How to make a Hojicha Latte: Warm or Cold

A hojicha latte starts with a smooth hojicha base: sifted hojicha powder mixed with a small amount of warm water. From there, add warm milk for a cozy roasted tea latte, or pour the hojicha over cold milk and ice for a refreshing version.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Small bowl or cup — for mixing the hojicha base
  • Small whisk, bamboo whisk, or milk frother — used to blend the hojicha smoothly
  • Teaspoon
  • Fine mesh sifter — helps prevent clumps
  • Kettle or hot water source
  • Small measuring cup — optional, for measuring water
  • For a cold hojicha latte: glass with ice
  • For a warm hojicha latte: milk steamer, frother, or small saucepan

Ingredients

  • 4 grams of hojicha powder, roughly 2 teaspoons
  • 40 ml / 1.4 oz warm water at about 158°F / 70°C
    • No thermometer? Let freshly boiled water sit for about 7–10 minutes before using.
  • 6–8 oz / 180–240 ml milk of choice
  • Sweetener, optional
  • For a cold hojicha latte: ice

Step 1: Sift the Hojicha Powder

Place a fine mesh sifter over a small bowl or cup.

Add 4 grams of hojicha powder, about 2 teaspoons, to the sifter. Use your teaspoon to gently press the hojicha through the sifter and into the bowl.

Step 2: Add Warm Water

Pour in 40 ml / 1.4 oz of warm water at approximately 158°F / 70°C.

The main point is to avoid boiling water, which can make the hojicha taste harsher.

Step 3: Whisk or Stir

Whisk or stir until the hojicha powder is fully blended and smooth.

You are making a concentrated hojicha base that will hold up well with milk.

Step 4: Choose Warm or Cold Milk

At this point, you have a smooth hojicha base. From here, you can make the hojicha latte warm or cold.

For a Warm Hojicha Latte

Warm and froth 6–8 oz / 180–240 ml of milk.

Optional: add sweetener to the milk before combining.

Slowly pour the warm milk into the hojicha base.

Stir gently and enjoy warm.

For a Cold Hojicha Latte

Fill a glass with ice.

Add 6–8 oz / 180–240 ml of cold milk.

Optional: add sweetener to the milk and stir before adding the hojicha.

Pour the hojicha base over the cold milk and ice.

Stir before drinking, or leave it layered for presentation.

A Note from After Tea

For the smoothest hojicha latte, mix the hojicha powder with warm water first before adding milk. This helps prevent clumps and creates a smoother, more balanced texture. Hojicha has a naturally roasted, cozy flavor that works especially well with milk.

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