There’s something deeply comforting about sipping a warm, spiced drink on a chilly winter evening. When the air is crisp and you crave something soothing, Korean Apple Tea (Saenggang Sagwa Cha) feels like a hug in a cup. It’s fragrant, mildly sweet, and infused with warming spices that not only taste wonderful but also support your immune system during cold weather.
Unlike regular fruit teas, this traditional Korean version combines fresh apples, cinnamon, ginger, and peppercorns, simmered slowly with brown sugar to create a deeply aromatic infusion. Every sip brings warmth, calm, and comfort — just what your body needs when the temperature drops.
Why Korean Apple Tea?
Beyond its delicious taste, Korean Apple Tea offers a unique blend of flavors that stands out. It combines the natural sweetness of apples with the warm embrace of cinnamon and ginger, a hint of earthy black pepper, and the caramel notes of brown sugar. It’s a drink that is both refreshing and deeply comforting, perfect for any time of day. Whether you’re seeking a moment of peace, a natural energy boost, or a delightful treat for your taste buds, Sagwa-cha delivers.
The Story Behind Korean Apple Tea
In Korea, fruit teas are more than just beverages — they’re part of a healing tradition. Known as cha, these teas are often made from fresh fruits, herbs, roots, or grains, steeped in water or honey. They’re believed to balance the body’s internal energy, restore warmth, and prevent seasonal ailments.
Among them, Saenggang Sagwa Cha (생강사과차) stands out for its sweet and spicy notes. “Saenggang” means ginger, and “Sagwa” means apple. Together, they create a tea that soothes the throat, aids digestion, and naturally relieves mild colds.
While store-bought versions exist, nothing compares to a homemade batch simmered on your stove — the aroma alone can make your whole kitchen feel like a cozy café.
Why You’ll Love This Tea
- Sweet and spiced: The natural sweetness of apples blends beautifully with the warmth of cinnamon and ginger.
- Soothing and therapeutic: Helps relieve sore throat, cough, and nasal congestion.
- Perfect winter drink: Ideal for evenings by the window, wrapped in a blanket with a book or your favorite show.
- Hydrating and caffeine-free: Keeps you warm and refreshed without relying on caffeine.
- Homemade goodness: Made with simple pantry ingredients and real fruit — no artificial flavoring or tea bags needed.
The Simple Ingredients: Nature’s Best
One of the beauties of Korean Apple Tea lies in its straightforward ingredient list. Each component plays a vital role in creating its distinctive flavor profile.
- Apples: The star of the show! Fresh, ripe apples are crucial. They provide the natural sweetness and a delicate fruity base for the tea. Any apple variety will work, but those with a good balance of sweetness and tartness, like Fuji or Honeycrisp, tend to shine.
- Cinnamon Sticks: These fragrant sticks infuse the tea with their classic warm and sweet spice. Cinnamon is a timeless companion to apples, and its presence here adds a depth of flavor that is both familiar and inviting.
- Fresh Ginger: A powerhouse of flavor and warmth, ginger adds a gentle kick and a slightly peppery, aromatic note. It’s known for its comforting properties and pairs wonderfully with apples and cinnamon.
- Brown Sugar: This adds a rich, molasses-like sweetness that complements the apples and spices beautifully. You can adjust the amount to your preference, making the tea as sweet as you like.
- Black Pepper: Don’t be surprised by this addition! A few whole black peppercorns add a subtle, intriguing warmth and a very slight zing that elevates the other flavors without overpowering them. It’s a secret ingredient that makes this tea truly special.
- Water: The base of our delicious brew!
Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Make Korean Apple Tea
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Wash the apples thoroughly. You can peel them if you prefer a lighter flavor, but keeping the peel adds extra nutrients and color. Slice the apples thinly — this helps them release their flavor faster.
Peel and slice the ginger into thin rounds. Gather your cinnamon sticks and peppercorns.
Step 2: Simmer Everything Together
In a deep saucepan, add 4 cups of water, apple slices, ginger, cinnamon sticks, and peppercorns. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
Once it starts bubbling, reduce the flame to low and let it simmer for about 20–25 minutes. The water will gradually take on a rich amber color, and your kitchen will smell heavenly — a mix of spice, fruit, and comfort.
Step 3: Sweeten the Tea
Add brown sugar and stir until it dissolves completely. You can adjust the sweetness to your taste — some prefer it mild, others a bit caramel-rich.
For a healthier variation, you can use honey or maple syrup, but make sure to add them after the tea cools slightly to preserve their nutrients.
Step 4: Strain and Serve
Strain the tea into mugs using a fine sieve. For an authentic Korean touch, serve it with a few apple slices floating on top.
You can enjoy this tea warm or chilled — it’s delightful both ways. In winter, the steaming version is a natural decongestant, while in summer, chilled apple tea offers a refreshing twist.
Storage Tips
You can store leftover apple tea in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it gently before serving. Avoid boiling it again, as that may dull the flavors.
Korean Apple Tea
Korean Apple Tea is more than a beverage — it’s an experience. The soothing aroma of simmering apples, cinnamon, and ginger instantly calms your senses. It’s a drink that invites you to slow down, take a deep breath, and embrace the warmth of winter.
Whether you’re under the weather, seeking comfort after a long day, or simply looking for a caffeine-free drink to cozy up with, Saenggang Sagwa Cha is the perfect choice.
So this winter, when you feel the chill setting in, skip the store-bought mixes. Brew a pot of this Homemade Korean Apple Tea, inhale its comforting aroma, and let every sip remind you that simple things — like a cup of tea — can bring the most joy.
How to Use Korean Apple Tea as a Home Remedy
In Korea, this tea is often recommended for cold, cough, or fatigue. Here’s how you can use it at home:
- For sore throat: Sip warm apple tea with a spoonful of honey. It coats the throat and eases irritation.
- For congestion: Add a pinch of ground black pepper to your cup and inhale the steam before drinking.
- For fatigue: Drink mid-morning or afternoon — the natural sugars and spices help you feel refreshed without caffeine.
- For digestion: Enjoy after meals to ease bloating or heaviness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I reuse the leftover apples and spices?
A: While they will have lost most of their flavor in the first brew, I have tried a second, lighter brew with less water and a longer simmer time. However, the flavor will definitely be much milder.
Q: Can I make a big batch and store it?
A: Absolutely! I often make a larger quantity of Korean Apple Tea and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I just reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Q: Is Korean Apple Tea good for you?
A: Yes, I believe it is! Apples are rich in antioxidants and fiber. Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can help with digestion. Cinnamon can also help regulate blood sugar. While I don’t consider it a medicinal drink, I certainly feel it offers some healthful benefits.
Q: Can I add other ingredients?
A: Of course! I always encourage experimenting. Sometimes, I’ll add a star anise pod for another layer of warm spice, or a squeeze of lemon juice at the very end to brighten the flavors a bit.
Q: What if I don’t have whole black peppercorns?
A: While whole peppercorns are best for that subtle infusion, I’ve used a tiny pinch (about 1/8 teaspoon) of freshly ground black pepper in a pinch. Just be careful not to add too much, as ground pepper is much stronger.
Korean Apple Tea Recipe
A simple and delicious Korean Apple Tea recipe made with apples, brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon, and black peppercorns. A cozy drink for cold days and natural relief from sore throats.
Ingredients
- 2 medium Apples (red, Fuji, or sweet varieties), thinly sliced
- 4 cups Water
- 3–4 tbsp. Brown sugar
- 1-inch Ginger, thinly sliced
- 2 Cinnamon sticks
- 6–8 whole Black peppercorns
Instructions
How To Make Korean Apple Tea
1. Prep the fruit and spices
Slice the apples thin. Keep the peel on for more flavor. Slice the ginger.
2. Simmer the base
Add water, apple slices, ginger, cinnamon sticks, and peppercorns to a pot. Bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes.
3. Sweeten the tea
Add brown sugar. Stir until dissolved. Taste and adjust sweetness. If you are using honey or maple syrup, skip this step.
4. Strain and serve
Strain the tea into cups. if you like. If using honey or maple syrup, add and stir it before serving or relishing. Add a slice of apple on top Serve warm for the best winter comfort.
Add love to make this Korean Apple Tea tastes 'Yummy'.
Notes
Serving Ideas
Pair your Korean Apple Tea with:
- A slice of tea loaf cake or ginger cookies on a cold afternoon.
- Steamed buns or Korean rice cakes for an authentic feel.
- A light breakfast of oats, toast, or fruit for a nourishing start to the day.
If you’re serving guests, pour the tea into transparent glass mugs to show off its golden hue and add a thin apple slice or cinnamon stick as garnish. It looks festive, elegant, and inviting — perfect for cozy winter gatherings.
Tips for the Perfect Cup
- Use ripe apples – they give a more natural sweetness.
- Simmer gently – boiling too vigorously can make the tea bitter.
- Don’t skip peppercorns – they add a subtle warmth that ties all the flavors together.
- Store wisely – refrigerate in glass jars to retain aroma.
- Serve warm – the soothing effect is best when the tea is mildly hot.
Variations
- Honey Apple Tea: Replace brown sugar with honey.
- Spiced Apple Tea: Add 1 star anise or 2–3 cloves.
- Iced Apple Tea: Chill and serve over ice for summer.
Winter Wellness Tip
Sip this tea warm to ease sore throat, mild cough, and congestion.Ginger + cinnamon + apple make a natural, soothing blend.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
3Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 69Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gSodium: 14mgCarbohydrates: 18gFiber: 4gSugar: 13gProtein: 0g
The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
Leave a Reply