This Hwachae recipe (Subak Hwachae 수박화채), a traditional Korean punch, embodies the essence of sunny days with its refreshing flavor and pink color. It’s natural, fizzy, and has bouncy watermelon, berries, and fruit swimming in milky and bubbly yumminess. Check out this easy, step-by-step recipe for you to create this delightful, inspired hwachae drink at home.
Updated on May 2, 2025
Table of contents
Watch the VIDEO
I love Asian drinks that combine fruits with milky or fizzy beverages. The idea of drinking and eating out of a glass with a long spoon signals texture and sensory elements that make a drink exciting.
This subak hwachae recipe is exactly that, an exciting Korean dessert fruit milk soda combination. The creamy milky-ness, plus fizzy bubbles…it’s a combo that should not be missed.
You’ve had root beer floats right? It’s the same concept, but way better. Fresh fruit just got the glow up.
Wanna discover more fruity sunny day favorites? Check out the best cantaloupe drink, honeydew drink, fruity filled Che Thai, and don’t miss out on mango bango or strawberry sago.
What is Hwachae?
Hwachae is a traditional Korean fruit punch made by combining fresh fruits, sweeteners, even edible petals, pine nuts, and often adding Omija syrup (Schisandra berry syrup).
Overtime, the Korean dessert fruit milk soda recipes have become more varied and creative to showcase the versatility of this vibrant and refreshing beverage.
This concoction is perfect for sunny days, offering a burst of natural sweetness and hydration.
This inspired watermelon hwachae recipe is an easy variation that combines fresh watermelon with fruits, your milk of choice, and fizzy water or soda to make a warm day feel like a cool breeze. I elevated this recipe with condensed milk and…wow! It is truly a punchbowl of happiness.
Why is Watermelon Hwachae so popular?
Simply put, it’s colorful, absolutely delicious, impressive with little effort, easy to make, and a staple Korean drink recipe for gatherings…that makes everyone smile!
Brief Origin of Hwachae
Hwachae has its roots in Korean culinary traditions and has been enjoyed for centuries. Originally served in royal courts during special occasions, it has evolved into a popular summertime refreshment enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds.
These days, hwachae has taken on many variations of recipes and can be found passed on generation after generation. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply seeking a cool reprieve from the heat, hwachae is sure to delight your senses and quench your thirst.
What does Subak Hwachae taste like?
Korean dessert fruit milk soda is sweet with lots of watermelon flavor, crispness, tanginess from blueberries, balance with pear and peach, and if you add some nata de coco…that adds some chewy gems.
Add your milk of choice and sparkling beverage, it’s kinda like a Milkis but it’s so much better. Super cold fresh fruit is a total game-changer and it makes this inspired-Korean-punch a real highlight.
Benefits of Hwachae
- Star of the Party: If you make this particular hwachae recipe at your next brunch gathering, I’m sure it won’t last long because people will grab seconds. It’s just so yummy.
- The Best Shower or Celebration drink: I feel the fresh fruits are so symbolic of the change in season to Spring and Summer and the gorgeous color combination make this a highlight beverage to serve at a special occasion. You can really add colored cups, edible flowers, or other additions to colorize this Korean style drink to suit the mood.
- Family and Kid Friendly: Anyone can enjoy hwachae and the benefits of all the fruit as a dessert-alternative.
- Hydration: With its high water content from fresh watermelon fruit, Hwachae helps keep you hydrated, especially during hot weather.
- Nutrient-Rich: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from a variety of fruits, Hwachae provides a vitamin boost to your diet.
- Digestive Aid: Some of the fruits used in Hwachae, such as watermelon, contain enzymes that aid digestion, making it a refreshing post-meal drink.
- Low in Calories: When prepared without added sugars or sweeteners, Hwachae is a low-calorie beverage option compared to many other summer drinks. This version does add sweeteners, however, it’s optional.
Step-by-Step Hwachae Recipe
Follow these simple steps to prepare your own batch of this awesome Hwachae with watermelon at home:
Ingredients:
- Watermelon – Make balls or cut in shapes. I used a flower shape cutter and the watermelon came out so beautifully.
- Blueberries
- Fruit Cocktail with Light Syrup (I like the kind with nata de coco in it)
- Condensed Milk (optional) – Find one that is just milk and sugar or plant-condensed milk.
- Milk or Plant-Milk – Choose your milk of choice.
- Sparkling Water (Flavored) – Black Cherry sparkling (no calories) is my favorite and recommendation. You can also use lemon lime. Use a NON sweetened sparkling water.
- Big Ice cubes – I always make large ice cubes so it doesn’t dilute the punch.
Equipment
- Punchbowl
- Glassware
- Ladle
- Tall Spoons
Instructions:
- Wash and prepare the fruits by removing stems, seeds, and peels as necessary. Cut the watermelon into thick flower shapes or balls. Place the watermelon, blueberries, and fruit cocktail WITH the light syrup in a large mixing bowl.
- Heat the condensed milk in the microwave with a few drops of water for 20 seconds so it becomes less thick and more mixable.
- Add the condensed milk and your milk of choice to the punchbowl. Mix everything gently. Add enough milk that the fruit is submerged but not too much.
- Serve each glass or small bowl that is ready with a ladle of the fruit mix with milk, add ice cubes, and top with the fizzy sparkling water. Add a long spoon and enjoy.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing flavors of Hwachae! You can store the extra fruit mixture in the refrigerator for a day.
With its simple ingredients and customizable variations, this Korean fruit punch invites you to unleash your creativity and savor the joys of Summertime refreshment.
How to Images
Learn step by step through pictures, how to make hwachae (Korean dessert fruit milk soda).
Notes
- Be sure to chill your fruit. You can prep the fruit and refrigerate the fruit for an hour before continuing with the recipe.
- Serve with the fizzy sparkling water, separated from the milky fruit mixture until you are ready to serve.
- Cut nice shapes. Use a baller for the watermelon or shape cutters. Be sure the watermelon is a chunky bite size and not tiny.
- Sweeten to your preference. You can make the recipe less or more sweet, however you like it.
- Plant milk is ok! I use almond milk and it turns out really great.
- Do NOT add papaya or cantaloupe. Adding these fruits is not great if you add milk to the hwachae. These fruits have enzymes that break down proteins and it will affect the taste of your milky hwachae recipe.
- Always add ice. Hwachae has to be cold.
- If you have leftover or pieces of watermelon, you can blend it, strain the juice out, and add to the hwachae (or save for a future smoothie).
How to Serve Watermelon Hwachae
Serving methods are simple and versatile. Here’s how I enjoy it:
- Serve Chilled: Hwachae is best served chilled, so refrigerate it for at least an hour before serving or serve with big ice cubes. Do not let ice cubes sit in Korean dessert fruit milk soda so your recipe doesn’t become diluted.
- Serve Right Away: Since there is a combo of milk and fizzy, carbonated beverage, it’s best to serve this drink immediately. You can also deconstruct the ingredients with the bowl of fruit separated from the milk and the fizzy drink and combine everything when you’re ready to consume it.
- Use Clear Glassware: Serve this pretty Subak Hwachae recipe in clear glassware to showcase its vibrant colors and enticing fruit chunks. For some reason, the eye-appeal enhances the taste. A wide-rim glass is best.
- Add Ice: For an extra refreshing touch, add ice cubes to each serving glass before pouring in the Hwachae.
- Garnish: Garnish each glass with a fresh mint sprig, edible flower, or slice of lemon for added visual appeal and aroma.
Variations of Hwachae
While the classic Hwachae recipe includes a mix of fresh fruits and Korean punch, there are endless variations to suit different tastes and preferences. Some popular variations include:
- Yellow Hwachae: Use yellow watermelon for a sweet and sunny punchbowl.
- Sparkling Hwachae: Replace still water with sparkling water or lemon-lime soda for a fizzy and effervescent watermelon Hwachae experience. Sprite or 7-Up is popular in the States or look for natural sodas with lemon lime flavor.
- Strawberry Milk Hwachae: BTS likes this kind 🙂 I do too! Use strawberry milk to elevate your next version of this recipe. You can buy strawberry milk for hwachae at the grocery store too!
- A La Mode: This is my version of extra fun…add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and make a super cool, hwachae dessert float.
- Citrus Hwachae: Incorporate citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes for a tangy twist.
- Green Tea Hwachae: Infuse green tea into the Hwachae mixture for a subtle herbal flavor and added antioxidants.
- Yogurt watermelon Hwachae: Blend yogurt with fruits to create a creamy and refreshing version of Hwachae.
- Tapioca and Jellies Hwachae: Add boba balls or tapioca pearls for a bouncy and super fun addition!
Can I make hwachae in advance?
You can definitely cut all watermelon, prep the fruits and ingredients the night before. Do NOT mix anything until serving.
So yum! Hwachae Recipe: Watermelon Fizzy Drink
Equipment
- 1 punchbowl
- 1 ladle
- Tall Spoons
- Glassware
Ingredients
- ½ Watermelon Make balls or cut in shapes. I used a flower shape cutter and the watermelon came out so beautifully.
- 1½ cup Blueberries
- 1 can Fruit Cocktail with Light Syrup I like the kind with nata de coco in it
- 4 tbsp Condensed Milk optional – Find one that is just milk and sugar or plant-condensed milk.
- 3 cups Milk or Plant-Milk
- 2 cups Sparkling Water Flavored Black Cherry sparkling (no calories) is my favorite and recommendation. You can also use lemon lime. Use a NON sweetened sparkling water.
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Wash and prepare the fruits by removing stems, seeds, and peels as necessary. Cut the watermelon into thick flower shapes or balls.½ Watermelon
- Open a can of fruit cocktail with light syrup. I like the kind with nata de coco added.1 can Fruit Cocktail with Light Syrup
- Place the watermelon, blueberries, and fruit cocktail WITH the light syrup in a large mixing bowl.1½ cup Blueberries
- Heat the condensed milk in the microwave with a few drops of water for 20 seconds so it becomes less thick and more mixable.4 tbsp Condensed Milk
- Add the condensed milk and your milk of choice to the punchbowl. Mix everything gently. Add enough milk that the fruit is submerged but not too much.Have ice cubes to serve the punch with.3 cups Milk or Plant-Milk
- Serve each glass or small bowl that is ready with a ladle of the fruit mix with milk, add ice cubes, and top it off with the fizzy sparkling water.Ice cubes, 2 cups Sparkling Water Flavored
- Add a long spoon and enjoy your watermelon Hwachae!
LEAVE A COMMENT