How To Make A Hojicha Latte (Hot Or Iced)

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

What is Hojicha Latte ?

Hojicha is a type of Japanese green tea originating in Kyoto. Unlike many other types of green tea, hojicha is made by roasting the tea leaves which is traditionally done over charcoal. This roasting process gives hojicha tea leaves a deep reddish brown colour and a warm, toasty, nutty, and earthy flavor. It also lowers the caffeine content of the tea and removes any bitter flavour while retaining all the healthy antioxidants. The complex flavour profile and low caffeine makes hojicha a versatile ingredient to use in desserts and lattes.

Hojicha tea 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 you Need for Hojicha Latte

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

Hojicha Tea Powder

Look for hojicha powder that has a deep, reddish-brown color and a fresh, roasted 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 get hojicha powder from Japanese/Asian Grocers or purchase it online. Or if you can get access to loose leaf hojicha, roast it further in a frying pan, and then blitz it to make powder.

Milk of Your Choice

The best milk for hojicha latte is something creamy. Dairy milk, especially whole milk, will provide a creamy and 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 latte has a natural nutty sweetness but you can add extra sweetness if you prefer. For hot lattes, any sugar will melt easily in to the drink but I recommend brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey to suit the flavor of hojicha. For iced lattes, the best options will be maple syrup or liquid sweetener as they will dissolve easily.

Equipment You Need to Make Hojicha Latte

Bamboo Whisk & Tea Bowl

Just like matcha, a bamboo whisk, known as a chasen, is used to mix the hojicha powder with water to create a smooth, frothy base. The hojicha should have no clumps and a bit of foam.

A tea bowl, or chawan, is another important tool. It allows ample space for whisking and helps to evenly distribute the powder and water.

These traditional tools enhance the preparation process and add to the experience but they aren’t 100% necessary. You can also use a handheld frother/whisk and a mug.

Step by Step Instructions for Hot Hojicha Latte

1. Sift the hojicha powder into a tea bowl to remove any clumps.
2. Pour hot water into the bowl and whisk vigorously with a bamboo whisk (or handheld frother/whisk) ensuring a smooth texture. Set aside.
3. Heat your milk of choice until it is warm 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. Sweeten to taste with your chosen sweetener if you like.

Variations of Hojicha Latte

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

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 bit of sweetener to create a refreshing hojicha frappé.

How to Make Iced Latte

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

Serving Suggestions

Hojicha latte can be enjoyed on its own, but it’s also a great accompaniment to various snacks and desserts:

• Pair it with traditional Japanese sweets like daifuku mochi or dorayaki.
• Enjoy it with a slice of cake or a pastry for a delightful afternoon treat.
• If you really love hojicha, double up on the flavour by pairing the latte with a hojicha tiramisu or hojicha chiffon cake.
• Serve it alongside a light breakfast or brunch for a comforting start to your day.

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