Hojicha Latte (Sizzling or Iced) ほうじ茶ラテ

In the event you love matcha latte, hojicha latte is a should attempt! This scrumptious Japanese beverage gives a delightfully distinctive twist on inexperienced tea. In contrast to different varieties, hojicha is constructed from roasted inexperienced tea leaves which supplies it a particular earthy and nutty aroma and no bitterness. This hojicha latte recipe creates probably the most creamy, wealthy, and soothing drink with much less caffeine making it excellent for anybody wanting an power increase with out the jitters.

What’s Hojicha Latte ?

Hojicha is a kind of Japanese inexperienced tea originating in Kyoto. In contrast to many different forms of inexperienced tea, hojicha is made by roasting the tea leaves which is historically performed over charcoal. This roasting course of provides hojicha tea leaves a deep reddish brown color and a heat, toasty, nutty, and earthy taste. It additionally lowers the caffeine content material of the tea and removes any bitter flavour whereas retaining all of the wholesome antioxidants. The complicated flavour profile and low caffeine makes hojicha a flexible ingredient to make use of in desserts and lattes.

Hojicha tea lattes are made by mixing hojicha powder with scorching water, much like matcha. The hojicha combination is then poured over chilly milk or topped with scorching milk for a scrumptious cafe-style latte at house.

Principal Components you Want for Hojicha Latte

To make a scrumptious hojicha latte at house, you’ll want the next components:

Hojicha Tea Powder

Search for hojicha powder that has a deep, reddish-brown shade and a contemporary, roasted aroma. The very best powders are constructed from high-quality inexperienced tea leaves, that are fastidiously roasted to deliver out the complicated flavors with out burning them. You may get hojicha powder from Japanese/Asian Grocers or buy it on-line. Or if you will get entry to unfastened leaf hojicha, roast it additional in a frying pan, after which blitz it to make powder.

Milk of Your Alternative

The very best milk for hojicha latte is one thing creamy. Dairy milk, particularly complete milk, will present a creamy and wealthy base that enhances the smoky notes of the hojicha.

For plant based mostly alternate options, oat milk, soy milk, and almond milk will work properly. The nutty taste and creamy texture of those milks pair properly with hojicha.

Sweetener (non-obligatory)

Hojicha latte has a pure nutty sweetness however you possibly can add further sweetness when you want. For warm lattes, any sugar will soften simply in to the drink however I like to recommend brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey to go well with the flavour of hojicha. For iced lattes, one of the best choices shall be maple syrup or liquid sweetener as they may dissolve simply.

Gear You Must Make Hojicha Latte

Bamboo Whisk & Tea Bowl

Identical to matcha, a bamboo whisk, often called a chasen, is used to combine the hojicha powder with water to create a clean, frothy base. The hojicha should not have any clumps and a bit of froth.

A tea bowl, or chawan, is one other vital device. It permits ample house for whisking and helps to evenly distribute the powder and water.

These conventional instruments improve the preparation course of and add to the expertise however they aren’t 100% obligatory. You may also use a handheld frother/whisk and a mug.

Step by Step Directions for Sizzling Hojicha Latte

1. Sift the hojicha powder right into a tea bowl to take away any clumps.
2. Pour scorching water into the bowl and whisk vigorously with a bamboo whisk (or handheld frother/whisk) making certain a clean texture. Put aside.
3. Warmth your milk of alternative till it’s heat and frothy. You should utilize a milk frother or just warmth the milk on the range and whisk vigorously.
4. Pour the heated milk into the hojicha. Sweeten to style along with your chosen sweetener when you like.

Variations of Hojicha Latte

When you’ve mastered the fundamental hojicha latte, you possibly can experiment with totally different flavors and components. Add a contact of vanilla or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a heat, fragrant twist.

For a summer time deal with, attempt making an iced hojicha latte by pouring the combination over ice and chilly milk. You may also mix it with ice and a little bit of sweetener to create a refreshing hojicha frappé.

The best way to Make Iced Latte

1. Sift the hojicha powder to take away any clumps right into a tea bowl.
2. Pour scorching water into the tea bowl and whisk the combination vigorously with a bamboo whisk.
3. Place ice cubes and chilly milk right into a glass and pour the hojicha on high. Stir with a spoon or straw to mix.

Serving Solutions

Hojicha latte may be loved by itself, but it surely’s additionally an awesome accompaniment to varied snacks and desserts:

• Pair it with conventional Japanese sweets like daifuku mochi or dorayaki.
• Get pleasure from it with a slice of cake or a pastry for a pleasant afternoon deal with.
• In the event you actually love hojicha, double up on the flavour by pairing the latte with a hojicha tiramisu or hojicha chiffon cake.
• Serve it alongside a light-weight breakfast or brunch for a comforting begin to your day.