made from juice or water to keep it cold without diluting. Also, ensure all ingredients are well-chilled before mixing.

What foods pair well with Raspberry Sherbet Punch?

This punch pairs well with light party snacks, fruit platters, and desserts like shortbread cookies or vanilla cupcakes.

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