Name: Hwachae: Refreshing Watermelon Fruit Punch with Strawberry Milk and Carbonation Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 4 cups chopped fresh watermelon; 1 1/2 cups fresh fruit (such as berries, melon, etc.); 1 can (14 ounces) fruit cocktail, drained; 12 ounces carbonated beverage (Sprite, 7Up, or similar); 14 ounces strawberry milk; 1 cup ice cubes

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Introduction

Hwachae is a refreshing Korean fruit punch that’s perfect for warm days or any time you want a light, sweet treat. This colorful beverage combines fresh fruit with a fizzy twist and creamy strawberry milk for a delightful, thirst-quenching experience.

A top view of a large clear glass bowl filled with a light pink milky liquid that has many small to medium pieces of red watermelon and other mixed fruits like green grapes and blueberries floating within it. There are also multiple clear ice cubes scattered throughout the liquid, creating bubbles and a frothy texture on the surface. A silver spoon is partially submerged on the right side of the bowl. The bowl is placed on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 cups chopped fresh watermelon
1 1/2 cups fresh fruit (berries, melon, etc.)
1 can (14 ounces) fruit cocktail, drained
12 ounces carbonated beverage (Sprite, 7Up, etc.)
14 ounces strawberry milk
1 cup ice cubes

Instructions

Step 1: Place the chopped watermelon, fresh fruit, and drained fruit cocktail into a large bowl. Stir gently to combine all the fruits.
Step 2: Pour the strawberry milk over the mixed fruit. Add the ice cubes and stir well to chill the mixture evenly.
Step 3: Finally, slowly pour in the carbonated beverage and stir gently to blend without losing all the fizz. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Tips & Variations

Use seasonal fruits like peaches or grapes to vary the flavor based on what’s fresh and available.
For a dairy-free version, substitute strawberry milk with a strawberry-flavored alternative milk or coconut milk.
Adjust the amount of carbonated beverage for a stronger or lighter fizz according to your taste.

Storage

Hwachae is best enjoyed fresh due to its fizzy component and fresh fruit content. If you need to store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Stir gently before serving, but note the carbonation may diminish upon standing.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with a creamy pink liquid that has a foamy texture on top. Floating inside are small colorful fruit chunks in red, green, yellow, and a single dark blue piece, along with several clear ice cubes scattered throughout. There's a silver spoon resting on the right side of the bowl, partially submerged in the drink. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare Hwachae in advance?

It’s best to prepare Hwachae just before serving to preserve the fizz and freshness of the fruit. If needed, mix the fruit and strawberry milk ahead of time and add the carbonated drink right before serving.

What fruits work best in Hwachae?

Watermelon, berries, melon, and canned fruit cocktail are traditional choices, but feel free to experiment with any fresh, juicy fruits you like. Choose fruits that hold up well in liquid without turning mushy quickly.