Print

Korean Fruit Punch Hwachae

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  • 12 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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

Keywords: Korean fruit punch, Hwachae, refreshing drink, traditional Korean beverage, fruit punch recipe, summer drink, sweet rice punch, Sikhye, sparkling water punch