How To Make Hwachae
How To Make Hwachae! 🍉 is a easy American recipe that serves 2. 410 calories per serving. Recipe by Ong Squad on YouTube.
Prep: 7 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 12 min
Cost: $5.70 total, $2.85 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 cups Ice Cubes (crushed or broken into small pieces for quick chilling)
- 1 cup Mixed Berries (fresh or frozen; strawberries, blueberries, raspberries work well)
- 1 cup Watermelon (seedless, diced into bite‑size cubes)
- 1 packet Jell‑O (any bright flavor; prepared according to package and cut into small cubes)
- 1 cup Whole Milk (cold, preferably 2% or whole for creaminess)
- 1 cup Sprite (chilled; adds fizz and citrus sweetness)
Instructions
Prepare Ice Base
Place 2 cups of ice cubes into the large mixing bowl.
Time: PT1M
Add Fresh Berries
Add 1 cup of mixed berries on top of the ice.
Time: PT1M
Add Watermelon Cubes
Dice seedless watermelon into bite‑size cubes and add 1 cup to the bowl.
Time: PT2M
Prepare and Add Jell‑O Cubes
Prepare the Jell‑O according to package directions, let it set, then cut into small cubes and add the entire packet (about 1 cup) to the mixture.
Time: PT2M
Pour Milk
Slowly pour 1 cup of cold whole milk over the fruit and Jell‑O.
Time: PT0.5M
Add Sprite for Fizz
Finally, gently pour 1 cup of chilled Sprite over the mixture, allowing it to fizz and mingle with the other ingredients.
Time: PT0.5M
Mix Gently
Using the wooden spoon, give the drink a gentle stir to combine all components without losing too much fizz.
Time: PT1M
Serve Immediately
Divide the mixture into two glasses, serve right away while still fizzy and cold.
Time: PT0.5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 410
- Protein
- 12 g
- Carbohydrates
- 78 g
- Fat
- 8 g
- Fiber
- 4 g
Dietary info: Contains dairy, Contains gelatin (not vegetarian), High sugar
Allergens: Milk, Gelatin
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ice Cubes: Frozen fruit chunks, Ice cubes made from juice
- Instead of Mixed Berries: Any seasonal fruit, Canned fruit (drained)
- Instead of Watermelon: Cantaloupe, Honeydew melon
- Instead of Jell‑O: Gelatin dessert (homemade), Fruit‑flavored gelatin‑free alternative
- Instead of Whole Milk: Almond milk, Soy milk
- Instead of Sprite: 7UP, Club soda with a splash of lemon‑lime syrup
Equipment Needed
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Sharp Knife
- Cutting Board
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Measuring Cups
- Glasses or Cups for Serving
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Add Sprite last to keep the drink fizzy.
- Stir gently to avoid flattening the carbonation.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use chilled glasses to keep the beverage cold longer.
- For extra visual appeal, layer the ingredients: ice, berries, watermelon, Jell‑O, then milk and Sprite.
- If you want a creamier texture, substitute half of the milk with a flavored yogurt.
Troubleshooting
The drink is flat and loses fizz quickly.
Add a splash more chilled Sprite right before serving and stir gently.
Too sweet for my taste.
Increase the amount of ice or add a splash of plain water or extra milk to balance sweetness.
Fruit pieces are sinking to the bottom.
Add a small amount of crushed ice or gently mash the fruit slightly before mixing.
Storage
Refrigerator: Can be stored in a sealed container for up to 4 hours; carbonation will diminish.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture of fruit and Jell‑O will change.
Room temperature: Best consumed immediately; will become flat and warm.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Pre‑chop the fruit and keep it in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Prepare Jell‑O ahead of time and cut into cubes; store in a sealed container.
- Keep ice and Sprite chilled so the drink stays cold when assembled.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of fruit‑jello milk drinks in American snack culture?
Fruit‑jello milk drinks emerged in the United States during the mid‑20th century as a playful way to combine popular gelatin desserts with milk and soda. They were especially popular among kids in the 1960s‑70s as a novelty party beverage, reflecting the era’s love for bright colors and fizzy treats.
What regional variations of sweet fizzy fruit drinks exist in the United States?
In the Southern U.S., a similar concept called "Fruit Punch Float" often uses orange soda and pineapple chunks. In the Midwest, "Jell‑O soda" mixes lime‑flavored gelatin with lemon‑lime soda. Each region swaps the fruit and soda to match local preferences.
How is a Watermelon Jell‑O Milk Sprite drink traditionally served in American households?
It is typically served in clear glasses or plastic cups during late‑night snacks, birthday parties, or summer gatherings. The drink is presented with a garnish of a small watermelon wedge or a berry on the rim, emphasizing its bright, festive appearance.
What occasions or celebrations is the Watermelon Jell‑O Milk Sprite drink associated with in American culture?
This playful beverage is popular at summer barbecues, kids' birthday parties, sleep‑over gatherings, and late‑night movie marathons. Its bright colors and fizzy texture make it a fun treat for informal celebrations.
What authentic traditional ingredients are used in a Watermelon Jell‑O Milk Sprite drink versus acceptable substitutes?
The authentic version uses fresh watermelon, mixed berries, store‑bought Jell‑O gelatin, whole milk, and Sprite. Acceptable substitutes include any seasonal fruit, flavored gelatin packets, dairy‑free milks, and other lemon‑lime sodas like 7UP.
What other American snack dishes pair well with a Watermelon Jell‑O Milk Sprite drink?
It pairs nicely with salty finger foods such as popcorn, pretzel sticks, or mini cheese quesadillas, creating a sweet‑salty contrast. Light sandwiches like turkey roll‑ups also complement the refreshing drink.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making a Watermelon Jell‑O Milk Sprite drink?
Common errors include adding Sprite too early (which loses carbonation), over‑mixing which flattens the fizz, and using unchilled ingredients that melt the ice quickly. Follow the step order and stir gently to keep the drink fizzy and cold.
Why does this recipe add Sprite after the milk instead of mixing them together earlier?
Adding Sprite last preserves its carbonation; if mixed earlier, the bubbles dissipate during subsequent stirring, resulting in a flat drink. The milk also creates a thin barrier that helps the soda stay fizzy longer.
Can I make the Watermelon Jell‑O Milk Sprite drink ahead of time and how should I store it?
You can prep the fruit, Jell‑O cubes, and ice ahead of time and keep them refrigerated. Assemble the drink no more than 30 minutes before serving and add Sprite right before serving to maintain fizz. Store any leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 hours.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the Watermelon Jell‑O Milk Sprite drink is ready?
The drink should have a clear, lightly milky hue with visible fruit pieces and colorful Jell‑O cubes floating among the ice. The surface should show gentle bubbles from the Sprite, and the mixture should feel cold and lightly creamy when sipped.
What does the YouTube channel Ong Squad specialize in?
The YouTube channel Ong Squad focuses on fun, family‑friendly cooking videos, often featuring quick snack ideas, playful food experiments, and easy‑to‑follow recipes that appeal to kids and busy parents.
How does the YouTube channel Ong Squad's approach to American snack recipes differ from other cooking channels?
Ong Squad emphasizes spontaneous, late‑night snack creations using everyday pantry items, with a light‑hearted, interactive style. Unlike many channels that focus on polished plating, Ong Squad highlights the joy of improvisation and the playful aspect of food.
Last updated: September 1, 2026
