Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon (Saegwa Cha)

If you’re looking for a delightful way to warm up on chilly days, let me introduce you to my all-time favorite drink: Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon (Saegwa Cha). This comforting tea not only brings the cozy essence of home but also serves as a soothing remedy when feeling under the weather. Every sip is infused with the sweet notes of apples, the warmth of ginger, and a hint of cinnamon that wraps you in a gentle embrace.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings where everyone needs a little extra love. It’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and offers numerous health benefits. Trust me; once you try this tea, it will become a cherished staple in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in no time! With just a few steps, you can create a delicious drink that everyone will adore.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the sweet and warming flavors. It’s an excellent choice for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare this tea in advance and store it. It tastes great hot or cold, making it versatile for any occasion.
• Health Benefits: Packed with antioxidants from apples and ginger, this tea helps boost your immunity and soothes your throat when you’re feeling under the weather.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to make this delightful tea. You’ll find these items are easy to come by, and they combine beautifully to create something truly special.

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

Variations

The beauty of Korean Apple Tea is its flexibility! You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your taste or use what you have on hand.

• Add more spices: If you love bold flavors, try adding cloves or nutmeg for an extra kick!
• Experiment with sweeteners: Feel free to swap brown sugar for honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
• Try different fruits: Add slices of pears or oranges alongside apples for a fruity twist that adds depth.
• Make it iced: Once cooled, pour over ice for a refreshing summer drink that still carries those comforting flavors.

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

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Start by washing your apples thoroughly. Quarter and core them; there’s no need to peel them! Keeping the skin on adds extra nutrients and flavor.

Step 2: Choose Your Cooking Method

You can make this tea using either an Instant Pot or on the stovetop—both methods yield delicious results!

Instant Pot Directions:

Add the chopped apples, sliced ginger, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, black peppercorns, and water into your cooking pot. Lock the lid in place and set it to cook at high pressure for 18 minutes. When done, release the steam manually. Carefully remove the pot insert once cooled slightly.

Stovetop Directions:

In a stock pot, combine the apples, sliced ginger, brown sugar, black peppercorns, and water. Cover and bring to a boil before reducing heat to simmer covered until apples are soft—about 30 minutes. Let steep off heat with the lid on for another 10 minutes.

Step 3: Strain the Tea

Set a fine mesh sieve over a pitcher or mason jar. Pour your apple mixture through it slowly—you want to keep all those lovely apple pieces inside! Press gently on them with a spoon to extract every last drop of juice.

Step 4: Cool Down

Let your tea cool completely at room temperature before transferring it into airtight containers. Store it sealed tight in your fridge until you’re ready to enjoy!

Step 5: Serve Up!

Pour yourself some Korean Apple Tea into your favorite cup! Whether served hot or chilled over ice, this drink is delightful any way you enjoy it. Sip slowly and savor each warm moment!

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

Creating the perfect cup of Korean Apple Tea is all about the little details, so here are some helpful tips to enhance your brewing experience!

• Choose the right apples: Opt for sweet, firm apples like Gala or Fuji for a naturally sweeter tea. The quality of your apples greatly influences the flavor profile of your tea.

• Slice ginger thinly: Thin slices allow for better extraction of ginger’s spicy warmth into the tea. This enhances the overall taste and makes each sip comforting.

• Press the apples while straining: Gently pressing the softened apples in the sieve helps release more juice. This maximizes flavor and ensures you get every bit of that delicious essence.

• Cool completely before storing: Allowing your tea to cool at room temperature prevents condensation and keeps it fresh. Proper cooling helps maintain its flavor and aroma when stored.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add other spices like star anise or cloves if you want to elevate your tea’s flavor. Each spice brings a unique twist that can surprise your taste buds!

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

Serving Korean Apple Tea is not just about pouring it into cups; it’s about creating a delightful experience that warms both body and soul. Here are some ideas to make your presentation shine!

Garnishes

• Cinnamon sprinkle: A light dusting of ground cinnamon on top adds a beautiful aroma and enhances the visual appeal.

• Apple slices: A few fresh apple slices floating in each cup not only look stunning but also invite guests to enjoy a bite alongside their tea.

Side Dishes

• Rice Cakes (Tteok): These chewy, sweet rice cakes complement the warm flavors of apple tea perfectly, making them a delightful addition to any gathering.

• Korean Sweet Potato Chips: Crispy and slightly sweet, these chips provide a lovely crunch alongside the smoothness of the tea.

• Honey Ginger Cookies: Infused with ginger, these cookies harmonize beautifully with the warmth of Saegwa Cha, creating a comforting pairing.

• Fruit Skewers: Colorful fruit skewers featuring seasonal fruits like kiwi, strawberries, and melon add freshness and vibrancy that balance out the rich flavors of the tea.

Enjoy this soothing drink with these tasty accompaniments for an unforgettable experience!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon (Saegwa Cha) is a fantastic recipe for meal prep! You can easily make a large batch to enjoy throughout the week or share with friends and family. Here’s how to store it properly:

Storing Leftovers

• Pour any leftover tea into an airtight container or pitcher.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Remember to give it a gentle stir before serving, as some ingredients may settle.

Freezing

• Allow the tea to cool completely before freezing.
• Pour into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

• To reheat, pour the desired amount into a pot over low heat on the stove until warmed through.
• Alternatively, microwave in a microwave-safe container in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you may have about Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon (Saegwa Cha):

What are the benefits of Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon?

Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon is packed with antioxidants from apples and anti-inflammatory properties from ginger. This soothing drink can help ease cold symptoms while providing warmth and comfort.

Can I adjust the sweetness in Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon?

Absolutely! You can adjust the amount of brown sugar according to your taste preference. Feel free to use honey or maple syrup as alternatives if you prefer.

Is there a way to make Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon without ginger?

While ginger adds a wonderful warmth and flavor, you can omit it if necessary. Just keep in mind that it will alter the taste slightly but will still be delicious!

Final Thoughts

Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon (Saegwa Cha) is not just a drink; it’s a hug in a mug that brings back fond memories of family gatherings and warm comforts. I hope you enjoy making this delightful beverage as much as I do! Whether you’re warming up on a chilly day or seeking relief from a cold, this recipe is sure to brighten your spirits. Happy brewing!