If you are looking to warm your soul with a comforting drink that tastes like a hug in a cup, then you absolutely must try the Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon (Saegwa Cha) Recipe. This traditional Korean tea combines the natural sweetness of apples with the gentle, soothing heat of ginger and cinnamon, creating a delicious beverage that’s perfect for chilly days or whenever you need a little pick-me-up. It’s a timeless remedy passed down through generations, bursting with health benefits and cozy flavors that make every sip truly memorable.
Ingredients You'll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the key to making this tea both flavorful and effective. Each component not only enhances the taste and aroma but also contributes to the warm, soothing texture and inviting color of this comforting brew.
- 2 lbs (900 grams) Apples: Sweet and firm varieties like Gala, Fuji, or McIntosh lend natural sweetness and body without needing to peel them.
- 10 cups water: The base that extracts all the flavors, creating that perfect, clear tea essence.
- 2 tablespoon (25 grams) brown sugar: Adds a gentle sweetness, balancing the spiciness of ginger and cinnamon.
- 4 inch (55 grams) Ginger: Fresh ginger infuses warmth and a subtle spicy kick that’s both soothing and invigorating.
- 2 cinnamon sticks: Bring aromatic depth and classic comforting notes to the tea.
- 2 teaspoon black peppercorns: A unique addition that adds a subtle peppery heat, perfectly complementing the other spices.
How to Make Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon (Saegwa Cha) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Start by washing your apples thoroughly and then quarter and core them. Don’t stress about peeling; the skins add wonderful nutrients and a slight texture that works beautifully when cooked down.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Whether you’re using an Instant Pot or a stockpot, add the chopped apples, sliced ginger, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, peppercorns, and water together. This harmony of ingredients sets the stage for the magic to happen.
Step 3: Cook the Tea
If you have an Instant Pot, lock the lid in place and cook at high pressure for 18 minutes, releasing the steam manually afterward. On the stovetop, bring the mixture to a boil, then simmer covered for about 30 minutes until the apples soften and cinnamon sticks unfurl, followed by an additional 10 minutes off the heat to steep.
Step 4: Strain and Cool
Place a fine mesh sieve over a pitcher or glass jar and carefully pour the tea, leaving the solid bits behind in the pot. Press the softened apples gently to release extra juices. Let the tea cool completely at room temperature before sealing to store.
How to Serve Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon (Saegwa Cha) Recipe
Garnishes
For a beautiful and tasty touch, add a thin slice of fresh apple or a cinnamon stick right in your cup. You can also sprinkle a tiny pinch of ground cinnamon or a few crushed ginger flakes on top to elevate the aroma and presentation.
Side Dishes
This tea pairs wonderfully with light Korean snacks like hotteok (sweet pancakes) or some mild steamed rice cakes. Its naturally sweet and spicy notes refresh the palate and complement sweet or savory bites.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Saegwa Cha in clear glass mugs to showcase its inviting amber color. For a festive touch, try adding a slice of star anise or floating dried apple chips. You can also chill it for a refreshing iced tea version during warmer days.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon (Saegwa Cha) Recipe in a tightly sealed container or mason jar in the refrigerator for up to one week. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
Freezing
If you want to keep this tea longer, freezing in airtight containers works well. Be sure to leave some space for expansion, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Gently warm the tea on the stovetop or in the microwave. Avoid boiling as it may reduce some of the delicate flavors. A slow simmer will bring back the warmth and aroma that make this beverage so comforting.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples?
Absolutely! While sweet, firm apples like Gala or Fuji work best, feel free to experiment with your favorites or even mix varieties for a unique flavor twist.
Is it necessary to use black peppercorns?
Black peppercorns add subtle depth and warmth, but if you prefer, you can replace them with cloves for a slightly different spice profile, or omit them entirely for a milder brew.
Can I make this tea vegan?
Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan as it contains just fruits, spices, and sugar. Just be sure any sweetener you use aligns with your dietary preferences.
How sweet is the tea?
As written, the tea has a gentle sweetness that balances the spices without overpowering them. You can easily adjust the sugar or swap it for honey to match your taste.
Is this tea good for colds?
Traditionally, Saegwa Cha is a beloved home remedy in Korea for soothing colds with its warming ingredients and immune-supportive properties. While it’s comforting, it should complement, not replace, medical treatment.
Final Thoughts
Making the Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon (Saegwa Cha) Recipe is like inviting a warm hug into your kitchen. It’s simple to prepare, delightfully flavorful, and packed with comforting qualities that make every cup feel like a little act of self-care. I encourage you to try it soon, especially when you need something soothing and sweet to brighten your day.
Print
Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon (Saegwa Cha) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes (Instant Pot) / 40 minutes (Stovetop including steeping)
- Total Time: 28 minutes (Instant Pot) / 50 minutes (Stovetop)
- Yield: 10 cups
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Korean
Description
Korean Apple Tea with Ginger and Cinnamon, also known as Saegwa Cha, is a comforting and soothing hot drink traditionally used as a home remedy for the common cold. This healthy beverage combines sweet, firm apples with the warming flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and black peppercorns. Easy to prepare using either an Instant Pot or stovetop, it delivers gentle heat and immense health benefits in a delicious, fragrant tea.
Ingredients
Fruits and Spices
- 2 lbs (900 grams) sweet, firm apples (Gala, Fuji, Cortland, Ambrosia, or McIntosh), washed, quartered, and cored
- 4 inch (55 grams) ginger, sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 tsp black peppercorns
Liquids and Sweeteners
- 10 cups water
- 2 Tbsp (25 grams) brown sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Wash the apples thoroughly. Quarter and core them but do not peel. Slice the fresh ginger and gather all spices.
- Cook in Instant Pot: Add apples, sliced ginger, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, black peppercorns, and 10 cups of water into the Instant Pot. Secure the lid and cook on high pressure for 18 minutes. Once the timer beeps, manually release the steam and carefully remove the cooking pot insert. Let it cool briefly.
- Cook on Stovetop: Place apples, sliced ginger, brown sugar, peppercorns, cinnamon sticks, and 10 cups water into a stockpot. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer covered until apples are soft and cinnamon sticks slightly unfurl, about 30 minutes. Then keep covered and steep off the heat for an additional 10 minutes.
- Strain the Tea: Set a fine mesh sieve over a pitcher or mason jar. Slowly and gently pour the cooked mixture through the sieve, keeping the solids in the pot. Occasionally press the soft apples with the back of a spoon to release more juice while straining. Handle carefully to avoid spilling hot liquid.
- Cool and Store: Allow the strained apple tea to cool completely at room temperature. Transfer to a pitcher or glass jar with a tight lid for storage.
- Serve: Serve the tea hot, cold, or at room temperature according to preference. Enjoy the warm comforting beverage ideal for soothing during cold weather.
Notes
- Recipe yields approximately 10 cups; can be halved for smaller servings.
- Adjust sweetness to taste: apples provide natural sweetness, but extra sugar or honey can be added.
- Variations include swapping apples with pears (Bosc or Bartlett recommended), using cloves instead of peppercorns (use only ¼ teaspoon cloves), or sweetening with honey instead of brown sugar.
- Use organic ingredients when possible for best flavor and health benefits.
- Handle hot liquid carefully during straining to prevent burns.
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