Korean Hwachae Watermelon Punch
Korean Hwachae Watermelon Punch is a citrus drink, that can be served out of pitcher or for show, in a scooped out watermelon. It is also known as Korean Subak Hwachae.
As the summer heat reaches its peak, we find ourselves searching for delicious and refreshing treats to cool us down. Hwachae is a great choice! This delightful Korean watermelon punch combines the natural sweetness of watermelon with a medley of fruit and other ingredients, creating a very tasty drink.
About Subak Hwachae
Hwachae is a traditional Korean punch that has been enjoyed for centuries, especially during the sweltering summer months. The term “Hwachae” roughly translates to “flower punch,” referring to its vibrant and colorful appearance. It traditionally consisted of fruits, herbs, and sweetened water, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. While various fruits can be used to make Hwachae, the watermelon version stands out as popular choice. Learn more here.
While Watermelon is the focus of the punch, it actually combines multiple fruits. The combination of the naturally sweet watermelon, tangy citrus fruits, and refreshing melons creates a refreshing and well-balanced taste.
If made with carbonated water or soda (recommended), the punch has a delightful effervescence, resulting in a perfectly sweet, fruity, and effervescent concoction that is both cooling and invigorating.
It is sort of similar to Watermelon Agua Fresca.
Serving Korean Watermelon Hwachae Punch
One particular fun way to serve Hwachae is inside a scooped out watermelon. The watermelon serves as the vessel and canvas for Hwachae, contributing not only its sweet and juicy flesh but also provides a visually striking presentation.
The punch pairs well with summer snacks. Think cookies, bars, fruit, chips etc. For example, you could make these snickerdoodles without cream of tartar and serve them with the watermelon punch for a nice afternoon summer snack.
To prepare Hwachae in a watermelon, a small portion of the watermelon’s flesh is scooped out and reserved, leaving a hollow space inside. This cavity is then filled with a mixture of fruits, such as diced melons, berries, citrus slices, and even grapes. The reserved watermelon flesh is then blended and strained to extract the fresh juice, which is later combined with carbonated water or soda for a sparkling finish.
Aside for the cookies mentioned above, Hwachae also pairs well with cool Asian summer desserts. Give these a try:
Below is a recipe for Watermelon Hwachae punch served in watermelon. You can also make this and serve it out of pitcher instead if desired. This is also developed for serving in smaller melons. If making in a large melon you may want to double or triple the other ingredients.
You can also get creative with the fruit and use whatever your favorites are!
Korean Hwachae Watermelon Punch
Korean Hwachae Watermelon Punch is a citrus drink, that can be served out of pitcher or for show, in a scooped out watermelon. It is also known as Korean Subak Hwachae.
Ingredients
- 1 watermelon
- 5-6 strawberries
- 1 clementine or orange
- 1 lime
- ½ apple
- 7-8 grapes
- Orange juice, as required
- Water, as required
- 2 tbsp honey
- Carbonated water (optional)
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Whisk honey into ¼ cup of water until they mix together and leave it in the refrigerator to chill.
- Slice the watermelon into halves and scoop out the interiors while trying to retain as much juice as possible.
- Chop the pulp into small chunks and add to a large bowl.
- Cut rest of the fruits into bite-sized chunks and transfer them the bowl, along with any of their juice that have oozed out while cutting the fruits.
- Pour a cup each of orange juice and water into a separate bowl and stir well to mix.
- Pour this mixture over the fruits and toss the fruits well to mix.
- In case you are looking for a fizzy drink, use carbonated water instead of water.
- Place the fruity punch into the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the watermelon shell.
- Take on half of the hollow watermelon shell and carve out small triangular cuts around its edges with a sharp knife.
- Keep the watermelon in the freezer for an hour.
- After an hour is over, take both the watermelon shell and the fruity punch out of the fridge.
- Pour the fruity punch into the watermelon shell and drop several ice cubes in it.
- Top it up with more orange juice to fill up the watermelon shells and serve chilled.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 279Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 17mgCarbohydrates: 72gFiber: 6gSugar: 57gProtein: 4g
Last Updated on July 20, 2023 by Carleen
