Hojicha Latte Recipe (Roasted Green Tea)

Hojicha tea leaves: These are roasted green tea leaves that provide a smoky, nutty flavor to the latte.

Milk: Used to create a creamy base for the latte. You can use any type of milk, including dairy or plant-based options.

Honey: An optional sweetener that adds a touch of sweetness to balance the earthy flavors of the hojicha.

When heating the milk, ensure it is warmed gently over medium heat to avoid scalding. Scalded milk can develop a burnt taste that will affect the overall flavor of your hojicha latte. Use a whisk to stir occasionally, which helps to distribute the heat evenly and prevents a skin from forming on the surface.

• hojicha tea leaves - Substitute with genmaicha tea leaves: Genmaicha has a similar roasted flavor profile due to the toasted rice, making it a good alternative.

• hojicha tea leaves - Substitute with oolong tea leaves: Oolong tea has a partially oxidized flavor that can mimic the roasted notes of hojicha.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk provides a creamy texture and a slightly nutty flavor that complements the tea.

• milk - Substitute with oat milk: Oat milk is creamy and has a neutral flavor, making it a versatile substitute for dairy milk.

• honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a natural sweetness with a hint of caramel, which pairs well with the roasted tea.

• honey - Substitute with agave syrup: Agave syrup is a mild, neutral sweetener that dissolves easily in both hot and cold beverages.

• Allow the hojicha latte to cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation, which can dilute the flavor.
• Pour the cooled hojicha latte into an airtight container. Glass jars or BPA-free plastic containers work well.
• Store the container in the refrigerator. The hojicha latte will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• For freezing, transfer the cooled hojicha latte into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
• Label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness.
• Freeze the hojicha latte for up to 1 month. Beyond this period, the flavor and texture may degrade.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw the hojicha latte in the refrigerator overnight.
• Reheat the thawed hojicha latte gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain its creamy texture.
• If desired, add a splash of fresh milk or a bit more honey to enhance the flavor after reheating.

• Pour the hojicha latte into a small saucepan and heat over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming. Avoid bringing it to a boil to maintain the delicate flavors of the hojicha.
• Alternatively, transfer the hojicha latte to a microwave-safe mug and heat in the microwave for 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it reaches your desired temperature.
• For a frothy finish, use a milk frother or handheld whisk after reheating to recreate the creamy texture of a freshly made hojicha latte.
• If you prefer a cold version, pour the hojicha latte over ice and enjoy it as an iced hojicha latte.

• Saucepan: A medium-sized pan used to heat the milk and simmer the hojicha tea leaves.

• Strainer: A fine mesh tool used to remove the tea leaves from the milk mixture.

• Mug: A cup used to serve the hojicha latte.

• Spoon: A utensil used to stir the sweetener into the latte.

• Measuring spoons: Tools used to measure the exact amount of hojicha tea leaves and sweetener.

• Stove: The appliance used to heat the milk in the saucepan.

Preheat the milk: Heat the milk in the microwave for 1-2 minutes instead of using a saucepan to save time.

Use a tea infuser: Place the hojicha tea leaves in a tea infuser to avoid the need for straining.

Sweeten beforehand: Mix your honey or sweetener into the milk before heating to save an extra step.

Batch preparation: Prepare a larger quantity of hojicha latte and store it in the fridge. Reheat as needed.