Hwachae (Korean Fruit Punch)

Hwachae is a traditional Korean fruit punch made with an assortment of fresh, colorful fruits and sweet, chilled liquid—often infused with milk or soda. Popular in the summer, especially during festivals and hot days, this refreshing beverage not only cools you down but also delights with its vibrant presentation and fruity flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Light and hydrating, perfect for hot weather
• Fun and colorful, great for parties and gatherings
• Requires no cooking—just prep and mix
• Easily customizable with your favorite fruits or drinks
• Kid-friendly and loved by all ages

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• seedless watermelon, cubed or balled
• strawberries, hulled and sliced
• grapes, halved
• blueberries
• kiwi or mango, peeled and chopped
• bananas, sliced
• cold strawberry milk or milk
• lemon-lime soda (such as Sprite or 7-Up)
• ice cubes (optional for serving)
• optional garnish: mint leaves or edible flowers

Directions

this recipe

1. Wash, peel, and cut all fruits into bite-sized pieces or decorative shapes.
2. Place all prepared fruits into a large punch bowl or serving container.
3. Pour in the chilled strawberry milk or milk and stir gently to combine.
4. Just before serving, add lemon-lime soda and give it a gentle mix to preserve fizz.
5. Serve immediately over ice, garnished with mint leaves or edible flowers if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4–6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Subak Hwachae (Watermelon Hwachae): Use only watermelon and skip the milk, using soda and honey water instead.
• Milky Version: Use sweetened milk, condensed milk, or flavored milk (banana or strawberry).
• Traditional Style: Add edible flower petals like Korean magnolia or azalea (make sure they are food-safe).
• No Soda: Use sweetened rice punch (sikhye) or fruit juice instead of soda for a more natural sweetness.
• Vegan Option: Use plant-based milk like oat or almond and a vegan-friendly soda.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
• Note: Soda will lose its fizz over time, and fruits may soften if stored too long.
• Do Not Freeze: Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the fruits will degrade.

FAQs

What is Hwachae?

Hwachae is a Korean fruit punch traditionally made with seasonal fruits and sweet liquids like milk, soda, or honey water. It’s served cold and is especially popular in the summer.

What’s the most common type of Hwachae?

Subak Hwachae (watermelon punch) is the most well-known and widely enjoyed version in Korea.

Can I make Hwachae ahead of time?

You can prep the fruit in advance, but it’s best to mix the drink and add soda just before serving to maintain freshness and fizz.

Is Hwachae alcoholic?

No, traditional Hwachae is non-alcoholic, though you can add soju or sparkling wine for an adult twist.

Can I use canned fruit?

Yes, but drain them well to avoid an overly sweet punch. Fresh fruit is always preferred for better texture.

What kind of milk works best?

Strawberry milk is traditional for a sweet and fruity taste, but regular, oat, almond, or banana milk also work well.

Do I need to use soda?

No. You can substitute soda with fruit juice, rice punch, or a mix of water and honey for a less carbonated version.

What’s the best way to shape the fruit?

Melon ballers or cookie cutters can be used to create fun shapes, especially for watermelon and melon.

Is Hwachae healthy?

It can be, especially if made with fresh fruits and minimal sweeteners. Adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary needs.

What should I serve with Hwachae?

Hwachae pairs well with light Korean snacks like rice cakes (tteok), sandwiches, or as a sweet finish to a Korean meal.

Conclusion

Hwachae is a bright, refreshing, and customizable Korean drink that brings joy to any occasion. Whether you keep it traditional or make it your own, it’s the perfect way to celebrate summer with a delicious burst of fruit and flavor.

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