Tropical Sherbet Piña Colada

This vibrant Rainbow Sherbet Piña Colada brings the joy of summer in a glass, combining the tropical essence of a classic piña colada with the playful colors of rainbow sherbet. I created this recipe for my daughter's sweet sixteen pool party, and it's been our signature summer drink ever since.

Creating these colorful drinks has become our unofficial signal that summer has officially begun. Last year, I served these at our neighborhood block party, and now I get requests to bring them to every outdoor gathering.

Ingredients

• Pineapple juice: fresh is amazing but canned works perfectly fine for that authentic tropical flavor
• Coconut cream: not coconut milk choose cream for a richer, more luxurious texture
• Rainbow sherbet: the star ingredient bringing both color and fruity sweetness
• Crushed ice: helps achieve that perfect frozen consistency without watering down flavors
• White rum (optional): adds that classic piña colada kick for the adults
• Pineapple slices: not just decoration they add fresh fruit flavor with every sip
• Maraschino cherries: these bright red gems provide the perfect color contrast
• Grenadine or fruit syrup: creates beautiful color streaks throughout your drink

Step-by-Step Instructions

Blend the Base:

Add the pineapple juice, coconut cream, rainbow sherbet, crushed ice, and rum if using to your blender. Make sure to add the sherbet last so it doesn't immediately melt from the room temperature ingredients. Pulse a few times to break down the ice before blending on high for 30 seconds until completely smooth.

Check Consistency:

Stop the blender and assess the thickness. The perfect Rainbow Sherbet Piña Colada should be thick enough to enjoy with a straw but not so thick that the straw stands straight up. If it's too thick, add a tablespoon of pineapple juice at a time until you reach the desired consistency. If too thin, add a small scoop of sherbet or a handful of ice.

Create the Color Show:

Pour the blended mixture into tall glasses, leaving about half an inch of space at the top. The rainbow sherbet will naturally create beautiful color swirls throughout the drink. For extra dramatic effect, drizzle a teaspoon of grenadine or fruit syrup along the inside of the glass before pouring.

Garnish with Style:

Place a pineapple slice on the rim of each glass and add a maraschino cherry. For extra flair, thread additional fruit onto cocktail picks. The garnishes aren't just for show they hint at the flavors inside and make each glass Instagram worthy.

Pin it

Rainbow sherbet is the secret weapon in my summer drink arsenal. When my twins were little, they called this my "magic potion" because of how the colors swirl and change. Now that they're teenagers, they still request it whenever friends come over, though admittedly they now call it "the fancy slushie."

Make-Ahead Options

This delightful drink can be prepared up to 2 hours in advance. Simply blend all ingredients except for the ice, then store in the refrigerator in a sealed container. When ready to serve, pour the mixture into the blender with fresh ice, blend until smooth, and serve immediately with garnishes. The colors will remain vibrant, though they may separate slightly in the refrigerator just give a quick stir before blending with ice.

Flavor Variations

While the classic rainbow sherbet creates a beautiful multicolored effect, you can customize this drink with different sherbet flavors for themed parties. Try lime sherbet for a green "Mermaid Piña Colada" or raspberry sherbet for a pink "Sunset Piña Colada." For an elegant adult version, use champagne instead of rum and vanilla ice cream instead of sherbet for a "Piña Colada Mimosa" that's perfect for brunches or wedding showers.

Pin it

Serving Suggestions

This Rainbow Sherbet Piña Colada pairs beautifully with light appetizers and tropical dishes. Serve alongside coconut shrimp, fresh fruit skewers, or mini crab cakes for an impressive party spread. For dessert, they complement key lime pie or coconut macaroons perfectly. I love serving these in clear glasses that showcase the vibrant colors, but hollowed pineapples make spectacular serving vessels for special occasions.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this Rainbow Sherbet Piña Colada non-alcoholic?

Absolutely! The rum is completely optional in this drink. Simply omit it for a delicious non-alcoholic frozen treat that everyone can enjoy. All the tropical flavors come from the pineapple juice, coconut cream, and rainbow sherbet.

→ What type of rainbow sherbet works best?

Any commercial rainbow sherbet will work well in this recipe. Look for one with vibrant colors and flavors that typically include raspberry, lime, and orange. Premium brands often provide the best color and flavor, but use whatever is available at your local grocery store.

→ Can I substitute coconut cream with something else?

Yes, you can substitute coconut cream with coconut milk, though the drink won't be quite as rich. In a pinch, you could use cream of coconut (like Coco Lopez) but reduce any added sweeteners as it contains sugar. For a dairy option, vanilla ice cream can work but will create a different flavor profile.

→ How can I make the colors more vibrant?

For more vibrant colors, try layering in some grenadine or fruit syrups. You can also blend the sherbet separately from the coconut-pineapple base and layer them in the glass. Another trick is to freeze pineapple juice in ice cube trays with food coloring and use these colorful cubes instead of regular ice.

→ How far in advance can I prepare this drink?

This drink is best served immediately after blending while the texture is perfect. However, you can prepare it up to 30 minutes in advance and store it in the freezer. If it becomes too frozen, simply let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes or give it a quick pulse in the blender before serving.

→ What glasses work best for serving this drink?

Hurricane glasses or tall Collins glasses work perfectly for showcasing the beautiful colors of this drink. Clear glasses are ideal to display the vibrant rainbow effect. For a fun tropical presentation, you could also serve in a hollowed pineapple half or coconut shell.