Skip to main content

Chilled Cinnamon-Ginger Tea (Soojong Gwa)

3.8

(1)

Although this is a chilled beverage, it is traditionally enjoyed in the winter. The "fire" of the cinnamon and ginger is supposed to warm you up, while the coolness of the beverage balances the heat. Not being much of a traditionalist, I like to make it during the summer and keep pitchers of it available as an alternative to iced tea.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 15 to 20 servings

Ingredients

1 gallon water
3 sticks cinnamon
One 2- to 3-inch piece ginger, sliced
1/4 cup (packed) brown sugar
Pine nuts for garnish (optional)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Pour the water into a large pot. Add the cinnamon and ginger and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 30 minutes.

    Step 2

    Remove from the heat and carefully remove the cinnamon and ginger. Add the brown sugar and stir until completely dissolved. Let cool, then refrigerate for several hours (preferably overnight) until chilled.

    Step 3

    If you wish, sprinkle a few pine nuts in each cup before serving.

From Quick & Easy Korean Cooking by Cecilia Hae-Jin Lee. Text copyright © 2009 by Cecilia Hae-Jin Lee. Photographs copyright © 2009 by Julie Toy. Published by Chronicle Books.
Read More
Like “absolutely decadent” chocolate pudding and fattoush salad.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
A warmly spiced Ashkenazi charoset, perfect for your Passover seder—or spooned over yogurt the next morning.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.
Like lemony risotto and tandoori-style cauliflower.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
The most efficient method takes less than an hour, but you might not even need it.