Korean Cinnamon Ginger Punch (Sujeonggwa)
Sujeongggwa is a tradition Korean cinnamon ginger punch that is often served after a big meal. Simmering fresh ginger and cinnamon stick separately will bring the best tasting punch.
As a child I wasn’t so sure about why we drank icy cold dessert drinks after eating boiling hot soups and stews in the winter time in Korea. You may understand that Korean drinks are often served as a light dessert after a meal.
However, I began to appreciate more of these Korean dessert drinks, such as Korean Rice Punch (Shikhye), as I grew older. They are light and just perfect way to finish off a heavy meal.
This particular cinnamon ginger punch called “sujeonggwa (수정과)” was another famous Korean dessert punch that needs to be served cold. I mean icy cold!
It has an intense cinnamon ginger taste. Which means if you are not keen for that old-world spiciness in your drink, this might not be for you. However, for those who enjoy the cinnamon-y or gingery taste in your beverage, this is homey and indulgent.
Ingredients for Korean Cinnamon Ginger Punch
- cinnamon sticks
- fresh ginger
- water
- muscovado sugar or unrefined sugar
- pine nuts to garnish (optional)
Cinnamon Sticks and Fresh Ginger
It is very easy to make. All you need is cinnamon sticks, ginger, and sugar. Now you can enjoy this delicious punch at any time of the year.
Korean cinnamon ginger punch is meant to be served very cold. Some even freeze it for a couple of hours to get thin icy layers on top.
Garnishing and Serving Tip
Traditionally dried persimmon is served with this punch, which makes for a very elegant dessert to serve the guests. If you do have dried persimmon, make sure you soak it in the punch for at least 1 hour to soften the texture.
The best way to serve the cinnamon ginger punch with persimmon to a guest is by using a shallow bowl with a spoon rather than a cup. This is so that the guest can easily break the soft persimmon with a spoon and enjoy it with the delicious juice.
How to make Korean Cinnamon Ginger Punch (Sujeonggwa)
The trick to making authentic flavor of sujjeongwa is to simmer the cinnamon sticks and ginger separately. If you simmer them together, it crosses out and looses the prominent fragrance of both spices during the simmering. You will also need to strain the drink in a fine cloth to catch all the impurities. All have left there should be a clean and translucent tea.
The choice of sugar is up to you. I recommend using Muscovado sugar, though. It is unrefined brown sugar with molasses, which I think enhances the drink very nicely. It also intensifies the brownness in color. The amount of sugar can be adjustable and depends on your liking.
If you dine often at Korean restaurants, I bet you have tried this dessert punch. Now you know how easy it is to make.
How to Store Korean Cinnamon Ginger Punch
You can store this punch in the fridge for at least 2 weeks. You can serve it hot like a tea if you wish. Either way, it is delicious and comforting beverage for you and your guests.
You can freeze this punch for 2-3 hours if you like to serve icy cold. The thin icy chunks will appear on the surface. Break the ice with a folk.
Traditionally a piece of dried persimmon is also served with this punch. Make sure you soak the persimmon in the punch for 1 hour to loosen its dried texture, then serve the fruit and punch in a shallow bowl (rather than cup) with a spoon.
Try Other Korean Punch Recipes
Korean Cinnamon Ginger Punch (Sujeonggwa)
Ingredients
- 5-6 cinnamon sticks
- 3 oz ginger, thinly sliced
- 3 liter water, divided
- 1-2 cup muscovado sugar
- pine nuts , as a garnish (optional)
- dried persimmon, as a garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In one pot, combine cinnamon sticks and 1.5 liter water. In another pot, combine ginger with the rest of 1.5 liter water. Cover the both pots with lids and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Strain the tea from the both pots into a fine cloth to catch impurities and to combine.
- Add the sugar and stir with a wooden spoon until all the sugar dissolves. Adjust the amount of sugar for your preference. Chill for at least 2 hours. Serve cold. If you wish, garnish with pine nuts and dried persimmon.
Notes
- You can freeze the punch for 2-3 hours if you like to serve icy cold. The thin icy chunks will appear on the drink. Break the ice with a folk.
- Traditionally a piece of dried persimmon is also served with this punch. Make sure you soak the persimmon in the punch for 1 hour to loosen its dried texture, then serve the fruit and punch in a shallow bowl (rather than cup) with a spoon.
I love cinnamon and ginger. I think I’m gonna love this drink
It looks so refreshing and gorgeously spicy. I can’t even begin to imagine what dried persimmon is like. Very exotic. i look forward to trying this drink in a Korean restaurant
Wow, this looks so terrific! Cinnamon is probably my favorite spice, and it combines so well with ginger. Really great flavor in this — thanks so much.
Hi beyondkimchee, do you think I can make this with cinnamon powder (which I have too many!)
Honestly, I have not tried with cinnamon powder so I can’t assure you the same taste, but I think you can get it close. Make sure you strain well to get the clean translucent tea after the simmering.
What an awesome punch. I’ve never heard of this before, but I love cinnamon and ginger and persimmons. I think this might even help my cold~
Yes, cinnamon and ginger are great home remedy for cold. You can heat it and drink as a tea.