Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon (Saegwa Cha)

If you’re looking for a warm drink that wraps you in a comforting hug, then you’re in for a treat with my favorite Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon (Saegwa Cha)! This delightful beverage is like a cozy blanket for your soul, perfect for sipping on chilly evenings or when you’re feeling a bit under the weather. It’s not just about the taste; it’s also packed with health benefits, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Trust me, once you try this easy-to-make tea, it will become your go-to remedy!

What I love most about this recipe is how simple and wholesome the ingredients are. You’ll find that it’s adaptable for various occasions—whether you’re hosting friends or simply enjoying a quiet moment at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Health Boosting: This tea combines apples, ginger, and cinnamon, all known for their soothing properties.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet and spicy flavors!
• Quick to Prepare: With just a little chopping and simmering, you can have this warm drink ready in no time.
• Make-Ahead Delight: You can prepare a big batch and enjoy it hot or cold throughout the week.
• Versatile Enjoyment: Drink it hot when you’re chilly or chilled on warm days—it’s always refreshing!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting started with this Korean Apple Tea is easy since the ingredients are simple and wholesome! Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

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

Variations

One of the best things about this Korean Apple Tea is its flexibility. Feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Add more spice: If you love heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
• Sweeten differently: Swap brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
• Include citrus: A splash of lemon or orange juice can brighten up the flavor beautifully.
• Mix in herbal goodness: Adding fresh mint leaves while brewing can give your tea a refreshing twist.

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

Step 1: Chop Apples

Start by washing your apples thoroughly. Quarter and core them—there’s no need to peel! Keeping the skin adds nutrients and gives your tea a lovely color. Chopping the apples helps them release their natural sweetness into the tea.

Step 2: Cook in Instant Pot

If you’re using an Instant Pot, add your chopped apples along with sliced ginger, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, black peppercorns, and water to the pot. Lock the lid in place and cook at high pressure for 18 minutes. When it’s done, carefully release the steam manually. This method ensures that all those wonderful flavors meld together perfectly!

Step 3: Simmer on Stove Top

For those who prefer the stove top method, combine your apples, sliced ginger, brown sugar, black peppercorns, and water in a stock pot. Bring it to a boil before lowering the heat to simmer gently. Cover it up until the apples are soft—this should take about 30 minutes—and let it steep off heat for another 10 minutes. The aroma will be absolutely enticing!

Step 4: Transfer to Pitcher

Grab a pitcher or mason jars and place a fine mesh sieve over their openings. Pour your apple tea slowly to catch any debris from the apples and spices while pressing down gently on them with a spoon to extract all their juices. Be cautious as you pour; we want all that deliciousness in our pitcher!

Step 5: Cool Down

Allow your apple tea to cool completely at room temperature before sealing it up in jars or pitchers. This makes storage easy for later enjoyment!

Step 6: Enjoy!

Finally, pour yourself a cup of this delightful Korean Apple Tea! Whether served hot during winter nights or chilled on sunny afternoons, each sip brings warmth and comfort—just like grandma used to make!

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

Making Korean Apple Tea is a delightful experience, and these tips will help you brew the perfect cup every time!

• Choose the right apples: Using sweet, firm apples like Gala or Fuji enhances the flavor of your tea. Their natural sweetness balances the spice from ginger and cinnamon beautifully.

• Fresh ingredients matter: Select fresh, organic ginger and cinnamon sticks for a more aromatic and flavorful tea. The fresher your ingredients, the better the health benefits and taste.

• Adjust sweetness to your taste: Feel free to modify the amount of brown sugar based on your preference. If you enjoy a less sweet tea, start with less sugar and add more if needed after tasting.

• Don’t skip steeping time: After cooking, allowing the tea to steep off heat for an additional 10 minutes helps deepen the flavors. This step ensures all the spices infuse thoroughly into the drink.

• Experiment with spices: Consider adding other spices like cloves or nutmeg for a unique twist. Each spice brings its own warmth and aroma, making your tea even more comforting.

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

Serving this delightful tea can be as simple or elaborate as you wish! Here are some ideas to make your presentation special.

Garnishes

• Cinnamon Dust: A light sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top adds visual appeal and enhances the warm flavor profile.
• Apple Slices: Thinly sliced fresh apple can serve as a beautiful garnish that complements the apple base of the tea.
• Fresh Mint Leaves: Adding a sprig of mint not only provides a pop of color but also introduces a refreshing contrast to the spicy notes.

Side Dishes

• Honey Butter Toast: Crispy toast spread with honey butter creates a sweet contrast that pairs wonderfully with the warm spices in the tea.
• Korean Rice Cakes (Tteok): These chewy treats come in various flavors and textures, providing a delightful accompaniment that balances out the drink’s warmth.
• Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and helps cleanse the palate between sips of rich apple tea.
• Roasted Nuts: A small bowl of lightly salted roasted nuts offers a crunchy texture that complements the smoothness of Saegwa Cha beautifully.

Enjoying Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon is not just about savoring a warm drink; it’s about creating an experience filled with love, warmth, and good company. Cheers to delicious moments!

Make Ahead and Storage

Preparing Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon (Saegwa Cha) in advance is a fantastic way to ensure you always have a warm, comforting drink ready to go. This tea not only tastes great but also stores well, making it perfect for meal prep.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• If you want to store it for longer, pour the tea into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
• Seal tightly and label with the date before placing in the freezer.
• It can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating

• To reheat, pour the desired amount of tea into a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can use a microwave-safe container and heat in short increments, stirring in between until hot.

FAQs

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

Can I use any type of apple for Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon (Saegwa Cha)?

Yes, you can use various sweet and firm apples like Gala, Fuji, or Cortland. The sweeter the apple, the tastier your tea will be!

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

When stored properly in the refrigerator, this tea can last up to one week. For longer storage, consider freezing it.

Is there a caffeine-free version of Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon (Saegwa Cha)?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally caffeine-free as it relies solely on fruits and spices for flavor.

Final Thoughts

Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon (Saegwa Cha) is more than just a beverage; it’s a warm hug in a cup that brings comfort during chilly days or when you’re feeling under the weather. I hope you enjoy making this delightful drink as much as I do! It’s simple yet full of flavor and health benefits. So go ahead—prepare a batch today and savor every sip!