Korean Watermelon Punch (Subak Hwachae)
Subak hwachae, also known as Korean watermelon punch, is a refreshing summer drink and a classic hwachae recipe. This easy Korean fruit punch features juicy watermelon and other seasonal fruits, perfect for cooling off on hot days. With just 4 simple ingredients, you can make this delicious Korean dessert drink in minutes!
When summer rolls around in Korea, there’s nothing more refreshing than subak hwachae (수박화채), a Korean watermelon punch. This delightful Korean summer drink combines the juicy watermelon chunks mixed with ice, soda, and sometimes sweetened condensed milk.
The result is a perfect blend of creamy sweetness and fizzy refreshment. Often garnished with additional fruits like melon balls or berries, it’s a vibrant and hydrating summer treat.
As a child, hwachae was the highlight of family gatherings on sweltering days. My mom would scoop out a whole watermelon, fill it with ice-cold soda, and mix in colorful fruits for an extra burst of flavor.
It was like having a dessert and a drink in one—and to this day, the nostalgic joy of subak hwachae instantly cools me down and brings back those cherished memories of summer.
What is Hwachae?
Hwachae (화채) is a traditional Korean punch made with fresh fruits, sweet liquids, and sometimes edible flowers. The name hwachae comes from the Korean words “hwa” (flower) and “chae” (vegetables or fruits), highlighting its visually appealing presentation.
While there are many variations of hwachae, subak hwachae (watermelon punch) is one of the most popular, especially during the hot summer months. This Korean punch shines with its versatility, using a base of sweetened water, fruit juices, or carbonated drinks like soda—just like I did in this hwachae recipe.
What makes hwachae stand out is its ability to adapt to the season—watermelon and all types of berries are common in summer, while pears or persimmons might make an appearance in cooler months. In the past, people used rice-based drinks like sikhye as a base to add a rich, traditional twist.
Ingredients for Subak Hwachae
Making subak hwachae is incredibly simple—you only need 4 basic ingredients to create this fizzy and refreshing Korean summer treat. Each ingredient works together to create a perfect balance of sweetness, creaminess, and sparkle:
- Seedless Watermelon: Use either balled or cubed watermelon for a juicy, sweet base. Choose a ripe watermelon for the best flavor and texture.
- Milk: I recommend using whole milk for its creamy richness, adding a subtle layer of indulgence to the punch.
- Lemon-Lime Soda: Chilled and fizzy, it gives the punch its signature refreshing sparkle
- Sweetener: Choose sweetened condensed milk for a creamier flavor, or choose sugar or honey based on your preference. Adjust the amount to achieve just the right touch of sweetness and indulgence to suit your taste.
How to make Subak Hwachae (Watermelon Punch)
1. Combine the liquids: Mix milk, sweet condensed milk (or sugar) until well combined. Add soda; It will fizz!
2. Add watermelon: Add watermelon, and stir well. For an optional touch, you can add a few ice cubes to keep the punch cold. Just remember, as the ice melts, it will dilute the flavors—though some people don’t mind and even prefer it that way.
3. 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
In Korea, this fruit punch is traditionally served in a large glass bowl with a spoon, making it a delightful dessert to share after meals. The presentation adds to its charm and encourages everyone to scoop out the juicy fruits.
For the best experience, serve subak hwachae immediately after making it to enjoy the full fizz and fresh flavors. In case of serving it outdoors on hot days, set the punch bowl on a bed of ice to keep it chilled.
If you have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator and consume within 24 hours to retain the best taste and texture.
If you enjoy drinks that are both creamy and fruity, give Korean strawberry milk a try—you’ll love the fresh burst of fruit flavor in milk. For the colder months, consider sujeonggwa, a warm and spiced cinnamon drink.
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
- 1 cup 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.
- Note: If you’re serving this hwachae outdoors on hot days, place the punch bowl on a bed of ice to keep it chilled. If you’d like, you can add a few ice cubes into the punch. Just be aware that as the ice melts, it may dilute the flavors—though some people enjoy the lighter taste it creates.
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!