Korean Watermelon Punch (Subak Hwachae): Easy, Refreshing Summer Drink

Why I Love This Recipe

Korean Watermelon Punch instantly takes me back to the sticky-hot summers of my early twenties in NYC. One day, a friend invited me over for a Korean BBQ night, and as the bulgogi grilled and the fan clicked overhead, she handed me a glass of what looked like a fruit salad floating in soda. It was sweet, icy, bubbly—and a total surprise to my taste buds. “Subak Hwachae,” she grinned. I was hooked.

Now, from my Brooklyn apartment—with Charlie snoozing in the kitchen—I whip up this Korean watermelon punch any time I want something refreshing without the fuss. It’s one of those rare recipes that checks all my boxes: fast, fun, and flexible. You can use Sprite for a bubbly kick, go creamy with strawberry milk, or combine both for a layered treat that rivals my favorite Strawberry Matcha Latte. And did I mention it doubles as a light dessert? No wonder this Korean drink has become a summer must-have in my home.

Another reason I adore this recipe is how easy it is to personalize. From fruity add-ins like blueberries and pineapple to playful drink bases, it never gets boring. If you’re into Korean cuisine, it pairs beautifully with lighter dishes like these chewy, delicate Korean rice cakes. Altogether, Korean watermelon punch is the kind of no-stress recipe that makes summer feel like a vacation—even on a weekday.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Korean Watermelon Punch

Making Korean watermelon punch at home is as easy as it gets. It’s a no-cook, no-fuss drink that takes just 5 minutes to pull together—faster than brewing tea or blending a smoothie. You don’t need any fancy tools either; a basic knife and spoon will do, though a melon baller makes things extra cute. Below is everything you need to make this iconic Korean summer drink in your kitchen.

Step 1: Prep the fruit

Start by scooping or cubing 420 g (about 15 oz) of fresh watermelon into a bowl. Want more flavor? Add optional fruits like 95 g melon, 40 g pineapple, 40 g lemon slices, or a handful of blueberries. Not only do these extras enhance the taste, but they also give your Korean watermelon punch that fun, party vibe.

Step 2: Make the watermelon juice

Don’t toss the leftover watermelon pieces! Blend them into juice and strain if needed. Measure out 3 tablespoons. This adds an extra layer of fruity depth to your punch.

Step 3: Choose your drink base

Now the fun part—pick your base! Here are your options:

1. Sprite base (2 cups Sprite + 3 Tbsp watermelon juice): Classic and fizzy.
2. Strawberry milk base (2 cups strawberry milk + 3 Tbsp watermelon juice): Creamy and nostalgic.
3. Milk + Sprite base (1/2 cup milk + 1½ cups Sprite + 3 Tbsp watermelon juice): Surprisingly good balance!

Step 4: Assemble the punch

In a punch bowl or large glass, layer your fruit, pour over the chilled drink base, and give it a gentle stir. Toss in a few ice cubes and garnish with fresh mint leaves for a refreshing finish.

Step 5: Serve immediately

For the freshest flavor and vibrant texture, serve your Korean watermelon punch right away. The fizzy base starts to flatten after a while, so don’t wait!

This recipe is a natural crowd-pleaser—so much so that it’s become a go-to at our weekend dinners, especially when I pair it with a tray of Air Fryer Salmon for a light yet satisfying combo. Whether you go creamy or fizzy, this drink’s flexibility makes it unforgettable.

How to Serve Korean Watermelon Punch

Serving Korean watermelon punch is all about presentation and timing. This isn’t just a drink—it’s a full-on summer experience. The colorful fruit, fizzy base, and sweet aroma make it perfect for casual gatherings or festive dinners. With just a few tweaks, you can make it feel restaurant-worthy at home.

Use a clear punch bowl or pitcher

Let the beauty of your Korean watermelon punch shine! A transparent bowl or large glass pitcher gives everyone a peek at the floating watermelon balls, citrus slices, and berries. It’s vibrant, eye-catching, and just begging for a photo.

Keep it cold, not watered down

This summer punch is best served icy cold but not diluted. Chill your fruit and drink base ahead of time. That way, you’ll need little (or no) ice—and your Korean watermelon punch stays bold and bubbly from first sip to last.

Spoons and straws encouraged

Since this drink is half-punch, half-fruit salad, give your guests a wide straw and small spoon. It’s part of the fun! You get to sip and snack at the same time—just like enjoying a Strawberry Pineapple Smoothie, but with a social twist.

Pair with light summer dishes

A drink this bright deserves a fresh, breezy sidekick. Try it with a veggie-forward plate like the refreshing Carrot Ribbon Salad—its crisp textures and citrus notes perfectly balance the sweet fizz of the punch.

So whether you’re serving it at a picnic, pool party, or just cooling off after work, Korean watermelon punch makes the moment feel a little more special.

Variations of Korean Watermelon Punch

One of the best things about Korean watermelon punch is how easily it adapts to your cravings. Whether you like it extra fruity, more creamy, or with an herbal twist, there’s a version for every taste and mood. Once you try the basic recipe, it’s hard to resist customizing it every time.

Try different drink bases

Sprite is the classic choice for Subak Hwachae, but don’t stop there. You can make it creamier by using sweetened strawberry milk or go half-and-half with milk and soda for a subtle float-style fizz. This combo reminds me of the creamy vibe in our popular Iced Cherry Chai Latte, where bold flavor meets smooth finish.

Swap up the fruit

While watermelon is the star, don’t be afraid to get creative with your add-ins. Pineapple cubes add tang, lemon slices brighten things up, and blueberries offer a burst of contrast. You can also add cantaloupe, kiwi, or even lychee if you’re feeling adventurous. It’s a lot like building your own custom mix in a Strawberry Pineapple Smoothie—you control the flavor game.

Add herbs or floral notes

Fresh mint is a classic garnish, but why stop there? Add a few crushed basil leaves, or a splash of rose water for a delicate floral hint. These little tweaks turn your Korean watermelon punch into something café-worthy.

Make it a dessert punch

To lean into the dessert angle, chill your base until just slushy and serve it with a scoop of sherbet or a swirl of whipped cream. It’s the kind of treat you’d expect after a light dinner of something like Easy Air Fryer Salmon—simple, elegant, and satisfying.

Serve it virgin or not

Want to adult it up? A splash of soju or prosecco can turn Korean watermelon punch into a breezy summer cocktail. Just be sure to adjust the sweetness by cutting back a bit on soda or juice.

Once you start customizing, you’ll see why this drink is so loved. No two batches need to taste the same—and that’s the beauty of it.

How to Store Korean Watermelon Punch

Korean watermelon punch is at its best right after assembly—fresh, fizzy, and loaded with texture. But if you need to make it ahead or save leftovers, proper storage is key to keeping it crisp and refreshing.

Store components separately

The biggest tip? Don’t mix the fruit and drink base until right before serving. Instead, prep your watermelon, optional fruits, and watermelon juice in advance and refrigerate them in airtight containers. Do the same with your chosen drink base. This way, the soda won’t go flat and the fruit stays firm—not soggy.

Mix only what you need

If you’re serving a crowd, consider portioning the punch in smaller batches. This helps preserve the texture and fizziness of the remaining mixture. When I’m prepping for a picnic or brunch, I’ll keep half chilled in mason jars and only mix what we’re drinking right away—just like I do when prepping mocktails like this Easy Virgin Strawberry Margarita.

Use within 24 hours

While technically safe for up to 48 hours in the fridge, Korean watermelon punch starts to lose its appeal after 24. The carbonation fades, and the fruit may get mushy. For best taste and texture, enjoy it the same day or no later than the next morning.

Avoid freezing

Freezing is not recommended. The carbonation disappears, and the texture of watermelon changes dramatically after thawing—it becomes grainy and watery, which ruins the punch.

When stored smartly, Korean watermelon punch stays delightfully fresh and just as enjoyable later in the day as it was when you first stirred it together.

Conclusion

Korean watermelon punch is more than just a summer drink—it’s a cultural celebration in a glass. Whether you call it Subak Hwachae or simply watermelon soda, this refreshing fusion of fruit and fizz is quick to make, flexible to adapt, and guaranteed to cool you down on the hottest days. With simple ingredients like watermelon, Sprite or milk, and your favorite fruits, you can recreate this Korean favorite in just five minutes.

From kids’ parties to cozy dinners, this Korean watermelon punch fits every occasion. It’s the kind of recipe that invites creativity without stress. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself making it again and again—just like I do when I’m in need of something cold, colorful, and easy after walking Charlie or testing out new drink ideas like this Strawberry Matcha Latte.

If you’re new to Korean drinks, this is a perfect place to start. And if you’re a seasoned home cook looking for something fuss-free and crowd-pleasing? You’ve just found your new summer staple.