What is Hwachae? Guide to Korean Fruit Punch

Stay cool and refreshed with this popular Korean fruit punch bowl! After going viral on social media last summer, more people outside of Korea have become interested in these traditional fruit punch drinks – and for good reason.

What is Hwachae?

Hwachae is the collective term for traditional Korean punch made with fruit and flower petals – hwachae can be translated as flower water. There are several variations of the drink, with various combinations of fruits, juices and toppings used.

Modern iterations also include fizzy drinks and flavoured milks. The punch is typically served in a large bowl and can be enjoyed as a dessert as well as a hydrating drink.

What is Hwachae Made Of?

This really depends on what kind of hwachae you make – there are up to 30 traditional variations that incorporate all sorts of things like cherries, pears, peaches, melon, citrus, honeyed water and numerous fruit juices.

A version of subak-hwachae, which features watermelon, is the type of punch that became popular all over social media, largely thanks to its super refreshing nature, versatility (it suits lots of different toppings) and the opportunity to serve the drink in the hollowed-out watermelon itself!

These days, it’s popular to add a variety of your favourite fruits to the punch, whether fresh or canned, often including strawberries, blueberries, grapes and melon balls. Some recipes may also include nata de coco or boba pearls for an extra refreshing, tasty bite.

A common base for modern hwachae includes combining Sprite (or other lemon and lime soft drinks) and strawberry milk for the ultimate fizzy yet creamy and indulgent refreshment. Some recipes may all include coconut water and condensed milk.

What Does Hwachae Taste Like?

Again, this will depend on the kind of hwachae you try, but generally these drinks have a sweet, fruity flavour with a fresh, cooling aspect – perfect for balmy summer days and gatherings with friends.

Is Hwachae Hydrating?

Hwachae is known for being very hydrating and quenching your thirst in a particularly satisfying way, with many joking that it's just what you need when you wake up in the middle of the night feeling dehydrated.

True to this reputation, hwachae can be incredibly hydrating thanks to the refreshing fruits used and the ice content that cools you down and provides additional water content.

How to Make Hwachae

The exact fruit combination can largely be up to you and your preferences, but if you want to try a version of the tasty watermelon hwachae everyone’s been loving, here’s what you’ll need

• 500ml Sprite (or any other lemon/lime soft drink)
• 500ml strawberry milk
• 2 cups watermelon, diced
• 1 cup strawberries, halved or quartered
• 1 cup blueberries
• 1 cup ice
• Nata de coco, boba or jelly cups (optional)

1. Prepare your fruit by cutting everything into bite-sized chunks and place it all in a large serving bowl along with the ice. If you’re adding any jelly or other extras, you can do so here, too.
2. Carefully pour over the milk and fizzy drink and stir gently to combine everything.
3. Enjoy immediately!

If you are worried about your hwachae curdling, you can add a few spoons of sweetened condensed milk. Mix this in with your other milk content before adding it to the rest of the ingredients.

You can alter the ratios and fruits according to preference, but this should provide a simple place to start!

Can You Make Hwachae With Regular Milk?

You can use regular milk (combined with condensed milk to help prevent curdling) if you want, although strawberry-flavoured milk is generally the go-to as it adds to the sweetness and fruity flavour of the drink.

Can You Make Hwachae Without Sprite?

Also, yes. While Sprite (or a similar alternative) is generally the preferred soft drink for modern hwachae, it is perfectly possible to make a delicious hwachae without it, especially as is the case with more traditional recipes.

Chilsung cider is a popular option used in Korea, which is quite similar to Sprite, if a little milder in flavour. Some recipes may also call for ginger ale.

Want more tasty beverages to quench your thirst? Take a look at our new selection of popular Korean drink pouches, including different fruit ades and iced coffee.