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Hwachae (Korean Fruit Punch)

A refreshing Korean fruit punch that combines seasonal fruits with a sweet syrup, perfect for hot weather.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 46 servings
Course: Beverage, Dessert
Cuisine: Korean
Calories: 95

Ingredients
  

Syrup
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
Punch
  • 2 cups fresh cantaloupe cubed or balled
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries halved or sliced
  • 1 cup fresh pear cubed
  • 1/2 cup seedless grapes halved
  • 1/2 cup kiwi cubed (optional)
  • 1 1/2 cups ginger ale or sparkling water
  • 1/2 cup rice wine mirim or sake, optional
  • 1 cup ice cubes
  • Fresh mint leaves for garnish optional

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small saucepan
  • Wooden spoon
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk
  • Fine-mesh strainer (optional, for syrup)
  • Serving bowls and spoons

Method
 

  1. Pour 1 cup of water into a small saucepan and add 1/2 cup sugar and 2 tablespoons honey.
  2. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar completely dissolves, about 3 to 4 minutes.
  3. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
  4. Pour the syrup into a bowl and let it cool completely at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
  5. Transfer the syrup to the refrigerator so it's ice-cold when you assemble the punch.
  6. Cut your cantaloupe in half, remove the seeds, and use a melon baller or knife to create cubes or small balls.
  7. Slice your strawberries in half lengthwise and cut your pear into small cubes.
  8. Halve your grapes and cube any kiwi you're using.
  9. Place your prepared cantaloupe, strawberries, pear, grapes, and kiwi into a large mixing bowl.
  10. Gently toss the fruit to distribute the colors evenly.
  11. Pour the chilled syrup over the fruit mixture and gently fold everything together.
  12. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
  13. Just before serving, pour in your 1 1/2 cups of ginger ale or sparkling water.
  14. Add 1 cup of ice cubes to the bowl right before serving.
  15. Ladle the punch into serving bowls, garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

Chill your serving bowls in the freezer for 10 minutes before ladling to keep the punch colder longer.