Easy Lime Sherbet Floats – 2-Minutes St. Patrick’s Day Drink!

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Easy Lime Sherbet Floats: The Ultimate No-Fuss Holiday Treat
Need a splash of festive magic in under five minutes? Forget the oven—these Easy Lime Sherbet Floats are your last-minute St. Patrick’s Day hero! Born from the desire for holiday fun without the baking fuss, this two-ingredient wonder has become a beloved family tradition. It’s the simplest “recipe” you’ll ever make, promising a vibrant, sweet, and effervescent treat that delivers maximum celebration with absolutely minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Lime Sherbet Float Recipe
- Unbeatable 2-Minute Speed: Literally, scoop and pour. It’s faster than waiting in line for takeout.
- Just 2 Simple Ingredients: Lime sherbet and lemon-lime soda are all you need for this green dessert drink.
- Foolproof & Kid-Friendly: No cooking, no baking, no stress. Kids can assemble their own!
- Visually Stunning: The vibrant green color in a clear glass is instant, beautiful festive decor.
- Budget-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing: An incredibly inexpensive way to create a special moment for a family or a whole party.
Ingredients for Your St. Patrick’s Day Floats
You only need two things, but here’s how to choose them:
- Lime Sherbet: This is the star. Look for a vibrant green color. For a dairy-free or tangier option, you can use lime sorbet.
- Lemon-Lime Soda: Any brand works, from name brands to store-brand. Ginger ale or sparkling water are great non-caffeinated alternatives.
Pro Shopper Tip: If you’re making these for March 17th, buy your lime sherbet a few days early. Stores often sell out of seasonal items, and you don’t want to be driving around town last minute!

Step-by-Step: How to Make Easy Lime Sherbet Floats
This is less of a recipe and more of an assembly guide for instant joy.
- Scoop: Place 2-3 generous scoops of lime sherbet into a clear glass, mason jar, or cup. Using a clear glass is key to showing off that beautiful green color.
- Pour: Slowly pour the chilled lemon-lime soda over the sherbet. Go slow! It will foam up enthusiastically and create that classic float texture.
- Garnish & Serve: Immediately add a fun straw (green or striped paper straws are perfect) and a long-handled spoon. Serve right away while it’s frosty and fizzy!
Pro Tips & Easy Flavor Variations
- For the Best Foam: Use very cold soda and slightly softened sherbet for maximum bubbly action.
- Adult Version: Add a splash of vodka, white rum, or midori melon liqueur to the glass before pouring the soda.
- Flavor Twists: Try this with rainbow sherbet for a birthday, orange sherbet with cream soda, or strawberry sherbet with lemon-lime soda.
- Punch Bowl Method: For a crowd, scoop a whole tub of sherbet into a punch bowl and slowly pour 2-3 liters of soda over it for a self-serve float station.
Serving Suggestions for Your Lime Sherbet Recipe
Serve these floats as the perfect finale to a casual St. Patrick’s Day dinner. They pair wonderfully with other easy, savory snacks like our Loaded Tater Tot Skewers or Slow Cooker Reuben Dip. For a full green-themed dessert table, offer them alongside our Easy Shamrock Shake Pudding Cups or a batch of festive Andes Mint Mini Cheesecakes.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
Calories: 180, Carbohydrates: 40g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 2g. This is a fun, occasional treat. Using diet soda or light sherbet can adjust these values.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Storage: These are meant to be enjoyed immediately. You cannot store assembled floats.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can pre-scoop the sherbet onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, freeze solid, then transfer to a container. Grab frozen scoops and pour soda when ready to serve.
FAQ: Your Lime Sherbet Float Questions Answered
- Can I use something other than lime sherbet?
- Absolutely! Rainbow sherbet is fantastic for other holidays. For a different flavor, try orange sherbet with cream soda.
- My soda isn’t fizzy enough. What happened?
- Always use fresh, chilled soda. A flat or warm bottle won’t create the signature foam.
- Can I make these for a large party?
- Yes! Use the punch bowl method mentioned above. It’s a huge hit and looks spectacular.
- Is there a dairy-free version?
- Yes, simply use a dairy-free lime sorbet instead of sherbet (sherbet contains a small amount of dairy).
- What can I use if I don’t have clear glasses?
- Any glass works, but the fun is in seeing the layers! Mason jars, tall glasses, or even clear plastic cups are perfect.

More Incredible Easy Recipes to Try
If you love the simplicity of this easy lime sherbet float, you’ll adore our other no-fuss, flavor-packed recipes. Our Slow Cooker Meatball Pineapple Smokies are the ultimate easy party appetizer, and the creamy, dreamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a weeknight dinner winner that feels gourmet.
Inspiration and Thanks
This recipe is a celebration of simplicity done right. It proves you don’t need complex techniques or a pantry full of ingredients to create a memorable, festive moment. The magic is in the playful combination of creamy, tart sherbet and sweet, effervescent soda—a timeless pairing that delights all ages. This approach to easy, joyful holiday cooking is inspired by the family tradition shared on Home Cooking Memories.
Save It for Later!
This is the easy, vibrant recipe you’ll make year after year. Save this image to your “Holiday Ideas” or “Kid-Friendly Treats” Pinterest board so you never lose it! Did you make your own float? We’d love to see your creation—tag us in your photos!
Easy Lime Sherbet Floats
Equipment
- Ice Cream Scoop For making perfect scoops of sherbet.
- Clear Glasses or Mason Jars Essential for showing off the vibrant green layers.
Ingredients
- 1 pint lime sherbet (or lime sorbet)
- 1 (2-liter) bottle chilled lemon-lime soda, ginger ale, or sparkling water
- Green paper straws, for serving
- Lime slices, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Scoop 2-3 generous balls of lime sherbet into a clear glass or mason jar. For the best visual effect, use a clear vessel.
- Slowly pour the chilled lemon-lime soda over the sherbet. Pour carefully, as it will foam and rise quickly. Stop pouring about an inch from the rim of the glass.
- Immediately add a green straw and a lime slice garnish if desired. Serve at once with a long spoon for scooping the sherbet.

