Let’s be honest, winter nights were made for cozy blankets, crackling fires, and drinks that warm your soul.
And let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like a decadent Hojicha Latte to hit the spot on those chilly evenings.
Forget your basic lattes – this ain’t your average cup of joe.
This is a rich, frothy masterpiece with a sweet and salty twist that’ll have you saying goodbye to boring brews forever.
Plus, trust me, I’ve tried ’em all.
Why You’ll Love This Hojicha Latte Recipe
- Roasted Green Tea Goodness: Hojicha’s nutty, toasty flavor is like a warm hug for your taste buds. Plus, it has less caffeine than regular green tea, so you can indulge without the jitters.
- Creamy Dream Top: That frothy vanilla cream is the real star of the show. It’s light and airy, perfectly balancing the earthy tea and adding a touch of sweetness.
- Simple Yet Sophisticated: Don’t be intimidated by the fancy ingredients. This latte is surprisingly easy to whip up even in your PJs.
Hojicha Latte Ingredient Notes
- Hojicha: Loose leaf is king for the best flavor, but tea bags or ground hojicha work too (just adjust the amounts).
- Sweeteners: Brown sugar adds a deeper caramel flavor, but white sugar works too. I use both. Play with the amounts to find your perfect balance.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla is worth it for that extra depth of flavor.
- Heavy Cream: The base of our frothy goodness. Don’t skimp on the quality!
- Salt: Yes, salt! It really brings out the sweetness and richness of the cream. Don’t skip it!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brew the Hojicha: Steep those leaves for 5 minutes in hot water (filtered for extra yum).
- Whip It Good: Don’t over whip your cream! We want soft peaks, not stiff frosting. A handheld milk frother is your best friend here.
- Sweeten and Salt: Stir that brown sugar into the tea until it melts, then add a pinch of salt to the cream.
- Layer to Perfection: Gently pour the cream froth onto the tea. Let it float like a fluffy cloud of deliciousness.
Notes & Tips
- Milk Matters: I love oat milk for its creaminess, but any milk you fancy will do (if you are not using cream).
- Hot or Cold: This latte is a winter fave, but you can make it iced too! Just adjust the steeping time for the tea and chill everything before assembly.
- No Frother? No Problem: You can use half & half and get a bit of froth by whisking it briskly. Use a whisk or even a fork to get some air into your cream. It won’t be as light, but it’ll still be tasty.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overwhipping the Cream: Remember, we want it light and airy, not stiff. Stop just as it thickens.
- Using Boiling Water: This can make the tea bitter. Aim for around 208°F for the perfect brew.
- Skipping the Salt: Seriously, trust me on this one. It adds a whole new dimension of flavor.
Storing and Preserving
Leftover tea? Store it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheat gently when you’re ready for another sip.
Cream froth is best enjoyed fresh, but any leftovers can be saved in the fridge for a day or two.
Interesting Facts
Did you know Hojicha was originally made from leftover green tea stems and leaves?
Talk about resourcefulness! Now it’s a beloved drink in Japan and beyond, and for good reason.
Bonus fact: Hojicha ice cream is a thing in Japan, and it’s amazing.
If you ever get the chance to try it, do it! You won’t regret it.
P.S. If you try this recipe, let me know how it turns out! And feel free to share your own favorite Hojicha tips and tricks in the comments below. Happy sipping!
You’ll Love These Recipes Too!
Creamy Hojicha Latte
Recipe by Tania FaysalCourse: DrinksCuisine: Japanese2
servings5
minutes10
minutes150
kcal15
minutesWarming Hojicha Latte for Two (with Vanilla Cream Froth)
Ingredients
1 1/3 cups water
2 teaspoons hojicha tea leaves
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 teaspoons white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
- Equipment
Handheld milk frother (optional, but it makes life SO much easier)
Electric kettle (or stovetop)
Directions
- Brew the tea: Boil the water and pour it into your teapot. Add the hojicha leaves and steep for 5 minutes. Strain the tea into a mug and stir in the brown sugar until dissolved.
- Whip up the froth: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, white sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Use your trusty frother or a good ol' whisk to create a light and airy foam. Don't over-do it, we want it pourable, not stiff peaks!
- Assemble and enjoy: Gently pour the frothed cream on top of the hot tea. Sit back, relax, and savor that cozy sip of pure bliss.
Notes
- Experiment with different milks! Oat milk adds a nutty sweetness, while coconut milk gives a tropical twist.
- Feeling fancy? Drizzle a little honey or caramel sauce on top of your latte for extra decadence.