This refreshing Korean fruit punch is a chilled, fruity treat that blends juicy watermelon, mixed fruits, creamy flavored milk, and fizzy soda. It’s light, colorful, and perfect for warm days or whenever I want something playful and hydrating.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it tastes like a dessert and a drink at the same time. It’s incredibly easy to make, customizable with whatever fresh fruit I have on hand, and always feels festive. The combination of creamy milk and sparkling soda gives it a fun, nostalgic flavor that pairs beautifully with summer fruits.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
4 cups fresh watermelon, cut into small cubes
2 cups assorted fresh fruit (such as strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, melon or grapes)
1 can (15 ounces) fruit cocktail, drained
2 cups flavored milk (strawberry milk or another flavor I prefer)
2 cups carbonated soda (Sprite, 7Up, or any lemon-lime soda)
1 to 2 cups ice cubes
Directions
Add the cubed watermelon, assorted fresh fruits, and drained fruit cocktail to a large mixing bowl; stir gently to combine.
Pour the flavored milk over the fruit mixture.
Add the ice cubes and stir lightly.
Slowly pour in the carbonated soda to keep the fizz intact, then stir gently.
Serve immediately while it’s cold and bubbly.
Servings And Timing
This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes approximately 15 minutes to prepare from start to finish.
Variations
I can swap the flavored milk with plain milk, coconut milk, or a plant-based milk for a different flavor.
I can use fruit juice instead of soda for a less fizzy, more naturally sweet version.
For extra texture, I sometimes add small tapioca pearls or jelly cubes.
I can adjust the sweetness by choosing diet soda, reducing the soda, or adding more fresh fruit.
Storage/Reheating
I prefer to serve Hwachae immediately because the soda loses its fizz over time. If I need to store it, I refrigerate the fruit mixture without the milk or soda for up to one day. When I’m ready to serve it again, I add the milk, soda, and ice fresh to maintain the best flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I prepare the fruits ahead of time?
Yes, I can chop and chill the fruits a few hours in advance. I just wait to add the milk and soda until serving time.
What fruits work best for Hwachae?
I like using watermelon, berries, kiwi, melon, grapes, or dragon fruit—pretty much any fruit that’s juicy and colorful works beautifully.
Can I reduce the sweetness?
Yes, I can use less soda, choose an unsweetened flavored milk, or add more fresh fruit to balance the sweetness naturally.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely. I can replace flavored milk with strawberry almond milk, coconut milk, or any plant-based milk.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes, this recipe scales easily. I simply double all the ingredients and use a large punch bowl.
Conclusion
Hwachae is a bright, refreshing fruit punch that I love making when I want something simple, beautiful, and crowd-pleasing. Its blend of fresh fruit, creamy milk, and fizzy soda creates a unique flavor that always feels celebratory. It’s quick, customizable, and perfect for warm days or gatherings.
A refreshing Korean fruit punch — colorful fruit, chilled milk or soda, and ice combine to make a light, hydrating dessert‑drink perfect for warm weather or gatherings.
2 cups carbonated lemon‑lime soda (e.g., Sprite / 7Up / cider) or sparkling water
1 to 2 cups ice cubes
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine the cubed watermelon, assorted fresh or canned fruit. Stir gently to mix.
Pour the chilled milk (or milk alternative) over the fruit mixture and stir lightly.
Add the ice cubes.
Slowly pour in the carbonated soda to preserve the fizz, then stir gently to combine without losing bubbles.
Serve immediately — chilled, bubbly, and refreshing.
Notes
Serve immediately: the soda’s fizz and fruit’s freshness are best right away. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
For a less sweet or dairy‑free version, you can use plain milk, plant‑based milk, or fruit juice instead of flavored milk. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Feel free to mix in seasonal fruits — berries, melon, grapes, dragon fruit, etc. — or even add jelly/coconut jelly for fun texture. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
If you want a “classic” version, traditional hwachae often used honeyed juice or water rather than milk and soda. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
