Mardi Gras Swamp Punch

40 servings Prep: 15 m Cook: PT0M Total: 15 m Beginner
5.0/5 (1)
Mardi Gras Swamp Punch
My sister prepared this punch for my son’s graduation party and it was a hit. It was the first dish I ran out of. It’s a basic lemon-lime punch with sherbet, but the green color makes it reminiscent of swamp waters. You could add purple food color to the pineapple sherbet and have a tricolor punch perfect for Mardi Gras festivities.

Ingredients

40 servings
  • 1 (12 oz) can frozen orange juice
  • 1 (12 oz) can frozen lemonade
  • 1 large can pineapple juice
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 quarts ginger ale
  • 1 quart plain soda water
  • 1/2 gallon lime sherbet
  • 1/2 gallon pineapple sherbet

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Mix the frozen orange juice, frozen lemonade, pineapple juice, and water together in a large container. Chill or freeze all liquid ingredients until slushy, about 1-1.5 hours.
  2. While the liquid chills, prepare the sherbet mold centerpiece. Take a bundt pan or Tupperware mold and alternately spoon the lime sherbet and pineapple sherbet to create colorful layers. Freeze the mold until solid, at least 2 hours.
  3. Just before serving, add the ginger ale and soda water to the chilled juice mixture and stir gently to combine.
  4. To unmold the sherbet centerpiece, dip the mold briefly in warm water to loosen, then invert and place the molded sherbet into the punch bowl.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why did my sherbet mold not come out cleanly?

A: Make sure the sherbet mold is frozen solid (at least 2 hours) and only dip it in warm water for a few seconds—just enough to loosen the edges. If it sits in warm water too long, the sherbet will start melting.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: Yes! Prepare the juice mixture and sherbet mold the day before and keep them frozen. Add the ginger ale and soda water just before serving to maintain the carbonation and fizz.

Tips and Techniques

For a true Mardi Gras tricolor presentation, add a few drops of purple food coloring to the pineapple sherbet before molding. You can also freeze some of the juice mixture in ice cube trays to keep the punch cold without diluting it as regular ice would.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • lime sherbet: lemon sherbet or rainbow sherbet
  • ginger ale: lemon-lime soda or Sprite
  • pineapple juice: additional orange juice or tropical fruit punch

Equipment Needed

  • Bundt pan or large Tupperware mold (for sherbet centerpiece)
  • Large punch bowl
  • Large container for mixing and chilling liquids

Historical Context

Mardi Gras punch traditions in Louisiana often feature the signature colors of purple (justice), green (faith), and gold (power). This festive beverage is perfect for Mardi Gras parties, graduation celebrations, or any gathering where you want to serve a crowd.