Strawberry Oreo Korean Punch (Hwachae): Party Drink with a Desi Twist

Looking to level up your party drinks game? Say hello to the Strawberry Oreo Korean Punch, which is the perfect combination of classic Korean lineage and spirited South Asian flavors. This refreshing and eye-catching beverage takes inspiration from the classic Hwachae, a fruity Korean punch typically made with sweetened fizzy water or milk and seasonal fruit, along with some other chewy and soft elements. We decided to throw in Oreos and a touch of desi flair to this Korean drinkable dessert.

What Is Hwachae, Anyway?

Hwachae (화채) is Korea’s go-to summer refreshment that has been trending since last summer. It’s cool, lightly creamy, and usually filled with chopped fruits like watermelon, strawberries, or even flower petals. Think of it as a fruity milk punch – chilled, subtly sweet, and visually stunning. Now, imagine that layered with a mix of crushed Oreos, strawberries soaked in rose syrup, and a splash of something extra creamy. That's where the South Asian fusion comes in.

Desi Strawberry Oreo Korean Punch Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Fruit Base:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped into small pieces
• 2 tbsp rose syrup (like Rooh Afza)
• 1 tbsp sugar (adjust if your strawberries are very sweet)

For the Creamy Punch:

• 3 cups cold whole milk (you can use almond or oat milk too)
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup cold water or ice cubes

For the Oreo Layer:

• 8-10 Oreo cookies, roughly crushed
• 2 extra Oreos per serving for topping, optional

Optional Add-Ins (for a desi twist):

• 1 tbsp basil seeds (sabja), soaked in water for 15 minutes
• A small handful of falooda sev or thin vermicelli, boiled and cooled
• A few drops of kewra essence

Method:

1. Start by adding the chopped strawberries to a bowl. Sprinkle the sugar on top and pour in the rose syrup. Give it a mix and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes to macerate. This softens the fruit slightly and pulls out the natural juices; it will make a huge difference in flavor.
2. If you’re using basil seeds, soak them in water now – they take about 10-15 minutes to puff up and become jelly-like. Boil the falooda sev separately if using, then rinse under cold water and set aside.
3. Take a big mixing bowl or jug, pour in the cold milk. Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and a splash of cold water. Mix until everything is fully combined and smooth. The condensed milk adds richness and that slightly caramel-like sweetness that takes the drink to the next level. Tip: Taste the milk at this point; if it’s too sweet, you can add a little more regular milk. If it’s not sweet enough, add a spoonful of condensed milk or a drizzle of rose syrup.
4. Add the soaked strawberries (along with all the syrupy juices), soaked basil seeds, and falooda sev into the milk mixture. Stir so that everything is evenly distributed. Now toss in the crushed Oreos – but do this just before serving if you want them a bit crunchy. If you let them sit too long, they’ll soften, which is delicious in its own way but can get mushy. If you want to prepare ahead, keep everything except the Oreos ready in the fridge and mix them in just before serving.
5. Pour the punch into glasses or a large punch bowl if you’re serving a group. Add a few extra crushed Oreos on top for drama. If you’re feeling fancy, float a strawberry slice or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

Serving Suggestions & Variations:

• Make it a dessert drink: Add a scoop of vanilla or rose ice cream on top for an extra-indulgent version.
• For kids’ parties: Skip the basil seeds and falooda; focus on Oreos, milk, and strawberries – they’ll love it.
• Healthier version: Use reduced-fat milk and skip condensed milk in favor of a touch of honey or agave syrup, but be warned – it won’t taste quite as creamy.
• This punch is best served fresh, especially because of the Oreos, which can get soggy over time. If you want to make it ahead, store the milk base and the fruit mixture separately in the fridge for up to 24 hours, then combine when ready to serve.