Korean Watermelon Punch (Subak Hwachae)
Korean watermelon punch (hwachae) is a refreshing Korean fruit punch and a popular dessert drink during the summer season. You can use watermelon alone or mix with other summer fruits. It is quick to make with just 4 ingredients.
Korean watermelon punch, known as hwachae or subak hwachae (수박화채), is a refreshing summer drink popular in Korea. It is typically made by combining chunks of juicy watermelon with water, ice, and often a touch of honey or sugar for sweetness.
The hwachae recipe includes sweet condensed milk and soda for a creamy or fizzy texture. Often served with additional fruit like melon or berries, it’s a cool, hydrating treat perfect for hot days.
If you enjoy slightly creamy yet fruity drinks, try Korean strawberry milk or banana milk. You might appreciate the fresh taste of fruits in milk.
What you’ll need
Only 5 ingredients are needed. Simple, right?
- Seedless watermelon: either balled or cubed
- Milk
- Lemon-lime soda: Make sure it is well chilled
- Sweet condensed milk, honey, or sugar
- Ice cubes: optional. It will keep the punch cold
How to make Korean watermelon Punch
Combine the liquids: Mix milk, sweet condensed milk, sugar (or honey) until well combined. Add soda; It will fizz!
Add watermelon: Add watermelon, and stir well. Drop a few ice cubes to keep the punch cold. But keep in mind that ice will dilute the punch as it melts. (Although some people don’t mind, and even prefer it that way.)
Additional Fruits (Optional)
Blueberries, peaches, honeydew melon, cantaloupe, and pineapples make great additions to this Korean-style fruit punch, hwachae. Some people like to add canned fruits such as fruit cocktail, lychee, or rambutan for extra flair, but I personally find that fresh fruits make it more refreshing.
Serving and Storage Tips
Unlike Western punch, you typically serve this Korean fruit punch in a glass bowl with a spoon, often as a dessert after meals.
I recommend serving Korean hwachae immediately after making it to enjoy the carbonation. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Korean Watermelon Punch (Subak Hwachae)
Ingredients
- 1/4 seedless watermelon, balled or cubed
- 1 1/2 cup milk
- 2 1/2 cup lemon-lime flavored soda, chilled
- 2-4 tbsp sweet condensed milk, honey or sugar
- blueberries to garnish, optional
Equipment
Instructions
- Place watermelon pieces (and its juice) in a large serving bowl.
- Mix milk and condensed milk in another bowl and add soda; stir. Pour the punch mixture over watermelon. Garnish with blueberries if using.
- To serve, ladle watermelon punch into a small individual serving bowl. Serve immediately or chill up to 2 hours.
- Leftover punch can be stored in the refrigerator up to 24 hours.
Hi, I am planning to do this recipe for 27 people, and I was wondering how large each serving is? I’ll also be adding in 3 additional fruits but am not sure how much I should?
The recipe yields 4-6 servings. Each serving includes 1 cup of punch plus pieces of fruit. Feel free to add more or less fruit according to your preference as you mix.
Thank you so much, could you also specify on the amount of watermelon needed in cups?
Hello! I tried this recipe without the condensed milk and I replaced the soda with ginger ale, but my milk curdled. Did I do something wrong?
Hi Amber
Adding acidic soda (lemon-lime or ginger ale), can often lead to curdling. To prevent this, you’ll need to increase the sugar content in the mixture. Sweetened condensed milk in the recipe serves as a buffer against curdling. Alternatively, you can use about 2-3 tablespoons of regular sugar. It’s also important to use full-fat milk instead of low-fat, and to pour the soda slowly when mixing. Try blending it with a small amount of soda first, then gradually add the rest. I hope these tips help.
Hello!! I tried this drink today actually saw this drink BTS in soop while ago but did today but I don’t know if I did it correctly so I just used milk, sprit n watermelon offcourse so it doesn’t have any side effects? Right just wanted to know but it tastes really good
Hi Sejal
As long as you kept the punch cold, it should be fine. Did you add any sweet condensed milk or honey? A little sweeten-up makes the drink tastier. Glad to hear that you like it. Thanks!
Just added sugar that’s it nothing else so it’s safe nah ?? Like there are no mix chemical reactions? I can send u pic bt I don’t know how ?
Great, another koreaboo. Why would perfectly edible foods have any side effects (unless you’re leaving this out overnight and not chilling it, which is common sense btw)????? Unless you have an underlying health condition in which you shouldn’t be having that much sugar, then maybe don’t make this as often ??
Gonna try to make a vegan version with oat milk and sweetened condensed coconut milk 🙂 thanks for the recipe!
I made this for dessert to share with my neighbors on a hot August evening. It was such a hit! Everyone couldn’t help exclaiming at how refreshing it was. Instead of blueberries I added canned pear, including the juice from the can. It was delicious!
Hi Julie
So happy to hear you and your neighbors love this punch. I like the idea of adding canned pear with its juice. Thanks for sharing!
Made this for my daughter’s birthday last night and it was a hit! Everyone loved it! And yes, so refreshing! Looking forward to making it again this spring! Not as sweet as so many drinks are and loved the subtle flavors the watermelon and cantaloupe added.
Hi Lyndsay
So great to hear from you. Glad to hear that this punch was a success at the party. Adding a cantaloupe is a good idea. Hope everyone is doing well.
Hi Holly – what type of milk do you use? Fresh, powdered or long-life?
I used fresh milk. Either whole milk or reduced fat milk work. I wouldn’t use powdered milk. When you pour the carbonated drink, it will foam up but the foam will subside as it goes.
I’ve never heard of Korean punch (nor paired soda with milk), but this sounds intriguing and delightful and definitely so refreshing!
This is such an interesting drink! I’ve never paired milk with soda, but it looks like I’ll have to try it out soon!
What an interesting dish! I don’t think I’ve ever had anything quite like this. Gotta try it — sounds so good! Thanks!