Hojicha Cortado

Enjoy the soothing and earthy flavors of a Hojicha Cortado, a Japanese-inspired twist on a classic coffee favorite. This smooth, aromatic drink combines the unique profile of roasted hojicha tea with the creamy richness of steamed milk, resulting in a perfectly balanced and silky beverage that is suitable for any time of day.

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With its warm, toasted notes and velvety foam, this beverage offers a comforting experience for those looking for a sophisticated alternative to coffee. Whether you use loose-leaf tea or a convenient tea bag, the result is a high-quality drink that brings a touch of Japanese fusion to your home kitchen.

Ingredients

• Tea: 2 teaspoons hojicha loose leaf tea (or 1 hojicha tea bag)
• Water: 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 don't 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 achieve the best flavor, ensure the water is just below boiling at 90°C. If you lack a milk steamer, a simple whisk and saucepan can effectively create a frothy texture for your milk. Using a tea infuser will ensure a clear brew without loose leaves.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a dairy-free version, this recipe works beautifully with oat, soy, or almond milk. You can also customize the sweetness by adding honey or a simple syrup according to your personal preference.

Serviervorschläge

Serve your Hojicha Cortado in a heatproof cup to maintain its temperature. For an extra aromatic touch, garnish the top with a dusting of hojicha powder or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

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This Hojicha Cortado provides a nutritious treat with 90 calories and 5g of protein per serving. Its balanced proportions and rich texture make it a delightful addition to your daily routine, offering the perfect blend of tradition and comfort in every sip.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What makes hojicha different from other green teas?

Hojicha is roasted over charcoal at high temperatures, giving it a deep, nutty flavor with reddish-brown leaves. This roasting process reduces caffeine content and creates natural sweet, caramel notes that pair exceptionally well with milk.

→ Can I use a tea bag instead of loose leaves?

Absolutely. One hojicha tea bag works perfectly as a substitute for 2 teaspoons of loose leaf tea. Steep for the same 2-3 minute timeframe to achieve the proper strength before combining with steamed milk.

→ What milk alternatives work best for this beverage?

Oat milk creates the creamiest texture and natural sweetness, closely mimicking dairy. Soy milk also steams beautifully and provides protein. Almond milk offers a lighter, nuttier complement to the roasted tea flavors, though it may be less frothy.

→ Why should the water be just below boiling?

Water around 90°C (195°F) prevents scorching the delicate roasted tea leaves while extracting full flavor. Boiling water can make hojicha taste bitter and astringent rather than smooth and naturally sweet.

→ Is this suitable for people avoiding caffeine?

Hojicha contains less caffeine than other green teas due to the roasting process, making it gentler on the system. However, it still contains some caffeine. For complete caffeine avoidance, consider a decaffeinated version or herbal alternatives.

→ What's the difference between a cortado and a latte?

A cortado uses equal parts tea and milk, creating a balanced drink where the roasted hojicha flavor remains prominent. A latte typically contains more milk, resulting in a milder tea taste. This cortado style highlights the distinctive roasted character of the hojicha.