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Korean Apple Tea Recipe With Ginger & Cinnamon (Saegwa Cha) – Cozy, Fragrant, and Comforting

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 3 medium apples (Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp)
  • 1–1.5 inches fresh ginger, sliced
  • 1 cinnamon stick (or 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon)
  • 4–5 cups water
  • 2–4 tablespoons sugar or honey (to taste)
  • Optional: 2–3 thin lemon slices or 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • Optional garnish: extra apple slices or a cinnamon stick

Method
 

  1. Prep the apples: Rinse well. Core and slice thinly. Leave the peels on for more color and aroma.
  2. Slice the ginger: Peel if you like, then cut into thin coins to release more flavor.
  3. Add to pot: Place apples, ginger, and the cinnamon stick in a medium saucepan. Pour in 4–5 cups of water.
  4. Simmer gently: Bring to a boil, then reduce to low. Simmer uncovered for 20–30 minutes, until the apples are soft and the liquid smells fragrant.
  5. Sweeten: Stir in sugar or honey a little at a time. Taste and adjust. If using lemon, add it now for brightness.
  6. Strain or mash: For a clear tea, strain out solids. For a fuller body, lightly mash the cooked apples, then strain.
  7. Serve: Pour hot into mugs. Garnish with an apple slice or a cinnamon stick if you like.
  8. Optional concentrate: For a stronger base, continue simmering 5–10 more minutes, then dilute with hot water when serving.