DessertBeverageSnack

Subak Hwachae

Name: Subak Hwachae
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: korean
Ingredients: 1,000 g watermelon cubed and seeded; 720 ml sparkling water; 150 g strawberry sliced; 100 g blueberry; 2 tbsp sugar (optional); 0.5 cup mint leaf (optional)

This vibrant Subak Hwachae is a quintessential Korean watermelon punch, offering a delightful balance of sweet fruit and effervescent sparkle. Perfect for warm weather, this refreshing beverage combines juicy watermelon, fresh berries, and a hint of mint for a light, cooling, and visually stunning dessert or palate cleanser.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time: 50 min
Serves: 4
Difficulty: Easy
Per serving: 128 kcal

VeganVegetarianGluten-free

Mise en place

Ingredients

1,000 gwatermelon, cubed and seeded
720 mlsparkling water
150 gstrawberry, sliced
100 gblueberry
2 tbspsugar(optional)

garnish

0.5 cupmint leaf(optional)

Equipment

Chef's knife · Cutting board · Large pitcher or serving bowl · Measuring cups · Measuring spoons · Spoon or ladle · Plastic wrap or lid

The method

Step by step

1
Wash all fresh produce thoroughly under cool running water.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Always wash fruits and vegetables before cutting to remove any surface contaminants.
2
Carefully cut the watermelon into bite-sized cubes, ensuring seeds are removed if present.
About 10 min
Cook’s note: For a more elegant presentation, use a melon baller to create uniform spheres of watermelon.
3
Slice the strawberries into halves or quarters, depending on their size.
About 3 min
Cook’s note: Ensure all berries are roughly the same size as the watermelon cubes for consistent texture in each spoonful.
4
Gently combine the cubed watermelon, sliced strawberries, and whole blueberries in a large pitcher or serving bowl.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Use a non-reactive bowl, such as glass or ceramic, to prevent any metallic taste from developing.
5
Pour the sparkling water over the fruit mixture.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: For a sweeter punch, use a lemon-lime soda instead of plain sparkling water, adjusting or omitting the added sugar.
6
If desired, add the sugar to the mixture and stir gently until it is completely dissolved.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Taste a small amount of the liquid before adding sugar; the sweetness of the watermelon can vary greatly.
7
Cover the pitcher or bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid.
About 1 min
8
Refrigerate the Subak Hwachae for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and chill thoroughly.
About 30 min
Cook’s note: Chilling for up to 2 hours will enhance the refreshing quality and ensure the fruit is perfectly cold.
9
Just before serving, gently stir the mixture once more.
About 1 min
10
Ladle the cold Subak Hwachae into individual glasses or small bowls.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Ensure each serving gets a good mix of both fruit and liquid.
11
Garnish each serving with fresh mint leaves for an aromatic finish.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Lightly clap the mint leaves between your palms before garnishing to release their essential oils and enhance their fragrance.

Per serving

Nutrition

75%Score

Calories: 127.9kcal
Protein: 2.1g
Carbs: 33g
Fat: 0.7g
Fibre: 2.6g
Sugar: 25.6g

Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.

Keep it good

Cook’s note:

For an adult version, consider adding a splash of soju or white rum. You can also experiment with other fruits like honeydew melon, cantaloupe, or even lychees. Serve alongside light Korean BBQ or spicy dishes to provide a refreshing contrast.

Storage

Store leftover Subak Hwachae in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The sparkling water may lose some of its effervescence over time.

Reheating

This dish is served cold and does not require reheating. Enjoy directly from the refrigerator.