Description
Korean Fruit Punch Hwachae is a traditional, refreshing summer beverage that combines a variety of fresh fruits with a lightly sweetened sweet rice punch base. Bright, colorful, and easy to prepare, this drink delivers a perfect balance of natural sweetness, tartness, and crisp texture, making it ideal for parties or casual sunny afternoons.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits
- 1 apple, sliced into bite-sized chunks or thin slices
- 1 pear, sliced into bite-sized chunks or thin slices
- 1 cup watermelon, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup Korean melon, sliced thinly
Base Liquid
- 4 cups sweet rice punch (Sikhye), chilled (store-bought or homemade)
Sweetener
- 1–2 tablespoons honey or granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
Other Ingredients
- 1–2 tablespoons fresh lemon or yuzu juice
- 2 cups crushed ice
- Optional: 1 tablespoon pine nuts for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Fruits: Wash and dry all fruits thoroughly. Slice the apples, pears, watermelon, and Korean melon into bite-sized chunks or thin, attractive slices, removing any seeds or cores for the best texture.
- Make the Sweet Rice Punch Base: If not using store-bought Sikhye, prepare homemade sweet rice punch by simmering cooked rice with ginger and sugar, then straining the mixture. Allow it to cool completely before use.
- Combine Fruits and Base: Pour the chilled sweet rice punch into a large bowl or punch pitcher. Add the prepared fruits, then stir gently to mix. Add honey or sugar and stir until fully dissolved, adjusting sweetness to your preference.
- Add Citrus and Ice: Squeeze fresh lemon or yuzu juice into the punch to add a bright, tart element. Add plenty of crushed ice to chill the punch thoroughly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle pine nuts on top as a traditional garnish if desired. Serve immediately in clear glasses to highlight the colorful fruit slices and refreshing beverage.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe, in-season fruits for the best flavor and texture.
- Chill all ingredients in advance to keep the punch refreshingly cold.
- Slice fruits thinly so they float well and release flavors into the drink.
- Adjust sweetness gradually, starting with less honey or sugar and adding more if needed.
- Serve in clear glassware and arrange fruits attractively for an appealing presentation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240ml)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0.3g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Korean fruit punch, Hwachae, summer drink, sweet rice punch, Sikhye, refreshing beverage, non-alcoholic punch
