Name: Hojicha Latte (Hot or Iced) Recipe
Prep time: 3 min
Total time: 3 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon hojicha powder; 2 oz hot water; 1 teaspoon liquid sweetener; 10 oz milk; Ice; 10 oz milk; 1 teaspoon hojicha powder; 2 oz hot water; 1 teaspoon liquid sweetener

If you’re craving a cozy, nutty, and effortlessly delicious tea drink, this Hojicha Latte (Hot or Iced) Recipe is just the ticket. Hojicha, a roasted green tea, has this beautiful toasty aroma and a gentle, caramel-like flavor that makes it perfect for a latte, whether you’re warming up on a chilly morning or cooling down in the afternoon. I love how quick and fuss-free this drink is—plus, it’s versatile enough to enjoy hot or iced depending on your mood or the weather.

The image shows two coffee drinks placed on a round wooden tray with visible bark edges. On the left, there is a tall clear glass filled with iced coffee, showing three layers: a creamy white bottom, a light brown middle mix, and a darker brown coffee layer on top, filled with ice cubes. A striped paper straw is placed inside the glass. On the right, there is a short, wide ceramic mug with a white speckled pattern, filled with frothy coffee foam on top. The setup is on a light beige surface with a white marbled texture and green hanging plants in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7 — Hojicha Latte, roasted green tea latte, iced Hojicha latte, hot Hojicha latte, easy tea latte recipes

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Why You’ll Love This
Ingredient Snapshot
How to Make Hojicha Latte (Hot or Iced) Recipe
Smart Little Tips
Serving Ideas
Make-Ahead, Store & Reheat
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Print Recipe

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Why You’ll Love This

This Hojicha Latte recipe brings out the perfect balance of smooth roasted tea and creamy milk, creating a comforting drink that’s satisfying anytime. I especially appreciate its adaptability for a quick iced refreshment or a warm, soothing latte to sip slowly.

Reliable Texture, Great Flavor: The roasting process gives hojicha a naturally nutty, mellow flavor that mixes beautifully with frothed milk, ensuring a consistent and delightful texture every time.
Crisp–Golden Finish: The golden-brown color and the subtle caramel notes make this latte not just tasty but visually inviting too.
Pantry-Friendly Ingredients: Made with simple staples like hojicha powder, milk, and a touch of sweetener—you probably already have everything you need.
Weeknight Easy, Weekend Worthy: Whip it up in just a few minutes, perfect for a daily treat or impressing guests with a smooth, sophisticated drink.

Ingredient Snapshot

A clear glass filled with an iced coffee drink showing three layers: a thick white milk layer at the bottom, a swirling mix of milk and coffee in the middle with a light brown color, and a darker brown coffee layer on the top with visible ice cubes and light foam. The glass sits on a round wooden slice with bark around the edge, placed on a white marbled surface. A white and brown striped straw is in the glass, leaning slightly to the left. In the blurred background, there are green plants and a white pot. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7 — Hojicha Latte, roasted green tea latte, iced Hojicha latte, hot Hojicha latte, easy tea latte recipes

Choosing quality ingredients really lifts your Hojicha Latte (Hot or Iced) Recipe. Fresh hojicha powder is fragrant and vibrant, and the milk you pick shapes how creamy or light your latte turns out. It’s worth paying attention to these simple components—trust me, it makes all the difference.

Hojicha powder: Opt for freshly roasted, finely ground hojicha for the richest aroma and smoothest brew.
Milk: Whole or 2% milk offers creaminess, but you can swap in oat or almond milk for a dairy-free version.
Liquid sweetener: Use a gentle sweetener like honey, agave, or maple syrup to balance the roast without overpowering.

Quick Note: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.

How to Make Hojicha Latte (Hot or Iced) Recipe

Step 1 — Set Up & Season

Start by placing your hojicha powder into a small bowl or traditional chawan. It’s important to sift it first to break any clumps—this ensures the smoothest texture without gritty bits. Then add the hot water (around 2 ounces) and your teaspoon of liquid sweetener. Whisk quickly in an “M” motion using a bamboo whisk or small frother for about 10 to 15 seconds until it becomes lightly frothy and fragrant, releasing those wonderful roasted notes.

Step 2 — Sear, Toast, or Mix

For the iced version, fill a glass halfway with ice and then pour in your milk until it’s about two-thirds full. For the hot version, warm and froth your milk. If you have a milk steamer or frother, use it to get a nice creamy foam. No fancy tools? No problem—I gently heat milk on the stove or microwave just until it starts to simmer, then whisk with a handheld frother or shake vigorously in a jar for 30 seconds until frothy. This step is where your latte really develops that comforting texture.

Step 3 — Finish for Best Texture

Pour the hojicha mixture over the iced milk or into your favorite mug for the hot latte. For hot, follow with the frothed milk on top, letting the creamy foam nestle over the talcy-rich tea base. Give it a gentle stir to combine flavors but preserve the delicate froth. Watch the golden hues swirl together—this is relaxation in a cup. Remember, gentle mixing keeps all those lovely layers intact, giving you a richer experience in every sip.

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Smart Little Tips

From my many cups of hojicha lattes, I’ve learned a few fun tricks to get the best flavor and texture every time. A light whisk breaks up clumps and aerates the mixture quickly, while tempering milk gently prevents bitterness. You can make this in minutes, but these small adjustments make your latte feel like a true cafe treat at home.

Doneness Cue: When your tea mixture froths lightly with no lumps, it’s ready to pour.
Temperature Trick: Warm milk to just below simmering—too hot and it curdles, too cool and it won’t foam well.
Make-Ahead Move: Pre-sift and store hojicha powder in an airtight container to keep freshness, so you’re ready to go anytime.
Avoid This Pitfall: Don’t over-heat or boil the milk to prevent a scorched taste.

Serving Ideas

Hojicha Latte (Hot or Iced) Recipe - Recipe Image — Hojicha Latte, roasted green tea latte, iced Hojicha latte, hot Hojicha latte, easy tea latte recipes

Finishing Touches

To finish your Hojicha Latte (Hot or Iced) Recipe perfectly, I love adding just a little sprinkle of ground cinnamon or nutmeg on top for warmth and aroma. For a touch of elegance, a tiny drizzle of caramel or a dusting of toasted sesame seeds can really elevate the flavor layers without overpowering the gentle roast of hojicha tea.

Pair It With

This latte’s mellow sweetness pairs beautifully with lightly crunchy snacks—think almond biscotti, a buttery shortbread cookie, or a slice of matcha pound cake. I find these contrast in texture enhance the cup’s creamy softness while complementing that subtle roasted undertone.

Easy Plating Upgrades

For casual sipping, serve in a clear glass to show off the beautiful latte layers. For special moments, garnish with an edible flower or a cinnamon stick stirrer. Using a thick ceramic mug with a comfortable handle feels cozy, making the experience even more inviting.

Make-Ahead, Store & Reheat

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with extra, store your Hojicha Latte in a clean, airtight glass container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavor stays lovely, though the foam will settle, so give it a good stir or quick whisk before serving again.

Freezing Tips

I don’t recommend freezing hojicha lattes because milk texture changes after thawing, often becoming grainy or separated. For the freshest experience, enjoy it within a couple days refrigerated instead.

Reheating Hojicha Latte (Hot or Iced) Recipe Without Drying Out

To reheat, gently warm in the microwave on medium power in 20-second bursts, stirring in between to keep the milk creamy and prevent overheating. If using the stovetop, warm slowly on low heat, stirring until heated through but not boiling. Skipping high heat keeps the milk smooth and the delicate hojicha flavors intact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular green tea instead of hojicha for this latte?

While you can technically, hojicha’s roasting gives it a unique toasty, less bitter flavor that works best in this latte. Regular green tea tends to be more astringent and grassy, which changes the smooth, caramel notes we aim for here.

What’s the best milk substitute for a dairy-free Hojicha Latte?

Oat milk is my favorite because it froths nicely and has a creamy texture that pairs well with hojicha. Almond and soy milk also work but may froth less and slightly alter the flavor profile.

How do I get a good froth without a milk frother?

Heat your milk gently and then shake it vigorously in a tightly sealed jar for about 30 seconds. You can also whisk briskly by hand or use a small handheld whisk. It might not be as dense, but it’ll add lovely creaminess.

Can I adjust sweetness to taste?

Absolutely! The teaspoon sweetener is a guideline. Depending on your preference and the sweetener type, feel free to add a bit more or less to suit your taste.

Final Thoughts

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