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    Home » Recipes » Hojicha

    Hojicha Latte

    Published: Jan 21, 2023 by Michelle · 9 Comments

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    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

    Want to make a hojicha latte at home? This simple and flavorful drink recipe features roasted green tea powder and steamed foamed milk that you can enjoy at home everyday.

    Hojicha tea latte in a white bowl, on white round marble with tea tools surrounding it.

    What is hojicha?

    Hojicha 焙じ茶 (also houjicha) is a reddish-brown tea made from roasted green tea leaves.

    Green tea originated from China and has been enjoyed in East Asia for many centuries.

    Roasting the tea leaves over charcoal at a high temperature gives the tea its distinct, rich colour.

    You can find hojicha as a loose leaf tea, in tea bags or in ground into powder form.

    Read my Beginner's Guide to Hojicha for more information on this roasted green tea.

    What is a hojicha latte?

    A hojicha latte is a tea-based latte made from roasted green tea and steamed, frothed milk.

    A latte traditionally consists of espresso coffee and heated milk, but in this case, tea replaces the coffee.

    Many coffee shops and cafes are beginning to offer hojicha tea lattes and matcha lattes on their menus.

    What does hojicha taste like?

    Hojicha has a mild, sweet, smoky, toasted flavor.

    It does not have a bitter or astringent, grassy taste compared to matcha.

    Optimal brewing temperature

    The most optimal brewing temperature for hojicha is around 200 degrees F/93 degrees C.

    Unlike matcha, which requires a milder brewing temperature, hojicha can withstand the hotter water temperature.

    However, you can brew hojicha at a cooler water temperature if you want to avoid any bitterness.

    Health benefits

    Hojicha contains antioxidants and catechins that are believed to decrease cancer risk.

    However, due to the roasting process, these antioxidant levels are lower than of matcha.

    Another effect of roasting tea means that hojicha contains much lower amounts of caffeine than matcha.

    Choosing a non-dairy milk to pair with hojicha can be beneficial as dairy milk contains casein, a protein which binds to the catechins in green tea (and limits their absorption). 

    Hojicha tea powder in a white dish.

    Ingredients you'll need for a homemade hojicha tea latte

    • hojicha roasted green tea powder: sifted; or you can use loose leaf tea/tea bags
    • hot water:
    • frothed milk: it's best to use a non-dairy/dairy-free alternative such as coconut milk, almond milk, soy milk or oat milk, however you can use regular whole milk if you like
    • sweetener: optional, you can use honey, simple syrup, maple syrup, agave syrup

    Ways to froth milk

    There are a few ways to froth or foam up milk.

    The easiest and quickest way is to use a milk frother or electric whisk.

    If you're making more than a few drinks, you can also use a blender to whip air into the milk.

    Use a French press and give it a few pumps.

    Or use a mason jar with a tightly-sealed lid and shake the milk well.

    How to make a hojicha latte

    Sift the hojicha powder into a large mug to remove any clumps.

    Pour a little hot water into the mug.

    Use an electric whisk/frother to foam up the tea.

    Top the hojicha tea off with steamed, frothed milk of your choice and sweeten to your taste.

    Step by step photos on how to make hojicha latte, with number overlay.

    Hojicha latte in a white bowl, on white round marble.

    Variations

    Add ice to make it an Iced Hojicha Latte.

    Play around and add different syrups such as pumpkin to add a different flavor to the drink.

    Try a Matcha Latte, which is the unroasted version of hojicha.

    What to pair with a hojicha latte

    Enjoy the hojicha tea latte on its own, or pair it with sweets or bolder flavors like coffee.

    Try it with red bean mochi, mango cream mochi, cookies, mooncakes, or chocolate.

    FAQs

    Why are there clumps of hojicha on the bottom of my drink?

    As hojicha is ground whole tea leaves, it doesn't fully "dissolve."

    The tea particles are suspended in the liquid and ultimately consumed together.

    It's best to give the drink a stir before consuming.

    Why is my hojicha tea latte grainy?

    This can depend on the quality of the tea powder.

    A stone-ground powdered tea will yield a finer powder, which is less grainy/gritty.

    Is a hojicha latte bitter?

    No, hojicha tea is not bitter, but can be slightly earthy depending on its quality.

    How many hojicha lattes can I have in a day?

    Like anything else, it's best to consume hojicha in moderation. 1-2 cups per day would be a safe consideration.

    Other tea latte recipes you may like

    Be sure to check out these recipes:

    Iced Hojicha Latte

    Matcha Latte

    Pumpkin Spice Hojicha Latte

    Iced Matcha Chai Latte

    Rose Milk Tea Latte

    Matcha Rose Latte

    Let me know if you try out this recipe -- tag me on Instagram @siftandsimmer or leave me a comment/rating below!

    Hojicha tea latte in a white bowl, on white round marble.

    Print Recipe
    5 from 6 votes

    Hojicha Latte

    Want to make a hojicha latte at home? This simple and calming drink recipe features matcha green tea powder and steamed foamed milk that you can enjoy everyday.
    Prep Time5 minutes mins
    Total Time5 minutes mins
    Course: Drinks
    Cuisine: Asian, Japanese
    Servings: 1
    Calories: 106kcal
    Author: Michelle

    For accuracy and precision in baking recipes, use weight (metric) measurements when available.

    Ingredients

    • ¾-1 teaspoon hojicha roasted green tea powder sifted
    • ½ C hot water
    • ½ C steamed milk or non-dairy alternative of your choice almond, oat, soy, coconut milk
    • 1-2 teaspoon sweetener (honey, simple syrup, maple syrup, agave syrup, etc.) optional, to your taste
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    Instructions

    • Sift the hojicha powder into a large mug to remove any clumps. 
    • Pour hot water into the mug.
    • Use an electric whisk/frother to foam up the hojicha tea.
    • Top the hojicha off with steamed, frothed milk of your choice and sweeten to your taste.

    Notes

    Notes: Depending on whether you're just starting out with hojicha, or a daily drinker, you can adjust the amount of hojicha powder to your taste.
    Add more if you prefer a stronger flavour.
    Reduce the amount if you're just beginning your hojicha journey.
    Experiment and find one that you enjoy.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 106kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 56mg | Potassium: 209mg | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 361IU | Calcium: 170mg | Iron: 1mg

    The nutritional information provided should be considered as approximate and is not guaranteed. Please use your best judgment to ensure food is safely prepared and/or a good fit for your diet.

    Did you try this recipe?Mention @siftandsimmer or tag #siftandsimmer!
    « Taiwanese Castella Cake
    Hojicha 101: A Beginner's Guide »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Raymund | angsarap.net

      January 26, 2023 at 12:55 pm

      5 stars
      I actually never tried hojicha yet so I am very interested on giving this a go! roasted tea leaves sounds like a combo of coffee and tea together. Now I will be in the hunt for one

      Reply
    2. Sage Scott

      March 25, 2023 at 12:41 pm

      5 stars
      This fast, easy, and delicious recipe is a perfect afternoon pick-me-up when I'm a little tired of coffee or tea. Loved it!

      Reply
      • Michelle

        March 27, 2023 at 5:08 pm

        Glad you enjoyed it, Sage! It really is the best choice if you can't decide between tea or coffee 🙂

    3. Addison

      April 14, 2023 at 1:02 pm

      5 stars
      This hojicha latte was all things warm and cozy! Such a great way to start my morning!

      Reply
      • Michelle

        April 14, 2023 at 5:10 pm

        Yay, happy to hear it Addison! Thanks for your feedback 🙂

    4. Joshua Weberg

      May 25, 2023 at 3:35 pm

      5 stars
      My wife recently made this hojicha latte for us and I was skeptical at first since I am not a fan of lattes. However, this was surprisingly tasty. My wife now makes it at least once a week for us to enjoy! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Michelle

        May 30, 2023 at 2:13 pm

        Happy to hear that you're enjoying the hojicha tea lattes, Joshua!

    5. Jane

      July 15, 2023 at 3:49 pm

      5 stars
      Loved the latte! It's fresh, creamy, and just a little sweet. I like that it's not too heavy —it's just right!

      Reply
    6. Healing Tomato

      September 02, 2023 at 4:23 pm

      5 stars
      I felt so special when I was enjoying a cup of this latte! I have been to Japanese tea parties and felt like I was at one when I was drinking this tea. It was super easy to make and tasted so good. I am going to have a Japanese tea party just for this latte.

      Reply

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