Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon (Saegwa Cha)

If you’re looking for a cozy drink that warms your heart and soothes your spirit, you’ve found it! My Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon (Saegwa Cha) is a cherished recipe passed down from my grandma. This delightful tea is not just a remedy for the common cold; it’s a hug in a mug! With its sweet apple flavor, spicy ginger heat, and aromatic cinnamon notes, this drink is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.

Whenever I make this tea, I’m reminded of my childhood—sipping it while snuggled under a blanket on chilly evenings. It’s easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice whenever you need a little comfort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Make: With just 10 minutes of prep and 18 minutes of cooking time, you can have this soothing tea ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly Flavor: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the sweet and spicy flavors of this warm drink.
• Health Benefits: The combination of ginger and cinnamon adds warmth and can help soothe colds.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it hot, cold, or at room temperature—this tea is perfect anytime!
• Make Ahead Convenience: You can easily prepare this tea in advance and store it for later enjoyment.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon (Saegwa Cha) is simple! You only need wholesome ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Gather these items for your cozy drink:

• 2 lbs (900 grams) Apples (Sweet, firm apples like Gala, Fuji, Cortland, Ambrosia, or McIntosh work best.)
• 10 cups water
• 2 Tbsp (25 grams) brown sugar
• 4 inches (55 grams) ginger (preferably organic)
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 tsp black peppercorns

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Add More Spice: If you love heat, try adding some chopped fresh chili peppers for an extra kick.
• Sweeten It Up: For a sweeter version, increase the brown sugar or add honey to taste.
• Fruit Infusion: Toss in other fruits like pears or oranges for a unique twist on the classic apple flavor.
• Herbal Boost: Add herbs like mint or lemon balm during steeping for refreshing herbal notes.

How to Make Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon (Saegwa Cha)

Step 1: Chop Apples

Wash your apples thoroughly before chopping. Quarter and core them—there’s no need to peel them since the skins add color and nutrients. This step sets the foundation for our deliciously fruity tea!

Step 2: Choose Your Cooking Method

For this recipe, you can use either an Instant Pot or the stovetop method.

Instant Pot Method: Add the chopped apples along with sliced ginger, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, peppercorns, and water into the pot. Lock the lid into place and cook at high pressure for 18 minutes. Once done, release the steam manually.

Stovetop Method: In a stock pot, combine the same ingredients. Bring everything to a boil over medium-high heat. Lower the heat and let it simmer covered until the apples become soft—around 30 minutes.

Step 3: Steep

After cooking on either method, keep the mixture covered off the heat for an additional 10 minutes. This allows all those wonderful flavors from ginger and cinnamon to infuse into your tea.

Step 4: Strain

Set up your pitcher or mason jar with a fine mesh sieve over its opening. Carefully pour in your apple tea while gently pressing down on the apples with a spoon to release their juices. Be cautious as you do this—it’s all about keeping those lovely flavors in!

Step 5: Cool

Let your tea cool completely at room temperature before transferring it into sealed containers. This way, you can store any leftovers for later!

Step 6: Enjoy!

Pour your Korean Apple Tea into a cup—whether hot or cold—and savor every sip! It’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying all by yourself after a long day.

Now that you know how simple it is to make this comforting drink, I hope you’ll give my Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon (Saegwa Cha) a try!

Pro Tips for Making Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon (Saegwa Cha)

Making this tea is a delightful experience, and with these pro tips, you can enhance both the flavor and the health benefits!

• Choose ripe apples: Using sweet, ripe apples not only adds natural sweetness to your tea but also enhances the overall flavor profile, making it more aromatic and delicious.

• Opt for fresh ginger: Fresh ginger provides a more robust flavor compared to dried ginger. Its natural oils contribute to the soothing properties of the tea while adding a lovely warmth.

• Adjust sweetness to taste: If you prefer a sweeter drink, feel free to add more brown sugar or even substitute with honey or maple syrup. Balancing the sweetness with the spice will create a perfect harmony in your tea.

• Experiment with spices: While cinnamon sticks are traditional, feel free to add other warming spices such as cardamom or cloves for an extra layer of flavor. These spices not only enhance taste but also provide various health benefits.

• Make it ahead of time: This tea stores well in the refrigerator for up to a week. Preparing it in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully, offering an even richer taste when you serve it later!

How to Serve Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon (Saegwa Cha)

Serving this comforting drink can be as delightful as preparing it! Here are some ideas on how to present this warm beverage beautifully.

Garnishes

• Cinnamon dusting: A light sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top of each cup adds visual appeal and enhances the spicy aroma.
• Apple slices: Floating thin slices of fresh apple on top provides a refreshing touch that complements the drink’s flavors.
• Fresh mint leaves: A few sprigs of mint can add a pop of color and an aromatic freshness that balances the warmth of ginger and cinnamon.

Side Dishes

• Korean rice cakes (tteok): These chewy rice cakes come in various flavors and textures. They are mildly sweet and provide a delightful contrast to the warm tea.
• Fruit salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness, making it a great accompaniment that balances out the warmth of the tea.
• Savory pancakes (jeon): These Korean-style pancakes made from vegetables or seafood offer a savory element that pairs beautifully with the sweet and spiced apple tea.
• Spicy pickled radish (kkakdugi): This crunchy side dish adds a zesty contrast to the smoothness of Saegwa Cha, creating an exciting flavor experience in each sip.

With these serving suggestions, you can create an inviting atmosphere that makes enjoying Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon even more special. Cheers!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon (Saegwa Cha) is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a large batch to enjoy throughout the week or share with friends and family.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the tea to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer the tea into an airtight pitcher or glass jar.
• Refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Freezing

• Pour the cooled apple tea into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
• Seal tightly and label with the date.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best flavor.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Heat gently on the stove or in a microwave until warm, stirring occasionally.
• Enjoy hot, or add ice for a refreshing cold drink!

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delightful recipe.

What are the health benefits of Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon (Saegwa Cha)?

Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon (Saegwa Cha) is packed with antioxidants from apples, while ginger helps soothe digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties. Cinnamon adds warmth and may help regulate blood sugar levels, making this tea both delicious and beneficial!

Can I use other types of apples for Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon (Saegwa Cha)?

Yes! While sweet and firm varieties like Gala or Fuji are recommended, you can experiment with other apples. Just ensure they are sweet enough to balance the flavors of ginger and cinnamon.

How long does Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon (Saegwa Cha) last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, this tea will last up to 5 days. If you freeze it, you can enjoy it for up to 3 months!

Can I adjust the sweetness of Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon (Saegwa Cha)?

Absolutely! Feel free to modify the amount of brown sugar based on your taste preferences. You can also use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup if you prefer.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this comforting Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon (Saegwa Cha)! It’s not just a drink but a warm hug in a cup that brings back cherished memories. Whether you’re sipping it on a chilly day or sharing it during gatherings, I believe you’ll love every drop. Enjoy crafting this delightful recipe, and don’t hesitate to invite others to join you in savoring its warmth!