Korean Fruit Punch Hwachae
Korean Fruit Punch Hwachae is a vibrant and refreshing traditional Korean beverage made with a medley of fresh fruits soaked in a subtly sweetened honeyed syrup, complemented by sweet rice punch and sparkling water. This colorful, natural, and hydrating punch is perfect for warm days or festive gatherings, offering a light, fruity reprieve that’s as beautiful to look at as it is to drink.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Beverages
- Method: No cooking required
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Fruits
- 1 cup watermelon, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup Asian pear, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup pineapple, diced
Liquid Base
- 2 cups Sweet Rice Punch (Sikhye), chilled (or substitute with lightly sweetened syrup made from honey or sugar dissolved in cold water)
- 1 cup Sparkling water, chilled
Sweeteners
- 1–2 tablespoons honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
Additional Ingredients
- Ice cubes or crushed ice, as needed
- Edible flower petals (chrysanthemum or rose petals), optional for garnish
- Fresh mint leaves, optional for garnish
- Prepare the Fruits: Wash and peel your chosen fruits, then cut them into bite-sized, attractive pieces to ensure a colorful and easy-to-eat fruit mix.
- Make the Sweet Rice Punch Base: If using pre-made Sikhye, ensure it is chilled. If not available, make a simple syrup by dissolving honey or sugar in cold water to replicate a sweet base.
- Mix Fruits and Liquid: In a large serving bowl or pitcher, gently combine the prepared fruits with the chilled Sweet Rice Punch or syrup base without bruising the fruit.
- Add Sparkling Water and Ice: Pour chilled sparkling water into the mixture to add lively fizz. Add ice cubes or crushed ice to keep the punch refreshingly cold, particularly on warm days.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish by garnishing with edible flower petals and/or fresh mint leaves for an elegant and aromatic touch before serving.
Notes
- Use seasonal fruits at their peak ripeness for optimal flavor and texture.
- Chill all ingredients beforehand to keep the punch refreshing longer.
- Cut fruits uniformly for consistency in taste and improved presentation.
- Avoid over-sweetening since the fruits naturally provide plenty of sweetness.
- Prepare the punch just before serving to keep fruits from becoming soggy and maintain the sparkle of the fizz.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximate)
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0.2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Korean fruit punch, Hwachae, refreshing drink, traditional Korean beverage, fruit punch recipe, summer drink, sweet rice punch, Sikhye, sparkling water punch