Name: Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon (Saegwa Cha)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 2 lbs sweet apples (such as Gala or Fuji); 10 cups water; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 4 inches ginger; 2 cinnamon sticks; 2 teaspoons black peppercorns

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If you’re looking for a cozy drink that warms your heart and eases your mind, let me share my cherished recipe for Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon (Saegwa Cha). This delightful beverage has been passed down in my family, bringing comfort during chilly evenings or when someone is feeling under the weather. The sweet aroma of apples mingled with the spicy warmth of ginger and cinnamon makes it a perfect treat for busy weeknights or joyful family gatherings.

This tea is not just about taste; it’s a hug in a cup! You can sip it hot when you need comfort or enjoy it chilled on a sunny day. No matter the occasion, this tea will surely become a favorite in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have this delicious tea ready in no time!
Family-Friendly: Everyone from kids to grandparents will love the sweet and spicy flavors.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare a large batch, store it, and enjoy it throughout the week.
Health Benefits: Packed with nutrients from apples and ginger, this tea is as good for you as it is tasty.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these simple, wholesome ingredients to create your own cozy batch of Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon (Saegwa Cha). Each ingredient plays an important role in creating that comforting flavor we all love!

2 lbs (900 grams) Apples (Sweet, firm varieties like Gala, Fuji, Cortland, Ambrosia, or McIntosh are 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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to experiment with different ingredients based on your taste preferences or what you have on hand.

Add Citrus: A splash of lemon or orange juice can brighten up the flavors beautifully.
Infuse More Spices: Try adding cloves or nutmeg for an extra layer of warmth.
Sweeten Naturally: Instead of brown sugar, consider using honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
Chill It Out: For a refreshing twist, serve over ice during warmer months.

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. Don’t worry about peeling them; the skin adds extra flavor and nutrients. Chopping them into quarters helps release their juices more easily during cooking.

Step 2: Instant Pot Directions

If you’re using an Instant Pot, add the chopped apples along with sliced ginger, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, black peppercorns, and water. Lock the lid in place and cook on high pressure for 18 minutes. When it’s done cooking, release the steam manually. This method preserves all those wonderful flavors while keeping it quick!

Step 3: Stove Top Directions

For those who prefer traditional methods, combine the same ingredients in a stock pot. Cover it up and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to simmer until the apples are soft—about 30 minutes should do! Afterward, let it steep off the heat for another 10 minutes to deepen those flavors.

Step 4: Strain the Tea

Get ready to transfer your fragrant mixture into a pitcher! Place a fine mesh sieve over your pitcher or mason jar to catch any solids. Pour slowly so that everything stays contained. Don’t forget to press down on those soft apples with a spoon to extract every last drop of goodness.

Step 5: Cool Down

Allow your apple tea to cool completely at room temperature before sealing it up. Store it in a pitcher or glass jar in your fridge for easy access whenever you need that comforting sip.

Step 6: Enjoy!

When you’re ready to enjoy your Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon (Saegwa Cha), simply pour it into your favorite mug. It’s delightful hot but also refreshing cold—perfect for any time of year!

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

Making Korean Apple Tea is a delightful experience, and with these tips, you’ll ensure that your tea turns out perfectly every time!

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh apples, ginger, and cinnamon will enhance the flavors, making your tea more aromatic and delicious. Organic produce is often more flavorful and free from pesticides.
Adjust sweetness to taste: The amount of brown sugar can be modified according to your preference. Start with the recommended amount and add more if you like it sweeter; this allows you to create a personalized drink.
Experiment with spices: Feel free to add other spices such as star anise or cloves for a unique twist on the traditional recipe. This experimentation can lead to discovering new flavors you love!
Serve warm or chilled: While this tea is traditionally enjoyed hot, it also tastes refreshing when served cold. You can refrigerate leftovers for a cool drink on warmer days.
Make it ahead of time: This tea can be made in bulk and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Making it ahead gives the flavors even more time to meld together!

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

Serving your Korean Apple Tea beautifully can enhance the overall experience. Here are some fun ideas on how to present this comforting drink!

Garnishes

Cinnamon dusting: A light sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top adds an aromatic touch that enhances the flavor profile.
Apple slices: Floating thinly sliced fresh apples in each cup makes for an attractive presentation while echoing the main ingredient.
Mint leaves: A few mint leaves can provide a refreshing contrast to the warm flavors of apple and ginger.

Side Dishes

Rice cakes (tteok): Soft and chewy rice cakes pair wonderfully with apple tea, offering a mild sweetness that complements the drink.
Nuts: A small bowl of mixed nuts provides a crunchy texture and healthy fats, making it a perfect snack alongside your warm tea.
Fruit salad: A light fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits adds freshness and brightness, balancing out the warmth of the tea.
Savory pancakes (jeon): These delicious savory pancakes filled with vegetables make for a hearty accompaniment that contrasts nicely with the sweet tea.

With these serving suggestions, you’re all set to enjoy your homemade Korean Apple Tea! Whether alone or shared with loved ones, this warm beverage offers comfort in every sip. Enjoy!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon is not only a delightful drink but also perfect for meal prep! You can make a large batch and enjoy it throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

Pour any leftover tea into a tightly sealed pitcher or glass jar.
Store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Before serving, give it a gentle stir to mix the flavors.

Freezing

Pour cooled apple tea into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
Seal tightly and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating

To reheat, pour the desired amount into a saucepan over medium heat.
Heat until warm, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
Alternatively, you can microwave individual servings in a microwave-safe cup for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon (Saegwa Cha).

Can I use any type of apple for this tea?

Absolutely! While sweet, firm apples like Gala or Fuji are recommended, feel free to experiment with your favorites. Just ensure they are ripe and sweet to enhance the flavor of your tea.

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

When stored properly in the fridge, this tea can last up to 5 days. If you choose to freeze it, enjoy it within 3 months for the best taste!

Is this tea caffeine-free?

Yes! Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon is naturally caffeine-free, making it a great choice for any time of day.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find this Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon recipe as comforting as I do. Its warm flavors remind me of cozy afternoons spent with loved ones. Enjoy making this soothing drink at home, whether you’re feeling under the weather or simply want a lovely hot beverage. Cheers to health and happiness—may your kitchen be filled with delightful aromas!