Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon (Saegwa Cha)

If you’re looking for a cozy drink to warm your heart and soul, you’ve come to the right place! My Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon, affectionately known as Saegwa Cha, is a cherished family recipe that has been passed down through generations. Every sip of this soothing tea brings back fond memories of my grandmother nurturing us through chilly days and sniffles with her homemade concoction. It’s not just a drink; it’s a hug in a cup!

This delightful beverage is perfect for any occasion—from bustling weeknights when you need a moment of peace to family gatherings where everyone can enjoy its comforting flavors. Plus, the warmth of ginger and cinnamon makes it an excellent choice for those cooler months when we all crave something cozy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: This recipe comes together in no time, whether you use an Instant Pot or stovetop.
• Family-friendly: Kids love the sweet apple flavor, making it a hit for all ages.
• Make-ahead convenience: Prepare it in batches and store for quick access on busy days.
• Health benefits: Packed with antioxidants from apples and ginger, it’s great for soothing colds.
• Deliciously aromatic: The combination of apple, ginger, and cinnamon fills your home with a heavenly scent.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. You might already have some at home!

For the Tea

• 2 lbs (900 grams) Apples: Sweet, firm varieties like Gala or Fuji work best.
• 10 cups water
• 2 Tbsp (25 grams) brown sugar
• 4 inch (55 grams) Ginger: Fresh ginger adds warmth; go organic if possible!
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 tsp black peppercorns

Variations

One of the best things about Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon is its flexibility. Feel free to customize it based on what you have on hand or your taste preferences!

• Add more spice: Throw in a few cloves or star anise for a deeper flavor profile.
• Sweeten it differently: Use honey or maple syrup as alternatives to brown sugar for a unique twist.
• Make it fruity: Toss in some other fruits like pears or oranges for extra flavor dimensions.
• Chill it out: Serve the tea cold over ice during warmer months for a refreshing drink.

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

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Start by washing your apples thoroughly. Quarter them and remove the cores—no need to peel! This way, their natural sweetness will shine through in the tea.

Step 2: Choose Your Cooking Method

For an Instant Pot:
Add your chopped apples, sliced ginger, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, peppercorns, and water into the pot. Lock the lid and cook at high pressure for 18 minutes. When finished, release the steam manually.

For stovetop:
Combine apples, sliced ginger, brown sugar, peppercorns, and water in a stock pot. Cover it up and bring to a boil before lowering the heat to simmer for about 30 minutes until everything is soft.

Step 3: Steep and Strain

After cooking, transfer everything into a pitcher using a fine mesh sieve. Press down gently on the softened apples with the back of a spoon to extract even more delicious juice while keeping solids out of your drink.

Step 4: Cool Down

Let your tea cool completely at room temperature before sealing it up in jars or pitchers. This step helps preserve its freshness!

Step 5: Enjoy!

Pour yourself a cup of this delightful tea whenever you need comfort—hot when you’re feeling under the weather or chilled over ice during sunny days. Each sip is bound to bring warmth wherever you are!

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

Making Korean Apple Tea is a delightful experience, and a few tips can help you elevate your brew to perfection!

• Choose the right apples: Opt for sweet, firm varieties like Gala or Fuji. The flavor of the apples significantly impacts the tea, enhancing its natural sweetness and aroma.

• Adjust spice levels: Feel free to modify the amount of ginger and cinnamon according to your taste. More ginger adds warmth and tanginess, while extra cinnamon brings a comforting sweetness that complements the apples beautifully.

• Let it steep longer: If you prefer a stronger flavor, let the tea steep after cooking for an additional 10-15 minutes. This allows all the ingredients to mingle and develop a richer taste profile.

• Experiment with sweeteners: While brown sugar is traditional, you can substitute it with honey or maple syrup for a different twist. These alternatives add unique flavors and may offer additional health benefits.

• Store properly: Make sure to cool the tea completely before transferring it to airtight containers. This helps preserve its freshness and flavor for up to a week in the fridge!

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

Serving Korean Apple Tea is just as important as making it! Here are some charming ideas to present this soothing drink beautifully.

Garnishes

• Cinnamon stick: A whole cinnamon stick not only enhances presentation but also infuses additional flavor while serving.
• Apple slices: Thinly sliced apples floating on top make for an attractive garnish that hints at the tea’s delicious ingredients.

Side Dishes

• Rice cakes (tteok): Soft, chewy rice cakes pair wonderfully with apple tea, adding texture and subtle sweetness that complements the drink.
• Seasonal fruit platter: A vibrant array of seasonal fruits like pears, oranges, or berries provides a refreshing contrast to the warm tea.
• Honeyed nuts: Lightly toasted nuts drizzled with honey offer a crunchy element that balances out the smoothness of the tea.
• Korean pancakes (jeon): Savory pancakes made from various vegetables or seafood bring heartiness to your tea experience, making it perfect for enjoying any time of day.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your homemade Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon! Whether you’re snuggled up on the couch or sharing it with friends, this delightful drink is sure to warm hearts and lift spirits.

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 and enjoy it throughout the week. Here’s how to store it effectively.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the tea to cool completely at room temperature before storing.
• Transfer the tea into a tightly sealed pitcher or glass jar.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Freezing

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

Reheating

• To reheat, simply pour the desired amount of tea into a saucepan.
• Heat over low to medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• Alternatively, use a microwave-safe container and heat in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful drink!

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

Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon offers numerous health benefits. Apples are rich in antioxidants and fiber, while ginger helps with digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties. Cinnamon adds warmth and can help regulate blood sugar levels.

How do I serve Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon (Saegwa Cha)?

You can enjoy this comforting beverage hot, cold, or at room temperature. It makes a delightful treat on chilly days or as a refreshing drink during warmer weather!

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

Absolutely! While sweet varieties like Gala or Fuji are preferred, feel free to experiment with your favorite apples. Each type will add its unique flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon (Saegwa Cha) just like my grandma did! It’s not only a soothing remedy but also a wonderful way to warm your heart and home. Enjoy every sip, share it with loved ones, and embrace the comfort that comes from this simple yet special recipe. Happy brewing!