Hojicha Tea Latte Recipe [+Tips]

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Okay, real talk-if you’re a fan of lattes, matcha, or just crave anything creamy, comforting, and slightly exotic (without being pretentious), then Hojicha Tea Latte is about to become your new obsession. You know how matcha has had its moment in the spotlight for the past decade? Well, it’s time for its roasted cousin, Hojicha, to shine like the golden brown gem it is.

So, What Is Hojicha?

Glad you asked! Hojicha (pronounced HO-jee-cha) is a type of Japanese green tea that’s roasted instead of steamed, which gives it a:

  • Toasty, smoky, nutty flavor (like a cozy autumn evening in a cup)
  • Beautiful warm brown hue (no, not all green teas are green!)
  • Low caffeine level – so you can sip it in the evening without bouncing off the walls

And when you take that warm, roasted tea and combine it with creamy milk and a touch of sweetness? Heaven. In. A. Mug.

Ingredients For Hojicha Tea Latte Recipe

You’ll be surprised how few ingredients you actually need to whip up this luxurious little drink. And the best part? You probably already have most of these in your kitchen.

✨ Basic Ingredients

  • 1 tsp Hojicha powder (or 2 tsp loose leaf Hojicha if you’re steeping it the traditional way)
  • ¾ cup milk (dairy or plant-based – oat and almond are divine here)
  • ¼ cup hot water (for dissolving the powder or steeping the leaves)
  • 1-2 tsp sweetener (honey, maple syrup, brown sugar, or even vanilla syrup – go wild!)

Optional Extras (for That Barista-style Flair)

  • A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg
  • A splash of vanilla extract
  • Foamed milk or whipped cream
  • Ice (if you’re feeling summery and want an iced version)

Note: Hojicha powder is becoming more widely available, especially online. But if you only have loose-leaf Hojicha, don’t worry-I’ve got you covered in the next section.

How To Make Hojicha Tea Latte?

There are two main ways to make this: one with Hojicha powder, and one using loose leaf Hojicha. Both are delicious-it’s just a matter of what you have on hand.

☕ With Hojicha Powder (Super Easy And Quick!)

  1. Heat your water to about 175°F (not boiling-you don’t want to scorch it).
  2. Whisk the Hojicha powder and hot water together in a bowl or mug until smooth and frothy. A bamboo chasen whisk is traditional, but a regular small whisk or milk frother works just fine.
  3. Heat your milk (stovetop or microwave) until hot but not boiling.
  4. Froth the milk if you like that café-style texture. A handheld frother or blender does the trick beautifully.
  5. Combine the Hojicha base with your milk.
  6. Sweeten to taste, stir, and sip like royalty!
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With Loose Leaf Hojicha (Deep Flavor Lovers, This Is For You)

  1. Steep 2 tsp of Hojicha in ¼ cup hot water for 3-5 minutes. Strain the leaves out.
  2. Heat your milk on the stove or in the microwave.
  3. Froth the milk (optional but highly recommended).
  4. Pour the steeped Hojicha into your mug, top with the milk.
  5. Add sweetener and flavorings as you like.

That’s it! Creamy, nutty, roasted bliss in under 10 minutes.

Expert Tips

You didn’t think I’d let you leave without some pro-level secrets, right? Here are the little things that can take your Hojicha Tea Latte from ’mmm’ to “WOW”.

  • Use filtered water for a cleaner taste – trust me, it makes a difference.
  • Don’t boil your Hojicha! Whether it’s powder or leaves, too-hot water can turn it bitter.
  • Try oat milk – its natural sweetness and creaminess make Hojicha sing.
  • Sweeten while the milk is hot so everything dissolves perfectly.
  • Use a blender for ultra-smooth, frothy milk if you don’t have a frother.
  • Prep in batches – make a Hojicha concentrate and store in the fridge for lattes all week long!
  • Top with a dusting of cinnamon or crushed toasted sesame seeds for an elevated finish.

Recipe Variations

Here’s where things get fun. Hojicha is incredibly versatile, so feel free to get creative and play with these irresistible variations:

️ Iced Hojicha Latte

  • Steep or whisk your Hojicha as normal.
  • Pour over ice and add cold milk and sweetener.
  • Boom. Summer’s most refreshing tea drink.

Hojicha Vanilla Latte

  • Add ½ tsp vanilla extract to your milk.
  • Sweeten with vanilla syrup or honey.
  • It’s like a roasted marshmallow in a mug.

Hojicha Mocha Latte

  • Mix in 1 tsp cocoa powder with the Hojicha powder.
  • Add a splash of chocolate syrup for extra richness.
  • Top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings if you’re feeling decadent.

Hojicha Pumpkin Spice Latte

  • Add 1 tbsp pumpkin puree + ½ tsp pumpkin spice while heating your milk.
  • Sweeten with maple syrup for the full autumn effect.
  • Even better than a PSL-yep, I said it.

Final Words

Listen, I could go on and on about Hojicha (and let’s be honest-I already kind of have), but here’s the deal:

  • It’s easy to make at home.
  • It’s unlike any other latte-mellow, toasted, grounding, and just soothing.
  • It’s less caffeine-heavy, making it perfect for evenings, self-care days, or late-night journaling sessions with your cat purring beside you.

Seriously, once you start making Hojicha Tea Lattes at home, Starbucks is going to start missing you. That’s how good these are.

FAQs

What Is Hojicha Tea?

Hojicha is a Japanese green tea that is made from roasted tea leaves, giving it a unique, smoky, and toasty flavor. Unlike traditional green tea, which is steamed, hojicha is roasted, which results in a brown color and a less astringent, earthy taste.

How Do You Make Hojicha Tea Latte?

To make a hojicha tea latte, start by brewing hojicha tea using 1-2 teaspoons of hojicha powder or loose leaf tea. Heat some milk (or a milk alternative) in a separate pot until hot but not boiling. Then, mix the brewed tea with the steamed milk and sweeten to taste with sugar, honey, or any sweetener of your choice. Optionally, top with frothed milk for a creamy texture.

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Can I Use Hojicha Powder Instead Of Loose Leaf Tea For A Hojicha Latte?

Yes, you can use hojicha powder, also known as hojicha matcha. It dissolves easily in liquid, making it a convenient option for a smooth and quick hojicha latte. Simply whisk the powder into the hot milk or water before adding the milk.

What Kind Of Milk Is Best For A Hojicha Tea Latte?

The best milk for a hojicha tea latte depends on your preferences. Traditional dairy milk, such as whole milk, creates a rich, creamy texture. For a dairy-free alternative, oat milk is popular due to its creaminess, while almond milk or soy milk work well too. Use a milk that froths easily for a more luxurious latte.

How Sweet Should I Make My Hojicha Tea Latte?

The level of sweetness depends on personal preference. Some people prefer their hojicha latte to be lightly sweetened to allow the smoky flavor of the tea to shine through. Start with a small amount of sweetener, such as a teaspoon of honey or sugar, and adjust as needed.

Can I Add Flavorings To My Hojicha Latte?

Yes, you can add flavorings such as vanilla extract, cinnamon, or even a bit of chocolate syrup to enhance the flavor profile. Keep in mind that hojicha’s natural toasted flavor is subtle, so use flavorings sparingly to complement, not overpower, the tea.

Can I Use A Milk Frother For My Hojicha Tea Latte?

Yes, a milk frother is perfect for creating a velvety foam on top of your hojicha tea latte. You can froth both dairy and plant-based milks, though some non-dairy options (like oat milk) froth more easily. Simply steam the milk in your frother and pour it over the brewed hojicha tea.

Can I Make A Hojicha Iced Latte?

Yes! To make an iced hojicha latte, brew your hojicha tea and let it cool down to room temperature. Fill a glass with ice, then pour the cooled tea over the ice and add your milk or milk alternative. Stir and sweeten as desired for a refreshing iced beverage.

What Are The Health Benefits Of Hojicha Tea?

Hojicha contains antioxidants and is a low-caffeine tea, making it a good choice for those who want a soothing, non-stimulating drink. The roasting process also reduces the catechins in the tea, which may make it gentler on the stomach than other green teas.

Can I Use A Tea Bag For Making Hojicha Tea Latte?

Yes, you can use a hojicha tea bag for convenience. Simply steep the tea bag in hot water for 2-3 minutes, then combine the brewed tea with your steamed milk and sweeten to taste. However, loose leaf hojicha or hojicha powder may provide a more flavorful and aromatic result.