'Hwachae' is a Korean traditional fruit punch that’s commonly made with various fruits and sweet drinks and served as a dessert or snack.
There are many variations of Korean hwachae, some are even made with edible flower petals too. However, one made with watermelon (subak) is a summer favourite.
Traditionally, the base drink is water sweetened with honey, syrup, or sugar, or liquid from soaking dried fruits such as omija (magnolia berry). Today, it’s common to use carbonated drinks and fruit juices.
2 cups watermelon, balled or cubed 1-1/2 cups honeydew melon 2 cups ginger ale 3 tbsp pomegranate or cranberry juice 1 tbsp pine nuts for garnish - optional
Scoop out watermelon and honeydew with a melon-baller. Place them in a large bowl along with any juice from the fruits.
Add the ginger ale and the pomegranate or cranberry juice to the fruits. Stir gently. Taste the drink and adjust acidity and/or sweetness by adding more juice and/or sugar.