How to make Japanese Hojicha Milk Tea ほうじ茶タピオカティー (Hojicha Bubble Tea)

Have you ever wondered if all bubble tea tastes the same? If so, it’s time to rethink what you know about tea drinks. There’s one cozy, roasted Japanese flavor that’s winning hearts—and taste buds around the world: Japanese Hojicha Milk Tea Drink. This isn’t your usual sugary boba drink. It’s smoky, smooth, and packed with comforting tea flavor.

Whether you’re a bubble tea fan or someone new to Japanese teas, this recipe is perfect for a cozy afternoon treat or an iced refreshment on a sunny day. In this guide, we’ll show you how to make your own hojicha bubble tea at home, step by step. It’s simpler than you might think—and way more fun than standing in line at a tea shop!

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What Makes This Japanese Hojicha Milk Tea Drink So Special?

Japanese Hojicha Milk Tea stands out because of its roasted tea base, which gives the drink a smoky aroma, warm undertone, and unique earthy flavor. Unlike matcha or black tea, hojicha is lower in caffeine, making it a gentle option for any time of day. The total time to make it is around 20 minutes, and the recipe is easy enough for beginners.

You don’t need fancy tools—just hojicha powder, milk, and some quick-cook tapioca pearls. That’s it! This drink can be enjoyed warm for comfort or chilled for a refreshing treat, depending on what you’re in the mood for. And the best part? You can adjust sweetness and toppings however you like.

Hojicha Milk Tea @JapanDishes

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What Is Hojicha Milk Tea Drink? (ほうじ茶タピオカティー)

Hojicha Milk Tea, or ほうじ茶タピオカティー in Japanese, is a delicious drink made by blending roasted green tea (hojicha) with milk and sweetener. It’s often paired with chewy tapioca pearls, turning it into a satisfying bubble tea drink. The tea is roasted at high temperatures, which lowers its caffeine and gives it that distinctive toasty taste.

This drink is especially popular in Japan for its soothing flavor, and it’s gaining fans worldwide for its balance of boldness and creaminess.

Essential Ingredients for Hojicha Bubble Tea

Before you start, gather the following ingredients:

Boba Pearls

• ¾ cup quick-cook tapioca pearls (100 grams)
  These add the chewy “bubble” texture that makes the drink fun.
• 3 cups water (700 grams)
  Used to boil the pearls until tender.
• ¼ cup brown sugar syrup
  For a sweet caramel glaze on the pearls.

Milk Tea Base

• 2 teaspoons hojicha powder
  This is the star of the drink—roasted green tea powder full of flavor.
• 4 tablespoons hot water
  Used to dissolve the tea powder.
• 2 teaspoons honey or syrup
  Optional sweetener for your tea.
• 2 cups whole milk
  Creamy milk balances the strong tea flavor.

Ingredients for Hojicha Bubble Tea

Optional Swaps:

• Use oat milk or almond milk to make this recipe completely dairy-free.
• Replace brown sugar syrup with maple syrup for a different sweetness.
• Try adding ice cream or whipped cream for a dessert-style drink.

How to Make Japanese Hojicha Milk Tea – Step-by-Step

Let’s go through how to make this drink in simple steps.

1. Cook the Tapioca Pearls

Boil 3 cups of water in a pot. Once boiling, add the tapioca pearls. Stir them gently to keep them from sticking. Let them cook until they are soft and chewy—usually around 5–7 minutes if using quick-cook pearls.

When they’re done, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Next, transfer the cooked pearls to a saucepan and mix in ¼ cup of brown sugar syrup, stirring gently. Cook on low for 2–3 minutes until the pearls are shiny and fully coated.

2. Make the Hojicha Tea Base

In a small bowl, mix 2 teaspoons hojicha powder with 4 tablespoons hot water. Use a bamboo whisk if you have one, or a spoon works too. Whisk the mixture well until the hojicha powder dissolves completely and a light foam forms on top. If you like your tea sweet, add 2 teaspoons of honey or syrup here and stir until it melts.

3. Build the Drink

Scoop the sweetened boba pearls into the bottom of a tall glass. Add a handful of ice on top if you’re making a cold version. Then, slowly add the milk until it fills about 3/4 of the glass.

Finally, pour in the prepared hojicha tea slowly. Pouring slowly helps create more distinct and beautiful layers in the drink.

Give it a gentle stir before drinking.

Secrets to Success and Expert Tips

Getting the perfect Hojicha Milk Tea at home is easy if you know a few secrets:

• Use hot water, not boiling water, for mixing the hojicha powder. Boiling water can burn the delicate tea.
• Chill the milk before assembling your drink. This helps create visible layers between milk and tea.
• Cook the pearls fresh. Boba gets hard when stored too long. Prepare them just before serving.
• Adjust sweetness to your taste. Some like it bold and smoky, others like it sweet and mild.

How to Assemble and Present Hojicha Milk Tea

Once all your parts are ready, assembling is a breeze:

1. Start by adding the boba pearls to the bottom of your serving glass.
2. Add ice cubes (optional).
3. Pour in chilled milk (¾ full).
4. Slowly pour the hojicha tea on top.
5. Garnish with a light dusting of hojicha powder or a few roasted tea leaves if desired.

For extra flair, serve in a clear glass with a wide boba straw. The layers and pearls make it visually stunning.

Japanese Hojicha Milk Tea Drink

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Tapioca pearls: Best eaten within 2 hours of cooking. If you must store them, keep them in syrup at room temperature for no more than 4 hours.
• Tea base: The hojicha mixture can be made in advance and chilled in the fridge for a maximum of 2 days.
• Milk: Use fresh milk or plant-based alternatives. Pre-mix with the tea only when you’re ready to drink.

Avoid freezing, as the texture of pearls and milk can change drastically.

Recipe Variations

Want to mix things up? Here are a few fun ideas:

• Hojicha Latte: Skip the boba and just mix hojicha tea with steamed milk for a warm drink.
• Iced Hojicha with Coffee Jelly: Swap out pearls for cubes of coffee-flavored jelly.
• Matcha-Hojicha Duo: Use both matcha and hojicha in layers for a two-tone tea.
• Vanilla Hojicha Milk Tea: Add a drop of vanilla extract for a dessert-like flavor.

Don’t hesitate to try different combinations until you discover the version you enjoy most.
Want to try another unique Japanese boba creation? Check out our Japanese Strawberry Matcha Boba Recipe for a fruity twist on your tea.

Conclusion

Japanese Hojicha Milk Tea isn’t just another boba drink—it’s a relaxing tea experience in a cup. The deep roasted tea, sweet boba pearls, and creamy milk come together to create a cozy yet refreshing treat. And now that you know how easy it is to make at home, there’s no need to wait in line or pay high prices.

So grab your ingredients, get your whisk ready, and create your own version of hojicha milk tea. It might just become your new favorite drink.
If you’re a fan of Japanese culture and seasonal beauty, you might also enjoy exploring the lavender fields in Japan a breathtaking destination that pairs perfectly with a cold glass of hojicha milk tea in hand.

FAQs

Q1: What makes hojicha different from matcha?
A: Matcha is powdered green tea made from shade-grown leaves, while hojicha is roasted green tea with a smoky, less grassy flavor. Hojicha also has less caffeine.

Q2: Is hojicha milk tea healthy?
A: Yes, hojicha is low in caffeine and rich in antioxidants. When made with low-sugar options and plant-based milk, it can be a light and healthy drink.

Q3: Can I use hojicha tea bags instead of powder?
A: Yes, but the flavor will be lighter. If using tea bags, steep two bags in ½ cup hot water for 5 minutes and let it cool before adding milk.

Q4: How long does it take to make this drink?
A: About 15–20 minutes in total—most of the time goes into cooking the tapioca pearls.

Q5: Can I make a hot version?
A: Absolutely. Omit the ice, heat the milk gently, and enjoy the drink as a warm tea. It’s especially comforting in cooler weather.