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I fell in love with this gorgeous Korean fruit punch the moment I tried it in my kitchen. The combination of juicy fruits swimming in pink milk with fizzy soda creates pure magic in a bowl. Every time I serve this at my summer gatherings, it disappears within minutes and everyone asks for the recipe.
What Makes This Drink So Amazing
The beauty of this drink lies in its perfect balance of flavors and textures. I love how the sweet fruits blend with creamy strawberry milk and bubbly soda to create something truly special. You can easily switch up the fruits based on what's in season or whatever catches your eye at the market. Trust me, it's impossible to mess this up.
Everything You Need in Your Kitchen
- Ingredient: 1 cup ice cubes (I love adding mint leaves to mine)
- Ingredient: 3 cups watermelon cubes (pick the sweetest one you can find)
- Ingredient: 3 cups mixed fruits (I use strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, mangoes, banana, but feel free to use your favorites)
- Ingredient: 1 cup jelly (sakura jelly is beautiful, but any kind works)
- Ingredient: ¼ cup popping boba (totally optional but adds fun)
- Ingredient: 1½ cups Sprite (any fizzy drink works great)
- Ingredient: 1¾ cups Pink Drink (strawberry milk is perfect too)
- Ingredient: ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk (adjust sweetness to taste)
- Optional: ½ cup vanilla ice cream (makes it extra indulgent)
Let's Put It All Together
- Get Everything Ready
- Cut up your watermelon and fruits into bite sized pieces. If you're using jelly or boba, have those prepared too. I like making mint ice cubes ahead of time.
- Mix It Up
- Grab your biggest pretty bowl and add all your fruits, jelly, boba and ice.
- Pour the Good Stuff
- Now comes the fun part. Pour in your soda, Pink Drink or strawberry milk, and add sweetened condensed milk. Give it a gentle stir.
- Time to Enjoy
- Add a scoop of ice cream if you're feeling fancy. Serve it up right away while it's perfectly cold and fizzy.
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My Secret Tips for the Perfect Bowl
This drink tastes best when served right away while everything is fresh and bubbly. I love playing around with different fruit combinations depending on what's in season. Sometimes I'll add edible flowers or colorful jellies to make it extra pretty for special occasions. The possibilities are endless.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make Hwachae ahead of time?
It's best to prepare Hwachae just before serving. The fruits can be cut ahead, but mixing everything too early can make the drink lose its fizz and freshness.
- → What fruits work best in Hwachae?
Watermelon is traditional and works great. You can also use any fresh fruits like mangoes, berries, melons, and kiwi. The key is using ripe, sweet fruits.
- → Can I make this without Sprite?
Yes, you can replace Sprite with sparkling water or fruit juice. Some people also use Korean citron tea or simple syrup with water for a traditional touch.
- → How long does Hwachae stay fresh?
Hwachae is best enjoyed within 2-3 hours of making. The fruits start to soften and the drink loses its fizz when stored longer. It's not recommended to keep leftovers overnight.
- → Can I make this non-alcoholic version into a cocktail?
Yes, you can add soju or vodka to make it alcoholic. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste. Remember that alcohol can change how the fruits taste.