Refreshing Watermelon Punch (Hwachae) Recipe: The Perfect Summer Treat
Watermelon is the first fruit that comes to mind when summer arrives. Just looking at it makes you feel cooler, and a single slice feels like it washes away the heat. But these days, watermelons are so expensive. Every time I go to the supermarket, I hesitate before finally putting one in my basket.
Recently, I bought a watermelon at the supermarket because the price seemed to have dropped a little. However, I was disappointed to find that it wasn't sweet and didn't taste very good. Maybe it's because of the weather this summer, or maybe I was just unlucky and picked an unripe one. It wasn't enjoyable to eat on its own. I couldn't throw it away, but I didn't feel like eating it… Has this ever happened to you?
That's when I thought of watermelon punch, or *Hwachae*. It's a popular summer snack, and it's so easy to make with just milk, cider (Korean Sprite/7-Up equivalent), and condensed milk. The added sweetness transforms even a bland watermelon into something amazing. Kids love it, and adults can enjoy it without feeling guilty, making it perfect for the whole family. Above all, it's so refreshing with ice that it chases away the heat and makes you feel better instantly, making it ideal for this hot weather.
Today, I'm sharing a watermelon punch recipe, a refreshing summer snack that I highly recommend for those of you who, like me, have been disappointed by bland watermelons.
Ingredients:
1/4 watermelon
1 can of cider
1 cup of milk
1-2 tablespoons of condensed milk (to taste)
6-8 ice cubes
These five ingredients are all you need.
You can also add fruits like bananas, grapes, or kiwi, depending on your preference.
Preparing the Watermelon:
Cut the watermelon into bite-sized pieces.
Remove as many seeds as possible, as kids might not like them.
I cut the watermelon and put it in a large bowl. If you want to add other fruits, you can add them at this stage.
It's summer, so *Hwachae* should be cold!
Adding 6-8 ice cubes will make it much more refreshing.
You can skip the ice if you don't have any, but it definitely tastes better with ice.
Usually, it's recommended to add only about half the amount of milk as cider, but I added a whole can of cider.
The carbonation makes it much more refreshing.
I poured in 1 cup of milk.
The milk makes the punch broth smooth and rich, and it goes well with the condensed milk.
1 tablespoon of condensed milk is usually enough, but if the watermelon isn't sweet enough, add up to 2 tablespoons.
Our watermelon was so bland that I added a generous amount of condensed milk, and it was just right.
Add all the ingredients and stir well with a spoon. The condensed milk blends in, making the broth subtly sweet, and the watermelon, cider, and milk combine to create the perfect summer *Hwachae*.
Finished Watermelon Punch:
This finished watermelon punch may seem like nothing special, but the moment you take a bite, you'll think, "Ah, this is what summer is all about!" The watermelon, which lacked sweetness, has been transformed into a sweet and refreshing dessert with milk, cider, and condensed milk, making it much more delicious than eating it plain. Especially with ice cubes floating around, the coolness fills your mouth and makes you feel like the heat has disappeared.
The best part is that the process is so simple. All you have to do is cut the watermelon, and then just add and mix the rest of the ingredients. Even people who can't cook can easily prepare it, and it's a great option when you have unexpected guests.
If you have ice cream at home, you can add a scoop and eat it like a parfait, or you can add other seasonal fruits for an even richer flavor.
If you have watermelon at home that isn't as sweet as you'd like, be sure to try making it into *Hwachae*. It's a win-win snack that will enhance the flavor and let you enjoy the summer in a refreshing way!
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