Pin The first time I encountered hojicha was in a tiny Kyoto tea house where the air smelled permanently of roasted leaves and gentle rain. I watched the owner prepare it with such ritual care that I felt like I was witnessing something sacred. When I brought that roasted, caramel-scented tea home and started experimenting with iced versions, it became my go-to afternoon reset button. This recipe emerged from one particularly hot afternoon when I craved something cooling but still comforting.
Last summer, my sister came over feeling completely drained from work deadlines. I handed her a glass of this cinnamon-spiced hojicha milk without saying anything. She took one sip, closed her eyes, and actually smiled for the first time all day. Sometimes the simplest drinks hit the hardest.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons hojicha loose leaf tea: The roasted, caramel notes here are non-negotiable. Regular green tea lacks that toasty depth.
- 2 cups water: Filtered water makes a noticeable difference in flavor clarity.
- 1 cup milk: Oat milk creates the creamiest texture and complements the roasted notes beautifully.
- 1 to 2 teaspoons honey or simple syrup: Start with less. The natural sweetness of hojicha might be enough for you.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Ceylon cinnamon has a more delicate flavor that wont overpower the tea.
- Ice cubes: Plenty of them. This drink is best when its properly chilled.
Instructions
- Brew the hojicha:
- Bring water to a boil then reduce heat. Steep tea leaves for 5 minutes. Watch closely because oversteeping brings out unwanted bitterness.
- Cool completely:
- Strain into a heatproof pitcher and let it reach room temperature. The refrigerator shortcut works perfectly if youre impatient like me.
- Prepare the glasses:
- Fill two glasses with ice cubes while the tea cools. The sound of ice hitting glass is oddly satisfying.
- Build the drink:
- Pour cooled hojicha over ice until glasses are half full. Leave room for milk.
- Add milk and sweetener:
- Stir in your chosen milk and sweetener. Taste as you go.
- Finish with cinnamon:
- Sprinkle ground cinnamon over each glass and stir gently. Top with an extra pinch.
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My neighbor now texts me every afternoon asking if the hojicha is ready. It became our little ritual that bridges the gap between busy work mode and evening relaxation time.
Making It Your Own
Ive tried swapping cinnamon for cardamom and it creates this beautiful floral twist. A splash of vanilla extract works surprisingly well too. The base recipe is forgiving enough to handle experiments.
Batch Brewing
Double or triple the hojicha base and keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Having it ready means youre thirty seconds away from a perfect drink anytime.
Serving Suggestions
This pairs wonderfully with light desserts that wont compete with the roasted flavors. Think mochi, shortbread, or even a simple almond cookie. Serve it in clear glass to show off that beautiful caramel color.
- Use a straw to stir so the cinnamon doesnt all float to the top
- For extra drama, rim the glass with cinnamon sugar before pouring
- The drink gets even better after sitting for a minute so flavors mingle
Pin This recipe has become my answer to everything. Hot afternoon, tired friend, or just needing a moment of peace in a mug.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What does hojicha taste like?
Hojicha has a distinctive nutty, roasted flavor with earthy undertones. Unlike other green teas, it's less grassy and bitter due to the roasting process, which also reduces its caffeine content.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Brew the hojicha and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply pour over ice and add milk and cinnamon. This makes it convenient for meal prep or entertaining.
- → What milk works best?
Both dairy and plant-based milks work wonderfully. Oat milk creates a creamy, café-like texture, while almond milk adds subtle nuttiness. Dairy milk provides richness. Choose based on your preference and dietary needs.
- → Is hojicha caffeinated?
Yes, but significantly less than other green teas. The roasting process reduces caffeine content, making hojicha a gentler option. Each serving contains roughly 20-30mg of caffeine compared to 40-70mg in standard green tea.
- → How do I make it frothy like a café drink?
Use a handheld frother, French press, or whisk to aerate the milk before pouring. Warm the milk slightly for better frothing results, though cold milk can still achieve a nice foam texture with the right technique.
- → What desserts pair well with this?
Light, subtly sweet treats complement the roasted notes beautifully. Try pairing with mochi, shortbread cookies, green tea cakes, or sesame-based desserts. The cinnamon in the drink also pairs well with baked goods containing warming spices.