Large cut-glass punch bowl filled with golden citrus punch, orange, lemon, and lime wheels, and floating lime sherbet scoops at a backyard party.

Sunshine Punch

Soda: Measure 28 fluid ounces, or 3½ cups, from any package of chilled lemon-lime soda. Add it immediately before serving so the punch stays fizzy.
Sherbet: Lime or lemon sherbet gives the punch its classic frothy party-punch texture. For neat floating scoops, portion the sherbet onto a parchment-lined plate and return it to the freezer until serving.
Make Ahead: The citrus base can be mixed several hours ahead and refrigerated. Add the soda, sherbet, and garnishes only when ready to serve.
Adult Variation: Add 1½ fluid ounces light rum to an individual adult glass before ladling in the punch. Keep the main punch bowl nonalcoholic when serving a mixed group.
Storage: Sunshine Punch is best served immediately. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours, or within 1 hour when served outdoors above 90°F, and use within 24 hours for the best flavor and carbonation.
Variation: Pineapple juice adds a sweeter tropical flavor that works especially well for summer parties.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with Artichoke Dip , Clam Dip , or Cheese Crisps for an easy party spread.

Name: Sunshine Punch
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 18 small punch-cup servings
Ingredients: 6 fluid ounces frozen orange juice concentrate; 6 fluid ounces frozen lemonade concentrate; 6 fluid ounces frozen limeade concentrate; 4 cups cold water; 28 fluid ounces lemon-lime soda; 1 pint lime or lemon sherbet; As needed lemon; As needed lime; As needed orange; As needed fresh mint

A bowl of this citrus fizz looks like sunshine on the table, especially with scoops of sherbet drifting across the top. Add the lemon-lime soda at the end so every glass keeps its sparkle.

By Betty Lou Gardner10 minUpdated 2026-08-25

This Sunshine Punch is bright, bubbly, and packed with citrus flavor from orange, lemon, and lime blended into one refreshing party drink! Finished with fizzy soda and optional scoops of sherbet, it’s a classic punch recipe that works perfectly for showers, birthdays, holidays, and summer gatherings.

Betty Lou Gardner in a family archival photograph

Granny’s Kitchen Notes

From Betty Lou Gardner

I always like punch bowls with sherbet floating across the top. They look festive sitting out on the table. Sometimes I add pineapple juice when we make this during the summertime.