How To Make A Hojicha Latte (Hot Or Iced)

If you love matcha latte, hojicha latte is a must try! This delicious Japanese drink offers a delightfully unique twist on green tea. Unlike other varieties, hojicha is made with roasted green tea leaves which gives it a distinctive earthy, nutty aroma and no bitterness. This hojicha latte recipe creates the creamiest, richest, most relaxing drink with less caffeine, making it perfect for anyone who wants a boost of energy without the jitters.

What is Hojicha Latte?

Hojicha is a type of Japanese green tea originating from Kyoto. Unlike many other types of green tea, hojicha is made by roasting tea leaves, traditionally over charcoal. This roasting process gives hojicha tea leaves a deep reddish-brown color and a warm, toasted, nutty, earthy flavor. It also reduces the caffeine content of the tea and eliminates any bitter taste while maintaining all the healthy antioxidants. The complex flavor profile and low caffeine content make hojicha a versatile ingredient for use in desserts and lattes.

Hojicha lattes are made by mixing hojicha powder with hot water, similar to matcha. The hojicha mixture is then poured over cold milk or topped with hot milk for a delicious cafe-style latte at home.

Main ingredients needed for Hojicha Latte

To make a delicious hojicha latte at home, you will need the following ingredients:

Hojicha tea powder

Look for hojicha powder which has an intense reddish-brown color and a fresh, toasted aroma. The best powders are made from high-quality green tea leaves, which are carefully roasted to bring out the complex flavors without burning them. You can purchase hojicha powder from Japanese/Asian grocery stores or buy it online. Or, if you can access loose leaf hojicha, roast it further in a pan and then blend it into powder.

Milk of your choice

The best milk for hojicha latte is something creamy. Milk, especially whole milk, will provide a creamy, rich base that complements the smoky notes of the hojicha.

For plant-based alternatives, oat milk, soy milk, and almond milk will work well. The nutty flavor and creamy texture of these milks pair well with hojicha.

Sweetener (optional)

Hojicha milk has a natural nutty sweetness, but you can add additional sweetness if you prefer. For hot milk, the sugar will dissolve easily into the drink, but I recommend brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey to match the flavor of the hojicha. For iced lattes, the best options will be maple syrup or liquid sweetener as they will dissolve easily.

Equipment needed to prepare Hojicha Latte

Bamboo whisk and tea bowl

Just like matcha, a bamboo whiskKnown as chasen, it is used to mix hojicha powder with water to create a smooth, foamy base. The hojicha should have no lumps and have some foam.

A tea bowlor chawan, is another important tool. Allows ample room for whisking and helps distribute powder and water evenly.

These traditional tools improve the preparation process and increase the experience, but they are not 100% necessary. You can also use a portable milk frother/whisker and cup.

Step by step instructions for Hot Hojicha Latte

1. Sift the hojicha powder into a tea bowl to remove any lumps.
2. Pour the hot water into the bowl and beat vigorously with a bamboo whisk (or handheld milk frother/whisker) ensuring a smooth consistency. Set aside.
3. Heat your milk of choice until hot and frothy. You can use a milk frother or simply heat the milk on the stove and whisk vigorously.
4. Pour the heated milk into the hojicha. If you prefer, sweeten to taste with your favorite sweetener.

Variations of The Work Latte

Once you’ve mastered basic hojicha milk, you can experiment with different flavors and ingredients. Add a touch of vanilla or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a warm, aromatic touch.

For a summer treat, try making an iced hojicha latte by pouring the mixture over ice and cold milk. You can also blend it with ice and a little sweetener to create a refreshing hojicha milkshake.

How to make iced milk

1. Sift the hojicha powder to remove any lumps into a tea bowl.
2. Pour the hot water into the tea bowl and whisk the mixture vigorously with a bamboo whisk.
3. Place ice cubes and cold milk in a glass and pour the hojicha over it. Stir with a spoon or straw to combine.

Serving Tips

Hojicha latte can be enjoyed on its own, but it is also an excellent accompaniment to various snacks and desserts:

• Pair it with traditional Japanese desserts like daifuku mochi or dorayaki.
• Enjoy it with a slice of cake or a pastry for a delicious afternoon treat.
• If you really love hojicha, double the flavor by pairing the milk with a hojicha tiramisu or hojicha chiffon cake.
• Serve alongside a light breakfast or brunch to start your day off right.