Hwachae Recipe How TO Make Korean Watermelon & Strawberry Punch
Hwachae Recipe 🍉💫 HOW TO MAKE Korean Watermelon & Strawberry Punch! is a easy Hong Kong recipe that serves 4. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by Lilyehn on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 25 min
Cost: $17.67 total, $4.42 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 cups Watermelon (seedless, diced)
- 1 cup Strawberries (hulled and sliced)
- 0.5 cup Blueberries (fresh or frozen (thawed))
- 1 cup Mixed Fruit (e.g., mango, kiwi, pineapple, diced)
- 0.5 cup Lychee (peeled, pitted, and halved)
- 0.5 cup Coconut Jelly (cut into bite‑size cubes)
- 1 cup Strawberry Milk (store‑bought or homemade with milk and strawberry puree)
- 0.5 cup Lemon Water (freshly squeezed lemon juice diluted with water)
- 2 cups Ice Cubes (crushed or whole)
Instructions
Prepare the Fruit
Dice the watermelon, slice the strawberries, and measure out the blueberries, mixed fruit, and lychee. Place all fruit into the large mixing bowl.
Time: PT5M
Add Coconut Jelly and Strawberry Milk
Add the cubed coconut jelly to the bowl, then pour in the strawberry milk.
Time: PT2M
Add Lemon Water and Ice
Pour the lemon‑water mixture over the fruit, then add the ice cubes.
Time: PT2M
Mix Gently
Using the wooden spoon, toss everything together until the fruit is evenly coated with the liquids.
Time: PT3M
Serve and Enjoy
Transfer portions into glasses or serving bowls, garnish with any fun-shaped fruit pieces if desired, and serve immediately.
Time: PT3M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 120
- Protein
- 2 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 2 g
- Fiber
- 3 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten‑Free
Allergens: Dairy (strawberry milk), Coconut (coconut jelly)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Watermelon: Cantaloupe, Honeydew
- Instead of Strawberries: Raspberries, Blackberries
- Instead of Blueberries: Blackberries, Red grapes
- Instead of Mixed Fruit: Any seasonal fruit
- Instead of Lychee: Longan, Canned lychee
- Instead of Coconut Jelly: Agar jelly, Gelatin cubes
- Instead of Strawberry Milk: Regular milk with strawberry syrup, Almond strawberry milk
- Instead of Lemon Water: Lime water, Citrus sparkling water
- Instead of Ice Cubes: Crushed ice
Equipment Needed
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Measuring Cup
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Dice all fruit uniformly so each bite has a balanced flavor.
- Add ice last to prevent the drink from becoming watery before serving.
- Mix gently to keep fruit pieces intact.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Chill the mixing bowl beforehand for an extra‑cold beverage.
- Add a few fresh mint leaves or basil for a fragrant twist.
- For a festive look, use fruit cutters to create star‑shaped watermelon pieces.
Troubleshooting
The drink becomes too watery after sitting.
Add a splash more strawberry milk or a few extra pieces of coconut jelly to restore body, and serve immediately after mixing.
Fruit pieces are mushy.
Use firmer fruit (e.g., chilled watermelon) and avoid over‑mixing; add ice just before serving.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in a sealed container for up to 24 hours; fruit may release extra juice.
Freezer: Not recommended – texture of fruit and jelly will degrade.
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for up to 1 hour, but should be kept chilled.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Pre‑dice all fruit and store in an airtight container in the fridge; add ice and liquids just before serving.
- Prepare the lemon‑water mixture in advance and keep chilled.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Fruit Tea (Hua Cha) in Hong Kong cuisine?
Fruit Tea, known locally as Hua Cha, originated as a street‑side refreshment in Hong Kong during the hot summer months. Vendors combined fresh tropical fruits with sweet milks and lemon water to create a cooling, hydrating drink that became a beloved part of Hong Kong’s casual food culture.
What are the traditional regional variations of Fruit Tea (Hua Cha) in Hong Kong?
In Hong Kong, Fruit Tea can vary by the fruit mix used – some stalls favor mango and pineapple, while others add lychee or longan. The base liquid may be plain lemon water, sweetened condensed milk, or flavored milks such as strawberry or mango.
How is Fruit Tea (Hua Cha) traditionally served in Hong Kong street markets?
Vendors typically serve it in tall plastic cups with a generous amount of ice, a straw, and sometimes a small spoon for scooping the fruit. The drink is often garnished with a slice of lemon or a decorative fruit skewer.
What occasions or celebrations is Fruit Tea (Hua Cha) traditionally associated with in Hong Kong culture?
Fruit Tea is popular during summer festivals, night markets, and family gatherings as a light, non‑alcoholic refreshment. It’s also a common offering at birthday parties for children because of its sweet taste and colorful appearance.
What other Hong Kong dishes pair well with Fruit Tea (Hua Cha)?
Fruit Tea pairs nicely with savory street foods such as egg waffles, pineapple buns, and dim sum items like siu mai or har gow, providing a sweet contrast to salty bites.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Fruit Tea (Hua Cha) versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include fresh watermelon, strawberries, blueberries, lychee, coconut jelly, and strawberry‑flavored milk. Substitutes can be other seasonal fruits, canned lychee, agar‑based jelly, or regular milk mixed with strawberry puree if strawberry milk is unavailable.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Fruit Tea (Hua Cha) at home?
Common mistakes include over‑mixing which crushes delicate fruit, adding ice too early which dilutes the flavors, and using fruit that is not fully chilled, resulting in a lukewarm drink. Follow the steps to add ice last and mix gently for the best texture.
Why does this Fruit Tea (Hua Cha) recipe use strawberry milk instead of regular milk?
Strawberry milk adds a subtle fruity sweetness that complements the fresh fruit and balances the tartness of the lemon water, creating a harmonious flavor profile unique to the traditional Hong Kong version.
Can I make Fruit Tea (Hua Cha) ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prep the fruit and lemon‑water mixture up to 12 hours ahead and keep them refrigerated in sealed containers. Add the ice and strawberry milk just before serving to maintain chill and texture.
What texture and appearance should I look for when making Fruit Tea (Hua Cha)?
The drink should be bright and colorful, with distinct pieces of fruit visible. The liquid should be lightly tinted from the strawberry milk, and the ice should be plentiful but not melting excessively, keeping the drink cold and slightly frothy.
What does the YouTube channel Lilyehn specialize in?
The YouTube channel Lilyehn specializes in easy-to‑follow Asian-inspired home cooking tutorials, focusing on quick, refreshing drinks and simple dessert‑style recipes that use readily available ingredients.
How does the YouTube channel Lilyehn's approach to Hong Kong cuisine differ from other Asian cooking channels?
Lilyehn emphasizes minimal equipment, short preparation times, and a playful presentation style, often adding fun garnish ideas. Unlike many channels that focus on elaborate techniques, Lilyehn keeps recipes accessible for everyday home cooks while still preserving authentic flavors.
Last updated: September 1, 2026
