Hwachae (Korean Watermelon Punch)

A bowl of fruit and milky liquid, with a ladle taking a portion from the middle.

Hwachae (Korean Watermelon Punch)

This hwachae recipe is the perfect drink/dessert for hot Summer days. Also known as Korean watermelon punch, this fruit bowl is always a hit!

Course Beverages

Cuisine Korean

Prep Time 15

Servings servings

Calories 215

Author Dorothy Bigelow

Ingredients

3 cups cubed watermelon about ½-¾”
1 dragonfruit cubed (about ½-¾”) (optional)
1 cup sliced strawberries
¾ cup raspberries
¾ cup blueberries
½ cup blackberries or more blueberries (and/or raspberries)
1 ½ cups cubed coconut jelly about 3 containers; one of each flavor (or canned fruit**)
⅓ cup sweetened condensed milk
1 ½ cups sprite or lemon-lime soda*
1 ½ cups strawberry milk about 1 bottle (or regular milk)
8 ice cubes about 1 ½-2 cups (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the fruit. Wash all of the fruit, and pat dry with a clean towel. Cube (and remove the peel) from the watermelon and dragonfruit (if using). Slice the strawberries, but leave the other berries whole.
Add to a bowl. Transfer the prepared fruit to a very large bowl (or punch bowl). Add in the coconut jelly and stir gently to evenly distribute all of the ingredients.
Add the liquids. Drizzle in the sweetened condensed milk, then pour in the strawberry milk and stir gently to help the sweetened condensed milk dissolve.
Pour in the soda. Finally, slowly pour in the soda and stir gently. It will foam up slightly, so just be sure your bowl is large enough to handle the rising liquid level.
Finish with ice. If desired, add ice to the bowl before serving. I recommend 8 regular-sized cubes (about 1 ½-2 cups). Serve immediately by ladling into bowls, or chill until needed.

Notes

*Lemon-lime soda: Traditional Hwachae uses a Korean cider that is known as Chilseong cider. Lemon-lime sodas like Sprite or 7-up are a great swap and have a similar flavor. Ginger ale may be used, but it has a more distinct taste and isn't highly recommended.

**What can I use instead of coconut jelly? Coconut jelly is easy to find at Asian grocers, or in the “International” aisles of your local Supermarket. They come in 3 flavors and are sold in packs of 6. If you can’t find it (or prefer not to use it), you can leave it out completely, substitute it for homemade jelly, OR canned fruit (pears, grapes, fruit cocktail, etc).

Dairy-free: Swap the sweetened condensed milk for sweetened condensed coconut milk, and use your favorite sweetened non-dairy milk in place of the strawberry milk.

Nutrition