Hojicha Cortado Japanese Tea Latte

Experience the soothing harmony of Japanese tea culture with this Hojicha Cortado. A smooth, aromatic drink combining roasted Japanese hojicha tea with creamy steamed milk, it results in a balanced, silky beverage perfect for any time of day. Unlike traditional green tea, hojicha's roasting process gives it a unique, earthy flavor that pairs exquisitely with milk.

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This Japanese Fusion beverage brings together the technique of a classic Spanish cortado with the traditional flavors of Kyoto. By steeping the roasted leaves to a concentrated strength and topping them with micro-foam, you create a drink that is both sophisticated and incredibly simple to make at home.

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons hojicha loose leaf tea (or 1 hojicha tea bag)
• 120 ml (½ cup) water, just below boiling (about 90°C/195°F)
• 120 ml (½ cup) whole milk (or plant-based milk of choice)

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Instructions

Step 1: Heat Water

Heat the water to just below boiling (about 90°C/195°F).

Step 2: Steep the Tea

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: Steam the Milk

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: Combine Base

Pour the brewed hojicha into a heatproof cup (about 120 ml).

Step 5: Add Milk

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

Serve immediately while hot.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To achieve the best results, ensure your water is not at a rolling boil, as 90°C is the sweet spot to extract the roasted flavor without bitterness. Using a hand-held milk frother or a simple whisk can create a café-quality foam layer if you don't have a professional steam wand.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a dairy-free version, use oat, soy, or almond milk; oat milk is particularly recommended for its natural sweetness and ability to froth. You can also sweeten the beverage with a drizzle of honey or simple syrup if you prefer a more dessert-like drink.

Serviervorschläge

Garnish your drink with a light dusting of hojicha powder or cinnamon for extra aroma. This cortado is best served in a small heatproof glass to showcase the beautiful warm brown hue and rich foam top.

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Whether you are a seasoned tea lover or a coffee enthusiast looking for something new, the Hojicha Cortado is a delightful addition to your beverage repertoire. It is easy, elegant, and perfectly balanced.

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Recipe FAQs

→ What makes hojicha different from regular green tea?

Hojicha is roasted green tea that has been charcoal-fired at high temperatures, giving it a deep reddish-brown color and distinctive nutty, caramel-like flavor. The roasting process reduces caffeine content while creating a smooth, mellow taste that pairs exceptionally well with milk.

→ Why brew at 90°C instead of boiling?

Brewing just below boiling preserves hojicha's delicate roasted notes and prevents bitterness. The lower temperature extracts the tea's natural sweetness while maintaining its smooth character, ensuring the final drink remains balanced rather than astringent.

→ Can I make this without a milk steamer?

Absolutely. Gently heat milk on the stovetop until hot but not boiling, then whisk vigorously until frothy. Alternatively, use a handheld frother or shake warm milk in a sealed jar—the key is creating that silky texture that makes this drink so luxurious.

→ Is this suitable for dairy-free diets?

Yes, simply replace whole milk with your preferred plant-based alternative. Oat milk creates exceptional creaminess and natural sweetness, while almond milk adds subtle nuttiness. Soy milk provides the closest protein structure to dairy for frothing.

→ What's the ideal tea-to-milk ratio?

The classic cortado style uses equal parts—120 ml of brewed hojicha to 120 ml of steamed milk. This 1:1 ratio creates perfect harmony between the roasted tea flavors and creamy milk texture. Adjust slightly if you prefer a more pronounced tea character or richer mouthfeel.