Korean watermelon punch — or subak hwachae (수박화채) — is one of the most beloved summer desserts in Korea. It’s light, fruity, and so refreshing on a hot day.
Made with sweet watermelon, ice, and fizzy soda or juice, this chilled punch is often enjoyed at home as a family snack, packed for summer outings like picnics or camping, or just as a cool treat when the weather gets sticky. It’s part drink, part dessert — and completely satisfying.
If you’re craving something that’s easy, hydrating, and fun to serve, you’ll love this Korean summer punch!
Why You’ll Love this Korean Summer Punch
This nostalgic Korean punch is the kind of summer treat that instantly cools you down. It’s sweet, juicy, and served ice-cold — part drink, part dessert, and always refreshing.
Traditionally, it was made with honey or sugar dissolved in water. These days though, it’s more common to use soft drinks like Chilsung Cider (Korea’s version of Sprite or 7UP), fruit juice, or even flavored milk as the base.
Growing up, I always had the soft drink version — light and fizzy, with lots of crunchy fruit. But more recently, milk-based punch has become trendy thanks to Korean TV shows like House Cook Master Baek. It’s not my personal favorite (a little heavy for me), but I can see the appeal!
The best part? I’m sharing three popular ways to make subak hwachae — so you can try the version you love most. 😋
None of them take more than 5 minutes to put together, making them perfect for summer BBQs, last-minute gatherings, or just a cool treat to sip on a hot day.
What You’ll Need (For 2 Servings)
Fruit
- 420g / 15 ounces watermelon, balled or small cubed
- (Optional) 95g / 3.4 ounces melon, balled or small cubed
- (Optional) 40g / 1.4 ounces pineapple, cubed
- (Optional) 40g / 1.4 ounces lemon, thinly sliced
- (Optional) 20g / 0.7 ounces blueberries
- (Optional) fresh mint leaves, for garnish
Drink Base Options
- Option 1 (my favourite) – 2 cups Sprite + 3 Tbsp watermelon juice + ice cubes for extra chilling
- Option 2 (my second choice) – 2 cups Strawberry flavor milk + 3 Tbsp watermelon juice + ice cubes for extra chilling
- Option 3 (my third choice) – 1/2 cup milk + 1 and 1/2 cup Sprite + 3 Tbsp watermelon juice + ice cubes for extra chilling
How to Make Korean Watermelon Punch
Add the watermelon and your choice of fruit to a medium-sized punch bowl. Pour in your preferred drink base, such as milk, soda, or juice. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and serve immediately.
More Korean Summer Recipes to Try
If you enjoyed this recipe, here are a few more Korean summer dishes to keep you cool, refreshed, and satisfied all season long:
- Bibim Guksu (Korean Cold Noodle Salad) – A vibrant cold noodle dish tossed in a spicy, sweet, and tangy sauce, perfect for hot days. It’s light yet flavorful, making it an ideal main course or side.
- Mul Naengmyeon (Korean Cold Noodle Soup) – These chewy noodles are served in an icy cold, tangy broth, offering a refreshing contrast to the summer heat. It’s a classic Korean dish that’s both cooling and satisfying.
- Hobak Jeon (Pan-Fried Korean Zucchini ) – Lightly battered and pan-fried zucchini slices that are crisp on the outside and tender inside. This simple side dish adds a savory balance to your meal.
- Korean Plum Tea (Maesil Cha) – A sweet and tangy iced tea made from Korean green plums. It’s a delightful beverage that complements the fruity notes of watermelon punch.
Korean Watermelon Punch (Subak Hwachae)
Ingredients
FRUIT
- 420 g watermelon (15 ounces), balled or small cubed
- 95 g melon (3.4 ounces), balled or small cubed, optional
- 40 g pineapple (1.4 ounces), cubed, optional
- 40 g lemon (1.4 ounces), thinly sliced, optional
- 20 g blueberries (0.7 ounces), optional
- fresh mint for decoration, optional
Drink Base - Option 1 (my favourite)
- 2 cups sprite
- 3 Tbsp watermelon juice
- ice cubes for extra chilling, optional
Drink Base - Option 2 (my second choice)
- 2 cups strawberry flavor milk
- 3 Tbsp watermelon juice
- ice cubes for extra chilling, optional
Drink Base - Option 3 (my third choice)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups sprite
- 3 Tbsp watermelon juice
- ice cubes for extra chilling, optional
Instructions
- Add the watermelon and your choice of fruit to a medium-sized punch bowl. Pour in your preferred drink base, such as milk, soda, or juice. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and serve immediately.
Notes
- Optional fruits add more flavor complexity — I recommend including them! Feel free to use other seasonal fruits you enjoy.
- Use a melon baller to make watermelon balls!
- All fruit weights are net weight (after peeling or trimming).
- Make sure all your ingredients are well chilled before assembling for the best flavor and texture.
- Watermelon juice: Just blend any leftover watermelon pieces after balling or cubing.
- Combine your chosen drink base in a separate bowl before pouring it over the fruit to help the flavors mix evenly and keep the salad fresh and vibrant.
- 1 Tbsp = 15 mL, 1 cup = 250 mL
Nutrition Info (per serving)
The nutrition information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
