This word came to English from the Turkish and Persian languages, and referred to a beverage of sweetened, diluted fruit juice. Later in Europe this word referred to a carbonated drink. Today it refers to a fruit-flavored treat. What is this word?

The name for this popular frozen (Review) dessert has traveled a long way to get to your freezer aisle. It originates from the Persian word *sharbat* and the Turkish *şerbet*, which themselves derive from the Arabic verb for "to drink." For centuries, this referred to a non-alcoholic beverage popular across the Middle East and South Asia, made by diluting fruit syrups or flower petal extracts with chilled water. It was a simple, sweet way to cool down in a hot climate.

When the concept was introduced to Europe, its form began to change. In the 19th century, particularly in the United Kingdom, the word evolved to describe a fizzy powder. By mixing an acid and a base with sugar and flavorings, a powder was created that would fizz when mixed with water, creating a sweet, carbonated beverage. This effervescent powder is still sold as a popular candy today.

In North America, the word took its final modern turn. Today, it refers to a frozen dessert that sits between sorbet and ice cream. Unlike dairy-free sorbet, it contains a small amount of milkfat, which gives it a slightly creamier texture. However, it has a lower milkfat content than ice cream, resulting in a lighter, more fruit-forward flavor. From a refreshing drink to a fizzy powder to a frozen treat, its form has changed, but its essence as a sweet, fruity refreshment remains.