Chill Out with This Hwachae Recipe: The Sweet, Refreshing Korean Fruit Punch Taking TikTok by Storm

I’ve always had a bit of a sweet tooth—ok a big one. But sometimes, I want a dessert that’s a bit more refreshing than your typical candy or baked goods. So, when I stumbled upon “hwachae,” the Korean fruit punch going viral on TikTok, I had to try it out. Picture a bowl brimming with vibrant fruits and a hint of fizz that’s just as fun to look at as it is to sip on. Trust me, it’s a drink dessert fusion that’s guaranteed to impress. Plus, this recipe takes just 15 minutes to make. So, it’s time to grab your favorite fruits: here’s how to make Korean hwachae.

What is hwachae?

Also known as Korean watermelon punch, Hwachae is a traditional Korean fruit punch. The word “hwachae” in Korean directly translates to “flower water” in English. However, you’ll likely only see petals in the traditional versions. The modern hwachae features a mix of fresh fruits like watermelon, strawberries and peaches, all floating in a sweet, strawberry milk. But what really sets hwachae apart is the addition of something fizzy—usually a carbonated drink like Sprite or Ginger Ale—that gives it an extra zing.

Hwachae is a popular summertime treat in South Korea, but thanks to TikTok creator @amyflamy1, it’s now making waves worldwide. Social media foodies are raving about its vibrant appearance and the endless possibilities for customization. Watch the original video below:

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Tips for making great hwachae at home

Making hwachae is pretty straightforward, but a few tricks can elevate your punch from tasty to totally irresistible.

1. Choose fresh, seasonal fruits

Fresh, juicy fruits are the the stars of any good hwachae, so pick what's in season. Watermelon is a classic base, but you can mix in your flirts of choice like berries, peaches or even a tropical twist with mangoes. The fresher the fruit, the more vibrant the flavors will be.

2. Choose your liquid base

While the viral recipe calls for strawberry milk, some may find sweetened milk too much, especially with fruit. You can replace it with plain milk or flavored açaí. Or, if you love sweetness, consider using sweetened condensed milk.

3. Chill everything in advance

Hwachae is best enjoyed ice-cold, so make sure all your ingredients, especially the fruits, are well-chilled before mixing. You can even chill your serving bowls for that extra frosty touch. I would also recommend using some ice cubes (but not too many).

4. Don’t overdo the fizz

The fizzy element of hwachae is key, but you don’t want it to overpower the delicate fruit flavors. Add your carbonated drink just before serving, and taste as you go to get the perfect balance.

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Easy hwachae recipe

I followed this recipe from This Healthy Table, which adds some canned fruit cocktail for extra fruity goodness. This drink is best served immediately, but you can store it in the fridge for another day. Just remember to add more of your carbonated beverage.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups fresh watermelon, cubed
• 1 1/2 cups fresh fruit of cherries
• 1 can (14 oz.) fruit cocktail, drained
• 12 oz. Carbonated beverage of choice
• 14 oz. Strawberry milk
• 1 cup ice cubes

Directions:

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4-6 servings

1. Place the cubed watermelon, additional fruit and drained fruit cocktail in a large bowl. Then, stir to combine.
2. Pour the strawberry milk over the fruit. Add the ice and then stir to combine. Finally, pour in the carbonated drink and stir gently.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

More viral TikTok recipes:

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