Looking for a cocktail that’s as fun to look at as it is to drink? Meet the Rainbow Sherbet Cocktail a sweet, tropical slush made with coconut rum, crushed ice, and colorful rainbow sherbet. It’s the perfect sip for summer parties, pool days, or anytime you need a creamy, fruity escape in a glass.
With bold colors, tropical flavor, and a dreamy texture, this Malibu rum drink checks every box for a festive summer beverage. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or a weekend sipper, this is one drink you’ll make again and again.
🍹 What Is a Rainbow Sherbet Cocktail?
The Rainbow Sherbet Cocktail is a frozen drink made with Malibu rum, rainbow sherbet, and crushed ice. Some recipes also add a splash of pineapple juice to brighten the flavor. The layers of pink, orange, and turquoise sherbet not only create a gorgeous ombré effect but also add fruity notes of raspberry, lime, and orange.
This cocktail is a tropical dream with a creamy texture and a sweet coconut finish—making it one of the most colorful summer cocktails you can serve at any warm-weather gathering.
Rainbow Sherbet Cocktail
Ingrédients
Method
- Rim your glass with sugar, if desired, and chill it in the freezer while you prep the drink.
- Add rainbow sherbet, Malibu rum, crushed ice, and a splash of pineapple juice (optional) to a blender.
- Blend until smooth and creamy with a thick, slushy consistency.
- Pour gently into the chilled glass to preserve colorful swirls.
- Garnish with a pineapple wedge and serve with a white straw.
Notes
✨ Ingredients for One Serving
To make this beautiful tropical sherbet drink, you’ll need:
- 2 oz Malibu rum (coconut rum)
- 1 cup rainbow sherbet (pink, orange, and blue/green)
- 1/2 cup crushed ice
- (Optional) Splash of pineapple juice
🍍 Garnish: Pineapple wedge and white straw
🥄 Step-by-Step Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Glass
(Optional) Rim your glass with sugar for extra sweetness and chill it in the freezer while you prep the drink.
Step 2: Blend the Ingredients
Add the rainbow sherbet, coconut rum, crushed ice, and pineapple juice (if using) into a blender.
Step 3: Blend Until Slushy
Pulse until smooth, thick, and creamy. The blend should be pourable but hold its shape.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
Pour into your chilled glass carefully to preserve the swirl of colors. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and serve with a white straw for contrast.
Don’t miss our Frozen Pineapple Daiquiri for another creamy tropical cocktail!
🎨 Tips for Perfect Layers and Color
Want to keep the rainbow colors visible? Here’s how:
- Use a tall hurricane glass
- Scoop sherbet in color order before blending
- Blend lightly to avoid over-mixing the colors
- Pour gently into the glass to maintain swirls
- Use a white straw to enhance color contrast
This isn’t just a drink—it’s a photo opportunity waiting to happen!
🔄 Flavor Variations to Try
| Variation | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Tropical Breeze | Add mango or banana sherbet |
| Pineapple Punch | Replace sherbet with frozen pineapple chunks |
| Creamy Twist | Blend with coconut milk for more richness |
| Rainbow Sherbet Mocktail | Omit the rum and add Sprite or pineapple juice |
Looking for more frozen drinks? Check out our Frozen Peach Margarita or Tiki Punch Cocktail for more cool inspiration.
🌈 Hosting a Rainbow-Themed Party?
This drink was practically made for themed celebrations. The Rainbow Sherbet Cocktail fits beautifully into pride parties, unicorn-themed birthdays, and gender reveal gatherings. With its layered colors and creamy texture, it’s more than just a beverage—it’s a conversation piece. Serve it alongside other bright creations like the Tropical Strawberry Cooler for a full spectrum of flavor and flair.
🧊 Make It a Frozen Bar
Want to take your summer hosting to the next level? Set up a DIY frozen cocktail bar where guests can customize their drinks. Offer a base of rainbow sherbet, a selection of rums or vodkas, fruit add-ins, and toppings like shredded coconut or lime wedges. You can even provide other frozen options like the Frozen Watermelon Daiquiri to let everyone explore their perfect blend.
🍓 Looking for Fruity Frozen Drinks?
If the creamy texture of the Rainbow Sherbet Cocktail is calling your name, you’ll love our Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri. It’s tangy, icy, and loaded with strawberry flavor—ideal for guests who prefer a fruit-forward drink. The vibrant red hue also complements the rainbow layers of this sherbet cocktail beautifully on a drink table.
🍍 Add More Tropical Twists
Tropical lovers, you’re in for a treat. Pair your sherbet slush with a Frozen Piña Colada for a creamy coconut overload, or try our Pineapple Margarita if you want something with a citrusy kick. Both cocktails offer bright, sun-soaked flavors that mix perfectly at your next summer gathering.
💙 For Fans of Colorful Cocktails
If you’re as obsessed with colorful drinks as we are, you won’t want to miss our show-stopping Blue Lagoon Cocktail. Its bold blue hue and citrusy sparkle are the perfect companions to the pastel swirl of the Rainbow Sherbet Cocktail. Line them up side by side for the most Instagrammable drink tray ever.
🏝️ Best Times to Serve This Drink
This coconut rum slush is the ultimate warm-weather treat. Try it at:
- Pool parties
- Backyard BBQs
- Baby showers or bridal showers
- Birthday bashes
- Rainbow- or unicorn-themed events
- Just-because-it’s-Friday celebrations
🍽️ What to Pair With a Rainbow Sherbet Cocktail
This cocktail pairs well with light, tropical fare and colorful desserts:
| Food Idea | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Coconut shrimp | Matches the coconut flavor in the drink |
| Mini fruit skewers | Light, sweet, and fresh |
| Pineapple upside-down cake | Brings out fruity notes in the drink |
| Vanilla cupcakes | A neutral base for sweet sips |
Looking for more pairing drinks? Our Blue Lagoon Cocktail is another vibrant, beachy favorite!
❓ FAQs: Rainbow Sherbet Cocktail
Can I make it non-alcoholic?
Absolutely! Just skip the Malibu rum and add pineapple juice or Sprite for a kid-friendly slush.
What sherbet works best?
Use a mix of rainbow sherbet with raspberry, lime, and orange. Avoid creamy ice cream—it won’t blend the same.
Can I batch this for parties?
Yes! Multiply the recipe by 4–6 servings and blend in batches, then pour into a punch bowl or pitcher.
How do I keep it cold for longer?
Serve in chilled glasses, use extra frozen sherbet, or prep in advance and freeze in an airtight container.
Is this drink too sweet?
Not at all! The citrus in the sherbet and optional pineapple juice helps balance the coconut rum.
🎉 Conclusion: Sip a Rainbow and Share the Joy
The Rainbow Sherbet Cocktail isn’t just a drink—it’s a party in a glass. Creamy, fruity, and bursting with color, it’s perfect for everything from lazy Sundays to big summer bashes. And with endless variations, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep on hand all season long.
🌈 Love this recipe? Explore more colorful cocktails like the Blue Lagoon, Frozen Peach Bellini, or Frozen Pineapple Daiquiri.
Cheers to bold flavor and beautiful color—one tropical sip at a time!