Save Experience the aromatic and refreshing taste of Japan with this Iced Hojicha Latte. Combining the unique, roasted notes of hojicha green tea with creamy milk and a touch of sweetness, this beverage is the perfect balance of smoky flavor and chilled comfort.
Save Unlike most green teas, hojicha is roasted at high temperatures, which gives the leaves a warm brown hue and a distinctively nutty aroma. This process also reduces the tea's bitterness and caffeine content, making it an ideal choice for a relaxing iced latte any time of day.
Ingredients
- Tea: 2 tablespoons hojicha loose leaf tea (or 2 hojicha tea bags) and 1 cup (240 ml) hot water.
- Sweetener & Flavor: 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Milk: 1 cup (240 ml) milk of choice (dairy, oat, soy, or almond).
- To Serve: 1 cup ice cubes.
Instructions
- Step 1
- Brew the hojicha by steeping the tea leaves or tea bags in 1 cup of hot water (just below boiling, 90°C/195°F) for 3–4 minutes.
- Step 2
- Strain and discard the tea leaves or remove the tea bags.
- Step 3
- While the tea is still warm, stir in maple syrup and vanilla extract until fully dissolved.
- Step 4
- Let the tea cool to room temperature, or refrigerate for a faster chill.
- Step 5
- Fill two glasses with ice cubes.
- Step 6
- Pour the sweetened hojicha tea evenly over the ice.
- Step 7
- Top each glass with 1/2 cup milk. Stir gently to combine.
- Step 8
- Serve immediately.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To prevent the tea from becoming bitter, ensure your water is just below the boiling point at approximately 90°C. For a faster preparation, you can brew the tea ahead of time and keep it chilled in the refrigerator.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can easily make this latte vegan by using plant-based options like oat or almond milk. Feel free to adjust the amount of maple syrup to suit your taste, or substitute it with honey or agave nectar for a different sweetness profile.
Serviervorschläge
For an extra creamy experience, froth your milk before pouring it over the tea. Garnish the finished drink with a light sprinkle of hojicha powder or a cinnamon stick to add a decorative and aromatic touch.
Save This Iced Hojicha Latte is a sophisticated yet simple way to enjoy the rich heritage of Japanese tea culture. Refreshing, creamy, and beautifully layered, it is a delightful treat for any tea lover looking for something special.
Kitchen Q&A
- → What does hojicha taste like?
Hojicha has a distinctive earthy, nutty flavor with roasted notes that set it apart from other green teas. The roasting process reduces bitterness and creates a warm, toasty profile with subtle caramel undertones. When served iced with milk and vanilla, these characteristics become even more pronounced and refreshing.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sweetened hojicha base in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Keep it in an airtight container to preserve freshness. When ready to serve, simply pour over ice and add your choice of milk. The flavors may actually develop and become more complex after resting overnight.
- → What milk works best?
The choice of milk significantly impacts the final result. Dairy milk provides traditional creaminess and richness, while oat milk offers a naturally sweet profile that complements the roasted tea. Almond milk adds subtle nuttiness, and soy milk creates a smooth, velvety texture. Choose based on your dietary preferences and desired consistency.
- → Is hojicha caffeinated?
Yes, hojicha contains caffeine, though typically less than other green teas due to the roasting process which reduces caffeine content. A cup of hojicha generally contains about 20-30mg of caffeine, compared to 30-50mg in standard green tea and 95mg in coffee. This makes it a gentler option for afternoon enjoyment.
- → Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
Absolutely. Honey works beautifully as a substitute and adds its own floral complexity to the drink. Agave nectar is another excellent option for a neutral sweetener that dissolves easily. Start with 1.5 teaspoons and adjust to taste, as different sweeteners have varying levels of intensity.
- → What temperature should the water be for brewing?
Use water just below boiling, ideally around 90°C (195°F). Boiling water can scorch the delicate hojicha leaves and extract unwanted bitterness. If you don't have a temperature-controlled kettle, simply let boiling water sit for about 2 minutes before pouring over the tea leaves. Steep for 3-4 minutes for optimal flavor extraction.