Hwachae (Korean Fruit Punch)

Korean hwachae sits somewhere between a fruit punch and a chilled fruit dessert, served very cold with pieces of juicy fruit suspended in a lightly sweetened drink. This version keeps the preparation simple and immediate: sparkling water gives the base a clean fizz, while watermelon, pineapple, strawberries and grapes bring sweetness, acidity and plenty of texture. Fresh mint is optional but useful, adding a cool herbal lift without overpowering the fruit. It is best poured just after mixing, while the bubbles are lively and the fruit still tastes crisp and fresh.
Recipe by JustRecipes Editorial Team
Content validated: August 2026 How we create recipes
Made this recipe? Rate it
Cuisine style Korean chilled fruit punch
Cooking style No-cook preparation • Minimal cleanup • Crowd-friendly
Time commitment Under 15 minutes

Why this recipe works

  • Fast to assemble: No cooking is needed; the fruit is simply cut and stirred into a lightly sweetened sparkling base.
  • Clean, refreshing finish: Chilled sparkling water keeps the punch light, while mint lifts the sweetness of the fruit.
  • Easy to vary: The fruit can be adjusted by season or preference without changing the basic method.

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Timing notes

  • Chill before mixing: Use well-chilled fruit and sparkling water so the punch is cold from the moment it is served.
  • Serve straight away: The punch is at its best immediately after mixing, while the sparkling water is still fizzy and the fruit tastes fresh.

Make-ahead tips

  • Prepare the fruit ahead: Cut the fruit in advance and keep it covered in the fridge, then add the sparkling water just before serving.
  • Keep the base separate: For maximum fizz, dissolve the sugar shortly before serving rather than assembling the whole punch too early.

Ingredient notes

  • Choose juicy fruit: Watermelon, berries, grapes and pineapple work well because they stay bright, sweet and refreshing in a chilled punch.
  • Adjust the sweetness: Taste the fruit first, then adjust the sugar as needed; very ripe fruit may need less added sweetness.
  • Keep pieces spoonable: Cut the fruit into small, bite-sized pieces so it is easy to eat from glasses or small bowls.

Ingredient swaps

  • Use raspberries: Swap strawberries for raspberries if you want a slightly sharper, more fragrant fruit note.
  • Try honey: Honey gives a rounder sweetness; whisk it with a splash of sparkling water first so it blends smoothly.
  • Swap the herb: Fresh basil can replace mint for a more aromatic, herbal finish.

Equipment you'll need

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Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Put the caster sugar in a large mixing bowl. Add a splash of the sparkling water and whisk until the sugar dissolves, then whisk in the remaining sparkling water.
  2. Cut the watermelon and pineapple into bite-sized pieces. Hull and halve any large strawberries, and halve the green grapes if you like.
  3. Add the fruit to the sweetened sparkling water and gently stir. Tear the fresh mint over the top, then divide into glasses and serve straight away while cold and fizzy.

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Recipe notes

Tips

  • Chill the fruit and sparkling water well before you start so the punch stays bright and refreshing without needing extra chilling time.
  • Add the sparkling water just before serving if you want maximum fizz.
  • If serving to children, tear the mint rather than chopping it so it perfumes the punch without turning it green.

Substitutions

  • Replace Strawberry with Raspberry for a slightly sharper, more fragrant fruit note.
  • Replace Caster sugar with Honey for a rounder sweetness; whisk it with a small splash of sparkling water first to help it dissolve.
  • Replace Fresh mint with Fresh basil for a more aromatic, herbal finish.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 1 days
  • Best served immediately. If you have leftovers, refrigerate in a covered jug for up to 1 day; the fruit will soften and the drink will lose its fizz, so top up with fresh sparkling water before serving.

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Hwachae (Korean Fruit Punch)
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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 4 glasses
  • Total time: 10min (10min active)
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cuisine: Korean
Beginner friendly Kid friendly
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Equipment you'll need

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Caster sugar

1 cup ≈ 200 g
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Sparkling Water

1 cup ≈ 240 ml
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