Iced Hojicha Latte Recipe
Iced Hojicha Latte Recipe
If you’ve never heard of hojicha before, you’re not alone. I hadn’t either until I decided to try making an iced hojicha latte, and now it’s quickly become one of my favorite coffee shop-style drinks to make at home.
This iced hojicha latte is smooth, creamy, lightly sweet, and has a unique roasted flavor that’s completely different from coffee or matcha. Served over ice with your favorite milk, it’s refreshing, cozy, and surprisingly easy to make.
Whether you’re looking for a lower-caffeine drink or simply want to try something new, this homemade iced hojicha latte is a delicious place to start.
What Is Hojicha?
Hojicha is a Japanese green tea that has been roasted over high heat.
Unlike traditional green tea, which has a grassy or vegetal flavor, hojicha develops warm roasted notes that many people describe as nutty, caramel-like, earthy, and slightly smoky.
The roasting process also lowers the caffeine content compared to many other teas, making it a popular choice for afternoons and evenings.
Hojicha can be found as loose leaf tea or as a fine powder similar to matcha. For this latte recipe, hojicha powder works best because it blends beautifully into milk and creates a smooth, creamy drink.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy coffee shop drink at home
- Lower caffeine than coffee
- Smooth roasted flavor
- Ready in minutes
- Perfect for warm weather
- Easy to customize
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons hojicha powder
- 2 tablespoons hot water
- 1 cup milk of choice
- 1 tablespoon honey, maple syrup, or simple syrup
- Ice
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Hojicha Base
Add hojicha powder to a small bowl.
Pour hot water over the powder.
Whisk until smooth and no lumps remain.
Step 2: Sweeten
Stir in honey, maple syrup, or simple syrup.
Mix well.
Step 3: Fill the Glass
Fill a tall glass with ice.
Pour milk over the ice.
Step 4: Add the Hojicha
Slowly pour the hojicha mixture over the milk.
Step 5: Serve
Stir before drinking and enjoy immediately.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Servings: 1
Tips for the Best Iced Hojicha Latte
Use Good Quality Hojicha
The flavor of the latte depends heavily on the quality of the hojicha powder.
Adjust Sweetness
Add more or less sweetener depending on your preference.
Try Different Milks
Oat milk, almond milk, coconut milk, and dairy milk all work beautifully.
Serve Very Cold
Lots of ice helps keep the latte refreshing.
Variations
Vanilla Hojicha Latte
Add a splash of vanilla extract.
Brown Sugar Hojicha Latte
Use brown sugar syrup instead of honey.
Coconut Hojicha Latte
Use coconut milk for a tropical twist.
Dirty Hojicha Latte
Add a shot of espresso for extra caffeine.
Jennie’s Thoughts
I love trying new coffee shop drinks at home, and hojicha was something completely new to me. Before making this latte, I honestly had no idea what hojicha was. Once I learned it was a roasted Japanese green tea, I was curious enough to give it a try.
What surprised me most was how different it tastes from matcha. It’s much smoother and has a warm roasted flavor that reminds me a little of toasted nuts and caramel. If you enjoy iced coffee, matcha lattes, or chai tea lattes, there’s a good chance you’ll love hojicha too.
What to Serve with an Iced Hojicha Latte
- Banana bread
- Blueberry muffins
- Scones
- Coffee cake
- Shortbread cookies
- Breakfast pastries
Storage
Hojicha is best enjoyed immediately after preparing.
If needed, the tea base can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
This iced hojicha latte is creamy, refreshing, and packed with delicious roasted tea flavor. Easy to make at home and ready in just minutes, it’s the perfect way to enjoy one of Japan’s most unique and comforting teas.
