Have you ever wondered if there’s a cool, creamy drink that delivers the comfort of tea without the jolt of caffeine? If you’re looking for something that soothes, an Iced Hojicha Latte might be the perfect choice, and is incredibly easy to make at home, the answer may surprise you: the Iced Hojicha Latte. This Japanese tea-based drink is rich, toasty, and absolutely delicious. It’s also one of the most calming drinks you can whip up in minutes. Whether you’re already a fan of Japanese green tea or just discovering it, you’re in for a treat.
Jump to Recipe Print RecipeWhy This Recipe Stands Out
What makes this recipe so special is its unique flavor and simplicity. Unlike matcha, hojicha is roasted, not steamed. This gives it a deep, nutty, and slightly smoky taste. Even better, it has lower caffeine content, so it’s a great choice for kids, late evenings, or anyone sensitive to caffeine.
This Iced Hojicha Latte recipe is quick to make and perfect for tea lovers.
Time Requirement: Just 5–10 minutes.
Difficulty Level: Easy. No cooking skills needed, just simple steps and basic tools.
Table of Contents
Iced Hojicha Latte @JapanDishes
What is Hojicha?
Hojicha (炙じ茶, ほうじ茶) is a roasted Japanese green tea that originated in Kyoto in the 1920s. A tea farmer had leftover green tea leaves and tried roasting them over charcoal. The result? A comforting, aromatic tea that became a staple in Japanese households.
Due to the roasting process, hojicha has significantly less caffeine than other green teas. It keeps many of the healthy compounds in green tea, including polyphenols and vitamins A, C, and E. These nutrients help slow aging, boost the immune system, and support metabolism. Best of all, hojicha has a calming effect, making it a go-to tea for stress relief.
If you enjoy Japanese drinks like this Iced Hojicha Latte, you might also love trying something fruity and refreshing like Aka Shiso Juice (Red Perilla). It’s another simple, healthy beverage you can easily make at home with traditional Japanese ingredients.
Ingredients You Will Need
Here are the core ingredients to make one glass of Iced Hojicha Latte and the best Iced Hojicha Latte, gather these ingredients first.
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 3/4 cup milk (you can also use oat milk or almond milk)
- 1 tablespoon homemade simple syrup (optional)
- 2 tablespoons hot water (175°F or 80°C)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons hojicha powder (store-bought or homemade)
Ingredient Notes:
- Milk: Regular whole milk gives a creamy texture. Oat milk is a great non-dairy alternative with a smooth mouthfeel. Almond milk works well if you want a nutty undertone.
- Sweetener: Simple syrup is easy to mix. You can also use honey, maple syrup, or skip it for a sugar-free version.
- Hojicha Powder: Pre-ground powder saves time, but you can also make your own from tea leaves. Homemade powder gives a richer flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Gather Ingredients
Start by preparing all your ingredients. If you’re making your own hojicha powder, do that first (see instructions below).
2. Fill the Glass
Take a tall glass and fill it with 1 cup of ice cubes. Pour in the 3/4 cup of milk.
3. Add Sweetener (Optional)
Add 1 tablespoon of simple syrup or your chosen sweetener to the milk. Stir lightly. Set this aside.
4. Prepare the Hojicha Mixture
- Heat 2 tablespoons of water to about 175°F (80°C).
- In a bowl with a pouring spout (like a matcha bowl), add 1 1/2 teaspoons of hojicha powder.
- Pour in the hot water.
- Use a bamboo whisk or small flat whisk to mix the powder into the water. Whisk in a quick back-and-forth motion until smooth and slightly foamy.
- If the mixture feels thick, add a tiny bit more water, one teaspoon at a time, until it’s fluid enough to pour.
Tip: Use the least amount of water needed. This keeps the flavor bold and concentrated.
5. Pour and Serve
Gently pour the hojicha mixture into your glass of iced milk. You’ll see a pretty layer of amber tea floating on top of the creamy white milk. Stir before drinking or leave it layered for a beautiful presentation.
Hana’s Recipe Tips
- Whisking: A bamboo whisk (chasen) works best. It helps you get that smooth, lump-free finish.
- Hot Water Use: Don’t use cold water for mixing the tea powder. It won’t dissolve well and will leave clumps.
- Presentation: For extra flair, serve in a clear glass to show off the layered colors.
How to Make Hojicha Powder at Home
If you want to make your own hojicha powder, here’s how:
- Weigh 1 oz (30 g) of hojicha leaves.
- Place them in a small food processor or spice grinder.
- Blend for about 3 minutes until it becomes a fine powder.
- For a super fine result, use a mortar and pestle. Grind 1 tablespoon at a time.
- Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to a month.
Putting It All Together: Assembly and Presentation
- Always add ice first, followed by milk.
- Sweetener goes next to help it mix better.
- Pour in the hojicha last for a beautiful two-tone effect.
- Use a spoon or straw to gently swirl before drinking if you like a uniform flavor.
Presentation Tip: Serve with a wooden tray, a small napkin, or Japanese-style coaster to enhance the experience.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Milk and Ice: Best to prepare fresh.
- Hojicha Mix: You can make the tea mixture in advance and keep it chilled in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- Hojicha Powder: Store in an airtight container in a cool place. Use within 4 weeks.
Recipe Variations
- Iced Hojicha Latte with Vanilla: Add a few drops of vanilla extract.
- Caramel Iced Hojicha Latte: Add a drizzle of caramel syrup.
- Hojicha Affogato: Pour hojicha tea over a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Blended Version: Blend with ice for a hojicha frappe.
- Hojicha Boba Latte: Add tapioca pearls for a fun twist.
Iced Hojicha Latte アイスほうじ茶ラテ
Course: DrinksCuisine: JapaneseDifficulty: Easy1
servings5
minutes120
kcalIngredients
1 cup ice cubes
¾ cup milk (or oat or almond milk)
1 Tbsp homemade simple syrup (optional, or use sweetener of choice)
2 Tbsp hot water (175°F / 80°C)
1½ tsp hojicha (roasted green tea) powder
Directions
- Prepare Your Glass
Fill a tall glass with 1 cup of ice cubes. Pour in ¾ cup milk and add the sweetener if using. Set aside. - Make the Hojicha Mixture
In a small bowl, add 1½ tsp hojicha powder and pour in 2 Tbsp hot water (not boiling). Whisk briskly using a bamboo whisk or small whisk until smooth and slightly foamy. - Combine and Serve
Pour the hojicha mixture into the glass of milk and ice. For visual contrast, do not stir. Serve as-is or stir before drinking.
Notes
- You can make hojicha powder at home by grinding loose hojicha tea leaves in a spice grinder, then using a mortar and pestle for a fine texture.
Use as little water as possible when mixing the tea to preserve its rich roasted flavor.
Store any leftover hojicha powder in an airtight container for up to one month.
Conclusion
The Iced Hojicha Latte is more than just a refreshing drink. It’s a simple way to enjoy a healthy, relaxing tea with a creamy twist. Whether you follow the classic version or add your own flair, this recipe is perfect for hot days, quiet evenings, or tea time with friends. Give it a try and let the soothing aroma of roasted green tea transport you to a peaceful place. There’s no better way to enjoy tea season than with a homemade Iced Hojicha Latte.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I drink Iced Hojicha Latte every day?
A: Yes, thanks to its low caffeine, the Iced Hojicha Latte is gentle enough to enjoy daily.
Q: Can I use regular green tea instead of hojicha? A: Not for this recipe. Hojicha has a distinct roasted flavor that green tea doesn’t offer.
Q: Is hojicha caffeine-free? A: Not entirely, but it has much less caffeine than matcha or regular green tea.
Q: Can I make this drink warm instead of iced? A: Yes! Just skip the ice and warm the milk before adding the tea mixture.
Q: Where can I buy hojicha powder? A: Look for it online or at Japanese grocery stores. Some tea brands specialize in hojicha.
Q: Is this drink good for kids? A: Yes, because of its low caffeine content and mild flavor, it’s suitable for children too.
Now that you know how easy it is, why not make your own Iced Hojicha Latte today?
Looking for more ways to bring a touch of Japan into your daily life? Check out this fun guide on how to choose the perfect life-size Pokémon plush. It’s a playful addition to any tea lover’s space and makes a great gift for fans of Japanese culture.
