Hawaii-Style Sherbet

3 12-ounce cans strawberry soda or soda flavor of choice, 1 at room temperature and 2 chilled
1 3-ounce box strawberry Jell-O or the Jell-O flavor of choice, matching your selected soda flavor
1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
2 tsp. vanilla extract
½ 12-ounce can evaporated milk, optional (see note)

Using either a medium microwave-safe bowl, microwave for 2 to 3 minutes, or in a medium saucepan on the stovetop, bring the contents of the can of room-temperature strawberry soda to a boil.
Remove from heat and whisk in dry Jell-O mix until thoroughly dissolved; whisk in condensed milk and vanilla extract until well combined.
Refrigerate, uncovered, overnight or freeze for 2 to 3 hours, until thickened; when it’s ready, it will have a texture akin to loose jelly.
Remove from the refrigerator; whisk the mixture using an electric hand or stand mixer, on high speed, for 3 to 7 minutes, or until it starts to lighten in color and almost doubles in volume; if an electric mixer is not available, whisk by hand for about 10 minutes; whipping the gelatin helps to stabilize the mixture and introduces tiny air bubbles, which makes it less icy once frozen and easier to scoop.
Turn the speed to low and stir in the remaining 2 chilled cans of strawberry soda, followed by the evaporated milk, if using.
Transfer the mixture to a container with a lid or cover with plastic wrap; freeze overnight or for at least 12 hours before scooping and serving.

Evaporated milk is optional, but adds a nice milky flavor and tempers some of the sweetness.