If you’re a long-time reader, you’ll know I love the Japanese roasted green tea hojicha. I may love it more than matcha (shhhh!)
I’ve made Hojicha Milk Tea Spread and Hojicha Matcha Affogato and I am finally getting around to posting this easy Iced Hojicha Latte which I drank on repeat during the summer.
WHAT IS HOJICHA?
Hojicha is a roasted green tea that has a smoky flavour.
It’s one of my favourite teas, and I talk more about it in my Hojicha Milk Jam Spread.

WHAT DOES HOJICHA TASTE LIKE?
Hojicha has a slightly sweet and smoky taste — a little nutty, similar to coffee without the bitterness.
Speaking of bitterness, hojicha actually does not contain any caffeine.
If you don’t like the taste of matcha, try hojicha.
HOW TO MAKE THIS ICED HOJICHA LATTE
It’s really simple to make.
Here, we’re making a super concentrated hojicha tea to go with the latte since it’s iced.
There are two ways to make hojicha tea:
You can use:
- Tea bags
- Hojicha tea powder
Tea bags: You can find hojicha tea in Asian/Japanese supermarkets, usually as packaged tea bags. It’s much easier to find hojicha tea in tea bags.
How to: simply take 2 hojicha tea bags and pour boiled water over the bags to steep.
Hojicha powder: Hojicha powder can be more difficult to find, but in recent years, it has gained popularity and more shops are carrying hojicha powder.
Hojicha powder is very concentrated so a little bit goes a long way, similar to matcha powder.
How to: Sift the hojicha powder into a mug. Pour boiled water over the powder and use a whisk to froth up the tea. (You don’t have to use a whisk to froth it up, but I like to whisk my hojicha).
Add ice to a glass.
Pour the cooled hojicha tea over the ice, and add in the milk. (You can choose to froth up the milk if you like, or not — your choice).
Stick a straw in it and enjoy immediately.
SUBSTITUTIONS & PAIRINGS
If you’re feeling super indulgent, try adding some whipped cream to the latte. It’s such a treat!
Try an oat milk instead of dairy milk. (It’s my go-to drink).
Omit the ice and make it a warm hojicha latte.
CAN I MAKE MY OWN HOJICHA POWDER?
Unfortunately, grinding the tea leaves in a cofffee grinder will not produce powder that is fine enough. The end result will be gritty. It’s best to use an actual hojicha powder.
OTHER HOJICHA RECIPES YOU MAY LIKE
Be sure to try out these hojicha recipes:
Mini Matcha & Hojicha Pancakes Cereal
Mini Triple Layer Matcha & Hojicha Burnt Basque Cheesecake
Let me know if you try out this recipe… I’d love to see your creations! Tag me on Instagram @siftandsimmer or leave me a comment/rating below.
Iced Hojicha Latte
For accuracy and precision in baking recipes, use weight (metric) measurements when available.
Ingredients
- 2 hojicha tea bags
- ¼ C hot water
OR
- 1 tsp hojicha powder sifted
- 2 Tbsp hot water
- ½ C milk of your choice or non-dairy alternative
- ice
- whipped cream optional
Instructions
Using brewed tea:
- Brew strong hojicha tea by adding 2 tea bags into ¼ C hot (just boiled) water. Let it steep for a few minutes and remove tea bags. Let the tea cool a bit.
Using hojicha powder:
- Add hojicha powder into 2 Tbsp hot water. Use an electric frother to froth or whisk. Let cool.
- In a mason jar, add in the milk and use an electric frother to create some foam.
- Add ice to a tall glass. Pour in the cooled hojicha tea. Top of the tea with the milk and foam. Garnish with whipped cream (optional).
- Stir and serve immediately.
I love matcha and hojicha!! π
Glad you are loving both teas Yumi! π
The flavor of roasted green tea sounds so unique and tasty! Need to try this soon!
Perfect for summer I love how refreshing this sounds and looks!
This sounds so refreshing and delicious! Making this over the weekend thanks for sharing.
This looks so refreshing and yummy! My daughter is going to love this recipe! I canβt wait to make this!
I’ve never had roasted tea, but this recipe makes me want to go look for some!
If you like coffee, you may enjoy the roasted tea! It has a delicious smoky flavour to it π