This hojicha latte recipe offers a comforting blend of roasted green tea and creamy milk! It’s a rich, toasty twist on the classic matcha that’s both soothing and satisfying. Both the tea leaf and powder forms have their own charm. But no matter how you prepare it, hojicha’s the perfect drink to have on hand for unwinding!
A Note From Kristen
If you’re looking for delicious alternatives to coffee, or a matcha latte, a hojicha latte is one I recommend you try! I’ve been making it at home for years now, and trust me, every sip is so enjoyable and grounding! I like to savor mine hot, but you can also try it cold or with other flavorings, too. It’s the kind of beverage that makes you want to slow down and love each moment. I hope you love it as much as I do!
~Kristen
What is Hojicha?
Similar to matcha, hojicha is made from Japanese green tea leaves. However, the leaves undergo a roasting process that turns them brown and gives them a distinctly nutty, caramel-like flavor. Roasting also lessens the leaves’ caffeine content, making hojicha suitable for those who want a milder tea.
Do note, however, that hojicha contains caffeine but only in smaller amounts than matcha or coffee.
Ingredient Notes
Please keep in mind that this is just a quick overview. Visit the full recipe for amounts and instructions!
- Milk or Plant-Based Milk: Provides the creamy base that balances the hojicha’s roasted, nutty flavors.
- Hot Water: Used to brew either tea leaves or powder, extracting their natural aroma and flavor.
- Hojicha Powder or Hojicha Tea Leaves: Act as the heart of the hojicha latte, giving it its signature nutty flavor.
- Maple Syrup: Adds a natural sweetness that complements the tea’s flavor without overpowering it. You can replace with any sweetener of your choosing or omit it if preferred.
- Ground Cinnamon: Brings a gentle spice and warmth that pairs wonderfully with the tea’s flavor. I think this warming spice greatly complements the tea’s nutty profile.
- Salt: Optional. It can enhance the latte’s overall flavor.
How to Make a Roasted Japanese Green Tea Latte
01
WARM MILK
Warm the milk until it steams, then remove from heat.
02
PREPARE HOJICHA
If using powder, whisk it with hot water until smooth. For loose leaves, steep in hot water for 3–5 minutes, then strain.
03
MIX AND FROTH
Add to the warm milk with maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk or froth until slightly foamy.
04
ENJOY
Pour into a mug and serve right away.
Serving Ideas
- Serve with a favorite dessert such as chocolate chip cookies, pastries, or muffins.
- Pair with a warm, hearty breakfast such as pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal.
- Serve with a cinnamon stick or rolled wafer cookie as a stirrer.
Kristen’s Top Tips
- Choose a milk that froths well. Whole milk or oat milk works nicely to improve the latte’s texture and body.
- Adjust the tea-to-milk ratio for your preference. If you want more depth, add more tea.
- Stick to liquid sweeteners (like maple syrup, honey, or agave), as granulated sugar might not fully dissolve, leaving you with a gritty drink.
- If you want an iced hojicha latte, pour the brewed hojicha mixture over ice, then add cold milk and sweeteners.
- If you have one, use a bamboo whisk (chasen) to blend the powder in a matcha bowl. It gives the drink a more authentic texture and prevents clumps.
- Tasty flavor variations you can try include adding vanilla extract, cacao powder, orange or caramel syrup.
Hojicha Latte Recipe
Learn how to make a cozy hojicha latte at home using roasted green tea powder or loose leaves for a rich, toasty flavor.
Author: Kristen Wood
Servings: 1 serving
Prep Time: 5minutes minutes Cook Time: 5minutes minutes Total Time: 10minutes minutes
Course: Beverages Cuisine: Japanese Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups milk or plant-based milk
- ¼ cup hot water
- 2 teaspoons hojicha powder or 2 teaspoons hojicha tea leaves
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- pinch of salt optional
Instructions
- Heat the milk until warm and steaming, then set aside.
- If using hojicha powder:
- In a small bowl, whisk the powder with the hot water until smooth.
- Stir into the warm milk along with maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt.
- Whisk or froth until lightly foamy.
- If using whole hojicha tea leaves:
- Steep the tea leaves in the hot water for 3–5 minutes, then strain.
- Stir the concentrated tea into the warm milk with maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt.
- Whisk or froth until creamy.
- Serve immediately in a mug. Enjoy!
Notes
Storage and Reheating
Keep any unfinished latte in a sealed, airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. For the best quality, finish the leftovers within 24 hours.
Reheat the drink on low to medium heat on the stovetop. Don’t boil it, as it can make the latte bitter.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 238kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 37mg | Sodium: 118mg | Potassium: 507mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 27g | Vitamin A: 495IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 399mg | Iron: 0.04mg
—
Previously Published on moonandspoonandyum
***
Does dating ever feel challenging, awkward or frustrating?
Turn Your Dating Life into a WOW! with our new classes and live coaching.
Click here for more info or to buy with special launch pricing!
***
On Substack? Follow us there for more great dating and relationships content.
Join The Good Men Project as a Premium Member today.
All Premium Members get to view The Good Men Project with NO ADS. A complete list of benefits is here.
—
