Save It A smooth, aromatic drink combining roasted Japanese hojicha tea with creamy steamed milk, the Hojicha Cortado is a balanced, silky beverage perfect for any time of day. This recipe offers a unique twist on the classic cortado, replacing espresso with the deep, earthy notes of toasted green tea.
Save It Whether you are starting your morning or looking for a relaxing afternoon pick-me-up, this beverage brings the comfort of a cafe into your own home. The roasted flavor profile of the hojicha pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of the milk, creating a sophisticated drink that is as beautiful as it is delicious.
Ingredients
- Tea: 2 teaspoons hojicha loose leaf tea (or 1 hojicha tea bag) and 120 ml (½ cup) water, just below boiling (about 90°C/195°F)
- Milk: 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 a kettle or saucepan to reach the precise water temperature, and use a tea infuser or teapot for the best steeping results. For the frothiest texture, a milk steamer is ideal, though a saucepan and whisk work perfectly as well.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a dairy-free version, use oat, soy, or almond milk; however, be sure to check for potential allergens in your chosen substitute as the base recipe contains milk. You can also sweeten the drink with honey or simple syrup if you prefer a sweeter profile.
Serviervorschläge
Serve your Hojicha Cortado immediately in a heatproof cup. For an extra aromatic touch, garnish the top with a dusting of hojicha powder or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Save It Enjoy this nutritious treat, which provides 5g of protein and 90 calories per serving. It is a satisfying and guilt-free way to enjoy a moment of calm during your busy day.
Recipe FAQs
- → What makes hojicha different from other Japanese teas?
Hojicha is roasted green tea that undergoes high-heat roasting, resulting in lower caffeine content and distinctive nutty, caramel notes. The roasting process transforms the leaves from green to reddish-brown and creates a mellow flavor profile that pairs beautifully with milk, unlike more vegetal green teas.
- → Why should the water temperature be below boiling?
Water just below boiling (around 90°C/195°F) extracts the optimal flavor from hojicha without scorching the delicate roasted leaves. Boiling water can make the beverage bitter and astringent, while slightly cooler water preserves the smooth, naturally sweet characteristics that make hojicha perfect for milk-based drinks.
- → Can I make this without a milk steamer?
Absolutely. Heat your milk gently in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk vigorously until frothy. Alternatively, shake warm milk in a sealed jar or use a handheld milk frother. The goal is creating microfoam with small, tight bubbles that blend seamlessly with the tea.
- → What type of milk works best for hojicha cortados?
Whole milk creates the richest, creamiest texture with natural sweetness that complements hojicha's roasted notes. However, oat milk is an excellent plant-based alternative due to its similar mouthfeel and subtle sweetness. Soy and almond milk also work, though they may produce lighter foam.
- → How long should I steep hojicha for a cortado?
Steep hojicha for 2-3 minutes in hot water before adding milk. This shorter brewing time compared to traditional tea preparation creates a concentrated base that stands up to the milk without becoming bitter when combined. The equal ratio of tea to milk defines the cortado style.
- → Is hojicha cortado caffeinated?
Yes, but significantly less than other Japanese teas. The roasting process reduces caffeine content, making hojicha naturally lower in caffeine. One cortado contains approximately 20-30mg of caffeine, compared to 60-90mg in standard green tea, making it suitable for afternoon enjoyment.