Korean watermelon punch, also known as Subak Hwachae, is a popular summertime drink. It’s a fruity and colorful drink made by combining watermelon cubes, strawberry milk, lemon-lime soda, and other fruits like canned peaches, strawberries, and blueberries.
About This Recipe
Hwachae or Subak Hwachae is a Korean watermelon punch or fruit bowl often enjoyed as a refreshing drink to beat the heat. It typically consists of a mix of fruits such as balled or cubed watermelon, melon, berries, grapes, and sometimes canned fruits mixed with milk and Chilsung cider (Chilsung Cider is the most popular soft drink in Korea).
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Refreshing: Hwachae is the perfect blend of sweet and juicy fruits, making it a refreshing and thirst-quenching beverage on a summer day.
- Versatile: You can swap out any of the fruits to include your favorites and what you have on hand.
- Perfect for gatherings: Korean watermelon punch is a great drink to serve at summer parties, barbecues, or picnics. It’s colorful, sweet and refreshing.
Hwachae Ingredients
- Watermelon: Adds a burst of freshness, sweetness, and a slight crunch to the punch. It balances out the flavors of other fruits and creates a perfect harmony of fruity goodness.
- Fresh berries: Add natural sweetness and vibrant color to the Korean fruit punch, making it perfect for summer parties and gatherings.
- Strawberry milk: If you prefer a slightly sweet taste, then you can use strawberry milk but plain milk works well, too. If you are using plain milk you can add condensed milk to make the punch sweeter and richer.
- Lemon lime soda: The Chilsung Cider is traditionally used to make this watermelon punch. Chilsung Cider is a popular South Korean soda beverage that has a bright, lemon-lime flavor similar to popular sodas like Sprite or 7UP.
- Other fruits: In addition to watermelon and berries, you can use canned peaches, fruit cocktails, or other seasonal fruits to make this recipe.
How to Make Hwachae
- Cut your watermelon in half.
- Use a melon baller to hollow out the watermelon.
- Transfer the watermelon balls to a bowl.
- Add strawberries, canned peaches, and blueberries.
- Pour chilled strawberry milk on top of the fruits. Add lemon-lime soda and gently toss to combine.
- Add ice cubes and serve immediately.
Expert Tips
- Adding too much ice cubes to Korean watermelon punch can dilute the flavor as the ice melts.
- Use fresh and ripe fruits for the best flavors.
- Chill all ingredients beforehand to ensure a refreshing drink.
- Experiment with different fruit combinations for unique flavors.
FAQs
What Is Hwachae Made Of?
Hwachae is the perfect blend of balled or cubed watermelon, berries, grapes, and sometimes canned fruits mixed with milk and lemon-lime soda.
Can You Make Hwachae With Normal Milk?
Yes, you can prepare watermelon punch using regular milk or flavored milk such as strawberry milk.
Can You Make Hwachae Ahead of Time?
The Korean fruit bowl is best enjoyed freshly made because the carbonation will become flat as the drink sits out.
Did you like the Hwachae recipe? Try my Korean strawberry milk recipe as well! Leave your comment below and If you make this recipe, be sure to tag your photos #yummynotes 
Ingredients
- 4 cups cubed or balled watermelon
- 2 cups fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
- 1 cup canned peaches
- 1½ cup strawberry milk, chilled
- 1½ cup lemon-lime soda (7up or Sprite), chilled
- 1/2 cup ice cubes
Instructions
Step 1
Cut your watermelon in half. Use a melon baller to hollow out the watermelon.
Step 2
Transfer the watermelon balls to a bowl. Add strawberries, canned peaches, and blueberries.
Step 3
Pour chilled strawberry milk on top of the fruits. Add lemon-lime soda and gently toss to combine. Add ice cubes and serve immediately.
