Save Embrace the comforting, toasted notes of the Hojicha Cortado, a Japanese-inspired take on the classic espresso-based drink. Unlike a traditional cortado that uses coffee, this version features deeply roasted hojicha tea, providing a unique earthy profile with hints of caramel and cocoa. It is a smooth, aromatic beverage that offers a lower-caffeine alternative without sacrificing depth of flavor.
Save The beauty of this drink lies in its simplicity and the quality of the roast. By steeping the hojicha at a specific temperature and pairing it with velvety milk, you create a sophisticated fusion drink that is equally suited for a cozy morning or a relaxing afternoon treat.
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
- 1. Heat the Water
- Heat the water to just below boiling (about 90°C/195°F).
- 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.
- 3. Prepare the Milk
- While the tea steeps, steam the milk until hot and frothy. If you don't have a steamer, gently heat milk on the stovetop and whisk until frothy.
- 4. Build the Drink
- Pour the brewed hojicha into a heatproof cup (about 120 ml).
- 5. Combine and Foam
- 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.
- 6. Serve
- Serve immediately.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the best flavor extraction, avoid using boiling water as it can burn the delicate tea leaves. Keeping the temperature around 90°C (195°F) preserves the sweet, roasted notes of the hojicha. If you prefer a stronger tea base, you can increase the amount of tea leaves rather than the steeping time.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a dairy-free version, use oat, soy, or almond milk, as these plant-based options complement the nutty profile of the tea. If you prefer a sweeter drink, add a touch of honey or simple syrup to the brewed tea before adding the milk.
Serviervorschläge
Serve your Hojicha Cortado in a clear glass to showcase the beautiful layers. For an extra aromatic touch, garnish the top with a dusting of hojicha powder or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Save This Hojicha Cortado is a testament to how traditional ingredients can be reimagined into modern favorites. Enjoy every sip of this silky, roasted beverage and share it with those who appreciate a unique tea experience.
Kitchen Help
- → What makes hojicha different from other Japanese teas?
Hojicha is roasted green tea that undergoes high-heat roasting, turning the leaves reddish-brown and reducing caffeine content significantly. This process creates toasty, caramel-like notes distinct from the grassy flavors of sencha or the earthiness of matcha. The roasting also makes it lower in tannins, resulting in a smoother, less bitter flavor profile.
- → What type of milk works best for this beverage?
Whole milk creates the richest, creamiest texture and naturally sweet flavor that complements the roasted tea notes. However, oat milk is an excellent plant-based alternative as it froths well and provides similar body. Soy milk also works, while almond milk may be thinner. For dairy-free versions, look for barista-style milk alternatives designed for steaming and frothing.
- → Why is the water temperature lower than boiling?
Water just below boiling (around 90°C/195°F) prevents scorching the delicate roasted tea leaves, which can extract unpleasant bitterness. Since hojicha is already roasted, it doesn't require extremely hot water to release its flavors. This temperature preserves the nuanced toasty notes while ensuring a smooth, balanced extraction.
- → Can I make this without a milk steamer?
Absolutely. Heat your milk gently in a saucepan over medium heat, watching carefully to prevent boiling. Once hot, use a whisk or handheld frother to create foam by vigorously whisking the milk in a circular motion. Alternatively, shake warm milk in a sealed jar for 30-60 seconds to incorporate air and create froth.
- → Is this suitable for someone sensitive to caffeine?
Yes, hojicha is an excellent choice for those seeking lower caffeine content. The roasting process naturally reduces caffeine levels compared to other green teas. A typical hojicha cortado contains roughly 20-30mg of caffeine, significantly less than coffee (95mg) or standard green tea. However, it still contains some caffeine, so it's not completely caffeine-free.
- → What's the ideal ratio of tea to milk for a cortado?
A traditional cortado maintains a 1:1 ratio of espresso to milk, and we follow the same principle here. Equal parts (120ml each) of hojicha and steamed milk create the perfect balance—enough milk to add creaminess without overwhelming the distinctive roasted tea flavor. This ratio differs from a latte (more milk) or macchiato (less milk).