Party Punch
Ingredients
- 1/2 gallon lime and pineapple sherbet
- 1 can (48 oz) 7-Up
- 1 pound can crushed pineapple
- 1 box lemon Jell-O
- 1 box lime Jell-O
- 3 large bottles ginger ale
- 1 No. 2 can chunk pineapple
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Freeze the sherbet in a ring mold before placing in punch (freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight).
- In a large punch bowl, combine the 7-Up, ginger ale, and dry Jell-O powder together, stirring until Jell-O is mostly dissolved. Chill for 30 minutes.
- Before serving, add the crushed pineapple and chunk pineapple (juice and all), stir well.
- Just before serving, place the frozen sherbet ring in the punch bowl to keep it cold and add visual appeal.
Common Problems and Solutions
Q: Do I dissolve the Jell-O in hot water first?
A: No, this recipe uses the dry Jell-O powder mixed directly into the cold soda. It will mostly dissolve as you stir and adds flavor and color without fully setting.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes and no. Freeze the sherbet ring ahead, and you can mix the sodas and Jell-O and chill them. But don't add the sherbet ring or pineapple until just before serving, or the punch will get watery and the fizz will go flat.
Tips and Techniques
Use a ring mold or bundt pan to freeze the sherbet so it looks pretty and melts slowly in the punch bowl. For extra visual appeal, add some fresh pineapple chunks or maraschino cherries to the ring mold before freezing.
Ingredient Substitutions
- lime and pineapple sherbet: rainbow sherbet or just pineapple sherbet
- 7-Up: Sprite or any lemon-lime soda
- ginger ale: lemon-lime soda or club soda
Equipment Needed
- large punch bowl
- ring mold or bundt pan (for freezing sherbet)
- long-handled spoon for stirring