Pin Experience the unique comfort of a Hojicha Cortado, a smooth and aromatic drink that combines the distinct roasted notes of Japanese hojicha tea with velvety steamed milk. This balanced, silky beverage is a perfect choice for any time of day, offering a cozy alternative to traditional coffee-based drinks.
Pin This Japanese fusion beverage brings together traditional tea preparation with the modern cortado style, resulting in a drink that is as visually pleasing as it is delicious.
Ingredients
- Tea: 2 teaspoons hojicha loose leaf tea (or 1 hojicha tea bag)
- 120 ml (½ cup) water, just below boiling (about 90°C/195°F)
- Milk: 120 ml (½ cup) whole milk (or plant-based milk of choice)
Instructions
- Step 1
- Heat the water to just below boiling (about 90°C/195°F).
- Step 2
- Add hojicha tea leaves or tea bag to a teapot or infuser. Pour hot water over the tea and steep for 2–3 minutes. Strain or remove the tea bag.
- Step 3
- While the tea steeps, steam the milk until hot and frothy. If you dont have a steamer, gently heat milk on the stovetop and whisk until frothy.
- Step 4
- Pour the brewed hojicha into a heatproof cup (about 120 ml).
- Step 5
- Add the steamed milk in equal proportion (about 120 ml), holding back the foam with a spoon, then spoon the froth on top if desired.
- Step 6
- Serve immediately.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
If you do not have a dedicated milk steamer, you can easily achieve a frothy texture by gently heating your milk in a saucepan on the stovetop and whisking it vigorously until it becomes light and airy.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a dairy-free version, this drink works wonderfully with oat, soy, or almond milk. You can also customize the sweetness by adding honey or simple syrup to suit your preference.
Serviervorschläge
To enhance the aromatic experience, garnish your finished Hojicha Cortado with a light dusting of hojicha powder or a sprinkle of cinnamon just before serving.
Pin Whether enjoyed as a morning ritual or an afternoon treat, the Hojicha Cortado is a sophisticated and comforting beverage that celebrates the elegance of roasted Japanese tea.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What makes hojicha different from other Japanese teas?
Hojicha is distinctively roasted over charcoal, which gives it a deep reddish-brown color and reduces caffeine content significantly compared to other green teas. This roasting process develops warm, toasty notes reminiscent of caramel and nuts while removing the grassy bitterness typical of unroasted green teas.
- → Why is the water temperature lower than boiling?
Water at approximately 90°C (195°F) prevents extracting bitter compounds from the tea leaves while still capturing the rich, roasted flavors hojicha is known for. Boiling water can scorch the delicate roasted notes and create an unpleasant astringency that masks the tea's natural sweetness.
- → Can I make this without a milk steamer?
Absolutely. Heat your milk gently in a saucepan until hot but not boiling, then whisk vigorously by hand or use an immersion blender to create froth. The texture may be slightly less velvety than steamed milk, but the flavor combination remains equally delightful.
- → What milk alternatives work best?
Oat milk provides exceptional creaminess and subtle sweetness that complements hojicha's roasted profile beautifully. Soy milk offers a neutral base that lets the tea flavors shine, while almond milk adds a delicate nuttiness. Avoid strongly flavored alternatives like coconut, which may overpower the tea's nuanced taste.
- → Is this suitable for evening consumption?
Yes, hojicha naturally contains significantly less caffeine than other green teas due to the roasting process, making it an ideal choice for afternoon or evening enjoyment. The warm, soothing combination of roasted tea and steamed milk creates a relaxing ritual without the potential sleep disruption of coffee or black tea.
- → How should I store hojicha tea leaves?
Store loose leaf hojicha in an airtight container away from light, heat, and moisture. The roasted leaves are relatively stable compared to delicate green teas, but proper storage ensures the signature toasty aromas remain vibrant. Use within six months for optimal flavor intensity.