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Brighten up your get-together with this southern-style Party Punch, featuring a tropical pineapple sherbet spin. This fun, creamy drink brings folks together whether it’s a potluck, birthday, or big family hangout. Even the so-called punch haters can’t resist going back for more.
This punch reminds me of every southern church party I ever went to as a kid. That pastel color and sweet soda fizz always clued me in — something fun was about to happen. Now, my own little ones beg for it every Easter morning.
Must-Have Ingredients
- Cold ginger ale: gives a fizzy feel and some zip. Choose a classic style or something with extra bite if you like it bold
- Pineapple sherbet: brings a creamy, almost tropical chill. Go for one packed with real pineapple for best results
- Frozen orange juice concentrate: adds citrusy boldness and zing. Go for an unsweetened, fresh one for top notch taste
- Frozen lemonade concentrate: brightens things up and keeps it tart. Pick a good brand so it tastes real, not fake
- Pineapple juice: is the main sweet-tart base. Choose not-from-concentrate if you can for the fullest flavor
Simple How-To
- Let It Chill:
- Freeze your pineapple juice overnight — don’t skip this step, it’s what makes that half-frozen slushy magic.
- Mix Up the Citrus:
- Roughly two hours before you’ll serve, grab your semi-frozen pineapple juice and let it soften a bit. Whip up the lemonade and orange juice with icy cold water following the package steps so it’s cool and tasty.
- Get Punchy:
- Pile scoops of pineapple sherbet and those slushy pineapple juice bits into a big bowl. Grab a hefty spoon and break them up so it’s chunky and icy. Bring out the texture!
- Pour In:
- Add the lemonade and orange juice mix, then flood the bowl with ginger ale for plenty of pop and foam. Gently swirl it so you don’t lose those icy swirls.
- Time To Serve:
- Leave some little sherbet chunks floating on top for some wow-factor. Give it a light stir just before pouring — punch should be pastel and frothy with some icy bits floating around. Dish it up right away for the most bubbles.
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Pineapple sherbet is always gone first! My kid and his cousins once wiped the punch bowl clean when no adults were watching, leaving only a few slushy bits left behind.
How to Store Leftovers
Any extra can be kept in a pitcher or container with a lid in your fridge for up to three days and still tastes great. For a longer hold, freeze it, then thaw in the fridge and stir it well once it softens up. Keep the ginger ale out until last minute if you’re making it way ahead so it doesn’t go flat.
Swaps and Changes
No pineapple sherbet anywhere? Lemon or orange sherbet works fine and gives a fun twist. Out of ginger ale? Lemon-lime soda keeps things bubbly but lighter. If you want to dress it up, add canned pineapple pieces in each glass.
Fun Ways to Serve
Brighten up your punch bowl with fresh pineapple slices or maraschino cherries on top. Crank up the fun with playful paper straws or pop a swirl of whipped cream on each cup for that ice cream float look. At our place, we bust out old-school punch mugs just for this.
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Southern Roots
Punch like this is all about that southern sense of welcome. Potluck tables always had it next to those deviled eggs, sheet cake, and rounds of stories and jokes. Stirring up this punch makes me feel close to all the family and friends who came before me.
Common Questions
- → Can I make this punch ahead of time?
Go ahead and prep your ingredients early, but only mix them together right before your guests show up to keep all those bubbles from disappearing.
- → What can I use instead of pineapple sherbet?
Feel free to swap in orange or lemon sherbet, or if you want a creamy twist, use some vanilla ice cream.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Keep any extra punch in a sealed pitcher or jar in the fridge for two to three days. Give it a quick stir when you’re ready to pour more.
- → Can this punch be frozen?
Sure thing—move it to a freezer container and it'll last up to a month. Let it thaw in the fridge, then mix it again before you serve.
- → Is this drink suitable for children?
You bet! Only non-boozy stuff goes into this punch, and kids love it at family get-togethers.
- → How can I adjust the sweetness?
Want it sweeter or maybe a bit lighter? Add more fruit juice or ginger ale until it tastes right for you. Toss some fresh citrus slices on top if you want a fresher kick.