Pin Experience the cozy, toasted embrace of a Hojicha Flat White, a delightful Japanese fusion beverage that reimagines the classic coffee-based drink. This recipe swaps espresso for a concentrated infusion of roasted green tea, delivering a nutty and aromatic profile that is perfectly complemented by velvety microfoam milk. With only 90 calories per serving, it is a lighter, caffeine-reduced alternative that doesn't compromise on flavor or texture.
Pin Whether you are looking to reduce your caffeine intake or simply want to explore the world of tea lattes, this beverage offers a comforting ritual. The deep amber hue of the tea concentrate creates a beautiful contrast against the white microfoam, making it as visually pleasing as it is delicious.
Ingredients
- Hojicha Concentrate: 2 teaspoons hojicha loose leaf tea (or 2 tea bags) and 120 ml (½ cup) hot water at 90°C/195°F.
- Milk: 120 ml (½ cup) whole milk or your choice of oat milk for a dairy-free option.
- Sweetener (optional): 1 teaspoon of sugar, honey, or syrup to taste.
Instructions
- Prepare the tea
- Steep the hojicha tea leaves or bags in 120 ml of hot water for 3–4 minutes. Strain the liquid and discard the leaves or bags to leave a potent concentrate.
- Froth the milk
- Heat the milk until steaming. Use a steam wand or frother to create a fine microfoam; alternatively, shake the hot milk in a sealed jar until frothy.
- Combine
- Pour the tea concentrate into a pre-warmed cup, adding your preferred sweetener and stirring until fully dissolved.
- Assemble
- Gently pour the microfoamed milk over the hojicha concentrate to create a smooth, creamy top layer.
- Serve
- Enjoy the drink immediately while warm.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
You can easily adjust the intensity of the tea to suit your palate. For a bolder, more robust flavor, simply use more tea leaves or allow the concentrate to steep for a few additional minutes.
Varianten und Anpassungen
To make this recipe vegan and dairy-free, substitute whole milk with oat or almond milk. The recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian, making it suitable for various dietary needs.
Serviervorschläge
For a beautiful presentation, garnish the top of the foam with a light dusting of hojicha powder or a pinch of ground cinnamon to enhance the warm, toasted aroma.
Pin Take a moment to relax and enjoy the earthy, toasted notes of this unique beverage. It is a perfect companion for a quiet morning or a peaceful afternoon break.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What does hojicha taste like?
Hojicha features a distinctively roasted, toasty flavor with nutty undertones and subtle natural sweetness. The roasting process reduces bitterness and creates a smooth, mellow profile that pairs beautifully with creamy milk.
- → Is hojicha higher or lower in caffeine than regular coffee?
Hojicha contains significantly less caffeine than coffee, making it an excellent choice for afternoon or evening enjoyment. The roasting process also naturally reduces caffeine content compared to other green teas.
- → What milk works best for microfoam?
Whole milk creates the most velvety microfoam due to its fat content, but oat milk performs exceptionally well for dairy-free versions and produces creamy, stable foam similar to dairy milk.
- → Can I make hojicha concentrate ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare a larger batch of hojicha concentrate and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Simply reheat gently before adding steamed milk.
- → What's the difference between a hojicha latte and flat white?
A flat white features a higher ratio of microfoam to espresso, creating a velvety texture. This version maintains that creamy consistency while using concentrated hojicha instead of coffee for a smoother, less intense experience.