Have you ever tried hojicha milk tea? If you’re a fan of tea, especially green tea, you’ll want to try this beverage. Hojicha is a roasted green tea that originated in Japan. Unlike other green teas, hojicha has a distinctive nutty and smoky flavor that comes from the roasting process.
When combined with milk and sweetener, hojicha is a delicious and comforting beverage for any time of day. Hojicha milk tea is becoming increasingly popular in Japan and worldwide, and for good reason. Not only is it tasty, but it’s also a great way to enjoy the health benefits of green tea.
Keep reading to find out more about this delightful beverage. You can thank us later!
Please note: This article contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link. Of course, this comes at no extra cost to you and helps me keep offering readers solid information.
What is Hojicha Milk Tea?
Hojicha milk tea combines the nutty, toasty flavor of roasted hojicha tea with the creaminess of milk. Here’s what you need to know about this satisfying beverage:
- Hojicha is a type of green tea that has been roasted over charcoal. This gives it a distinctive flavor that’s different from other green teas. It’s also lower in caffeine than other types of tea, so it’s a great choice if you want to relax and unwind.
- To make Hojicha Milk Tea, you’ll need to brew a strong pot of hojicha tea. Then, you add milk and sweetener to taste. Some people like to use condensed milk or honey for extra sweetness.
- Hojicha milk tea is a popular drink in Japan, often served in cafes and tea shops. It’s a great alternative to coffee or regular tea, and it’s perfect for sipping when you need a little pick-me-up.
- This drink is also easy to make at home, so you can enjoy it whenever possible. Just use high-quality Hojicha tea and fresh milk (or your favorite non-dairy alternative) for the best flavor. We are providing a recipe below.
How to Make Hojicha Milk Tea
Ingredients
To make this drink, you will need the following:
- 1 tablespoon of hojicha tea leaves or 1 teaspoon of hojicha powder
- 1 cup of hot water
- 1/2 cup of milk (you can use oat milk, almond milk, or regular milk)
- 1-2 teaspoons of sugar, maple syrup, or honey (optional)
- Ice (optional)
- Cooked tapioca pearls (optional, also known as boba)
Instructions
- Boil water in a teapot or pot.
- Add hojicha tea leaves to a strainer or filter.
- Place the strainer or filter over a cup and pour hot water over the tea leaves or powder.
- Let the tea steep for 3-5 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea.
- Remove the strainer or filter.
- If using hojicha powder (instead of leaves), mix it with the hot water.
- Add your preferred sweetener, if desired.
- If drinking hot, pour milk into the cup and stir well.
- If drinking iced, add ice to a tall glass. Then, pour the tea, milk, and sweetener and stir well.
- Enjoy!
If you want to add texture to your milk tea, add tapioca pearls (boba). Cook the tapioca pearls according to the package instructions and add them to your tea.
You can also add some caramel syrup to your milk tea for a hint of sweetness.
The total preparation time is about 10 minutes. Experiment with different sweeteners and types of milk to find your perfect combination.
Different Variations of Hojicha Milk Tea
If you’re a fan of hojicha milk tea, you’ll be happy to know that this delicious drink has many different variations. Here are a few of the most popular options:
Hojicha Latte
A hojicha latte might be your style if you prefer a creamier drink. This variation is made by steaming milk and mixing it with hojicha tea. You can also add an espresso shot for an extra caffeine kick.
Hojicha Smoothie
For a healthy option, try a hojicha smoothie. This variation is made by blending hojicha tea with ice, milk, and your choice of fruits and sweeteners. You can experiment with different flavors and textures to find your perfect blend. Just remember that hojicha pairs well with berries, stone fruit, apples, and persimmons.
Hojicha Matcha Milk Tea
For a unique fusion, combine hojicha and matcha (powdered green tea) to create a delightful blend of flavors. You can adjust the ratio of hojicha to matcha based on your preference and then mix it with milk and sweetener.
Hojicha Rose Milk Tea
Add a floral twist to your hojicha milk tea by infusing it with rose petals or syrup. This variation offers a delicate and aromatic taste, balancing the roasted hojicha flavor with the floral notes of rose.
Hojicha Honey Milk Tea
For a natural sweetness, incorporate honey into your hojicha milk tea. Combining the earthy hojicha, creamy milk, and the subtle sweetness of honey creates a harmonious beverage.
Hojicha Coconut Milk Tea
Substitute regular milk with coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative. The creamy texture of coconut milk complements the roasted hojicha flavor, resulting in a slightly tropical twist.
Whether you prefer it hot or cold, sweet or creamy, there’s a hojicha milk tea variation that’s perfect for you.
Health Benefits of Hojicha Milk Tea
Here are some health benefits you can get from adding Hojicha tea to your drink.
Lower in Caffeine
Hojicha is lower in caffeine than other tea types, such as black tea. This makes it a great choice if you are sensitive to caffeine or want to reduce caffeine intake. The roasting process also reduces the caffeine in the tea leaves, making it a great choice for a relaxing drink.
Rich in Minerals
Green tea is rich in minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and potassium. These minerals are essential for maintaining healthy bones and muscles and help regulate blood pressure.
Low in Calories
Hojicha milk tea is lower in calories than other milk-based drinks, such as lattes or milkshakes. It is a great choice if you watch your calorie intake but still want a sweet and fragrant drink.
Reduced Bitterness
The roasting process used to make hojicha tea reduces the bitterness of the tea leaves, resulting in a smoother and more fragrant taste. This makes it an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy the benefits of green tea without the bitterness.
Buying Hojicha Recommendations
We always recommend visiting your nearest tea specialist to obtain high-quality products and deepen your tea knowledge. Besides, you may be able to try several tea brands before making a purchase decision.
Since we know not everybody has the time to stop by a local tea provider, here are our top recommendations (tea and powder):
Organic Japanese Hojicha – Yabukita Cultivar
Kimikura Organic Hojicha Powder
Jade Leaf Hojicha Roasted Green Tea Powder
Hojicha is one of my favorite teas, and I love to prepare different drinks with it. I hope you have enjoyed the article!
Have you tried this milk tea?
More About Hojicha
More About Green Tea
What Does Green Tea Taste Like?
What Does Sencha Tea Taste Like?