Rainbow Sherbet — the classic three-flavour scoop
Rainbow sherbet is the American three-flavour sherbet: orange, raspberry and lime, served as a single multi-coloured scoop. Sherbet (lighter than ice cream, with some dairy) is the American mid-point between sorbet and ice cream.
i. Origin & history
Rainbow sherbet was developed in the early 20th century in American ice-cream parlours. The three-flavour scoop is the canonical commercial version (Baskin-Robbins's iconic rainbow sherbet is the prototype).
ii. Ingredients
Makes 12 servings · scroll the side panel to adjust
- 500 ml fresh orange juice
- 100 g sugar (orange portion)
- 2 tbsp double cream
- 500 g raspberries, puréed and strained
- 100 g sugar (raspberry portion)
- 2 tbsp double cream
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 300 ml fresh lime juice
- 200 ml water
- 150 g sugar (lime portion)
- 2 tbsp double cream
- Pinch salt
iii. Method
- Make three sherbets separately: combine flavour, sugar and salt; warm to dissolve sugar; cool. Stir in cream. Churn each separately. Freeze in three separate containers.
- To serve: place small scoops of each flavour side-by-side in a single bowl or cone.
iv. Tips & common mistakes
- Use the freshest ingredients you can. The recipe relies on them.
- Read the method through first. Several steps must be ready in advance.
- Season patiently. Sweetness and salt are tuned at the end, not the start.
v. Variations
Two-flavour sherbet uses just two flavours. Pineapple-orange-strawberry sherbet is the Hawaiian variant. Modern sherbets include mango, passion fruit, blueberry.
vi. Common questions
What is rainbow sherbet?
Rainbow Sherbet is the classic three-flavour scoop, from north american cuisine. Sherbet (lighter than ice cream, with some dairy) is the American mid-point between sorbet and ice cream
Where is rainbow sherbet from?
Rainbow Sherbet is from the north american dessert tradition; the recipe and history are detailed above.
How long does rainbow sherbet keep?
See the storage note in the Quick facts panel: 2 weeks frozen.