Save A Hot Hojicha Latte is the ultimate cozy beverage for anyone looking for a comforting, roasted alternative to traditional tea. Unlike bright green matcha, hojicha is made from roasted green tea leaves, offering a unique earthy sweetness and a deeply aromatic profile that is perfect for relaxing moments or chilly days. This drink brings the essence of a Japanese teahouse right into your kitchen.
Save The process of making this latte is as calming as the drink itself. The gentle whisking of the roasted powder into hot water creates a frothy, fragrant base that pairs beautifully with the creamy texture of steamed milk. Whether you use dairy or a plant-based alternative, the result is a sophisticated yet rustic beverage that warms you from the inside out.
Ingredients
- Tea: 2 teaspoons hojicha powder (roasted green tea powder), 1/2 cup (120 ml) hot water (about 80°C/175°F)
- Milk: 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) milk (dairy or plant-based)
- Sweetener (optional): 1–2 teaspoons honey, maple syrup, or sugar (to taste)
Instructions
- Step 1
- In a small bowl, sift the hojicha powder to remove lumps.
- Step 2
- Add hot water to the hojicha powder and whisk until fully dissolved and frothy, using a bamboo whisk (chasen) or a small regular whisk.
- Step 3
- In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until steaming but not boiling. Froth the milk with a milk frother or whisk until creamy.
- Step 4
- Pour the dissolved hojicha into two mugs.
- Step 5
- Add sweetener to each mug, if using, and stir to combine.
- Step 6
- Gently pour the steamed milk over the tea base, holding back the foam with a spoon, then spoon the foam on top.
- Step 7
- Serve immediately, optionally garnished with a sprinkle of hojicha powder.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure a smooth drink, always use water that is around 80°C (175°F); boiling water can sometimes scorch the delicate roasted notes of the tea. If you do not have a bamboo whisk, a small electric milk frother works exceptionally well to dissolve the powder and create that signature froth.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegan version, use oat, soy, or almond milk combined with a plant-based sweetener like maple syrup. You can also adjust the milk-to-tea ratio if you prefer a stronger roasted flavor. For an iced version, let the brewed hojicha cool down before serving over ice with cold milk.
Serviervorschläge
Serve your hojicha latte immediately while it is hot and frothy. A light dusting of hojicha powder on top adds a professional touch and enhances the aroma as you sip. It pairs wonderfully with a simple biscuit or a piece of dark chocolate.
Save Enjoy this homemade Hot Hojicha Latte as a mindful ritual during your day. Its soothing warmth and complex roasted flavor make it a standout choice for anyone looking to expand their tea repertoire beyond the basics. Cheers to a relaxing and delicious break!
Recipe FAQ
- → What is hojicha powder?
Hojicha is roasted green tea leaves ground into a fine powder. The roasting process gives it a deep, toasty flavor with lower caffeine content compared to other green teas like matcha.
- → Can I make this latte iced?
Absolutely! Let the brewed hojicha cool completely, then pour over ice cubes and add cold milk. You can also froth cold milk or simply stir it in for a refreshing summer version.
- → What milk works best?
Dairy milk creates a rich, creamy texture, but oat milk, soy milk, and almond milk all work wonderfully. Each plant-based option brings subtle flavor variations to the final drink.
- → Do I need a special whisk?
A bamboo chasen (matcha whisk) creates the best froth, but a small regular whisk or even a fork works fine. For the milk, a handheld frother makes café-style foam, though vigorous whisking works too.
- → How should I store hojicha powder?
Keep hojicha powder in an airtight container away from light, heat, and moisture. Properly stored, it maintains its roasted flavor for 6-12 months. Always check for freshness before brewing.
- → Is hojicha caffeinated?
Hojicha contains less caffeine than most green teas due to the roasting process, but it still has some. Each latte typically contains 20-30 mg of caffeine, making it a gentler option for sensitive individuals.