Hojicha Cortado Roasted Tea

The Hojicha Cortado is a smooth, aromatic drink that combines roasted Japanese hojicha tea with creamy steamed milk. This balanced, silky beverage is perfect for any time of day, offering a comforting toasted flavor that is both unique and deeply satisfying.

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Hojicha tea brings an earthy, nutty depth to this beverage, making it a wonderful alternative to traditional coffee-based drinks. The combination of steeped tea and frothed milk creates a velvety mouthfeel that highlights the roasted notes of the Japanese tea leaves.

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)

Instructions

Step 1

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

Step 2

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

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

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

Step 5

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 immediately.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure the best flavor, use water just below boiling (90°C/195°F) so the tea doesn't become bitter. If you are whisking the milk on the stovetop, do so vigorously to create a nice micro-foam for that classic cortado texture.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a dairy-free version, use oat, soy, or almond milk. You can also sweeten your Hojicha Cortado with honey or simple syrup if you prefer a sweeter beverage.

Serviervorschläge

Garnish your drink with a dusting of hojicha powder or cinnamon for extra aroma. This drink is best served hot in a heatproof glass or ceramic cup to showcase its beautiful layers.

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With only 90 calories and a rich nutritional profile including 5g of protein, this Hojicha Cortado is a nourishing and elegant way to enjoy the art of Japanese tea fusion.

Recipe Q&A

→ What makes hojicha different from other Japanese teas?

Hojicha is roasted green tea leaves, giving it a distinctive reddish-brown color and nutty, caramel-like flavor. Unlike matcha or sencha, hojicha has lower caffeine content and a smoother, less astringent taste profile.

→ Can I use a tea bag instead of loose leaf hojicha?

Absolutely. One hojicha tea bag works perfectly in place of 2 teaspoons of loose leaf tea. Simply steep according to package instructions, typically 2–3 minutes in water just below boiling.

→ What milk alternatives work best for hojicha cortado?

Oat milk creates the creamiest texture and naturally sweet flavor that complements hojicha's roasted notes. Soy milk also froths well, while almond milk adds a subtle nuttiness. Coconut milk works but will add distinct coconut flavor.

→ Why is the water temperature important for hojicha?

Water just below boiling (90°C/195°F) prevents scorching the roasted tea leaves while still extracting full flavor. Boiling water can make the tea overly bitter or astringent.

→ How do I achieve café-style foam without a milk steamer?

Heat milk on the stovetop until hot but not boiling, then whisk vigorously or use a handheld frother. Alternatively, shake warm milk in a sealed jar for 30–60 seconds to create foam.

→ Is hojicha cortado suitable for evening drinking?

Yes, hojicha naturally contains lower caffeine levels than other green teas, making it a gentle choice for afternoon or evening. The roasted, comforting flavor is especially soothing in the evening hours.