Hojicha Latte with Vanilla Extract

There's something about the first sip of hojicha that makes everything slow down. I discovered this tea at a small café tucked between two office buildings, the kind of place you'd walk past a hundred times before actually stepping inside. The barista handed me a warm cup with this amber liquid topped with delicate foam, and the roasted, almost nutty aroma hit me before anything else. That moment taught me that sometimes the best comfort drinks aren't the ones everyone's talking about, but the ones that feel like they were made just for you.

I made this for my partner on a rainy Sunday when neither of us wanted to leave the apartment, and watching their face light up at that first taste reminded me why I love cooking for people. They asked for it again the next morning, and the next, until I realized this had become our quiet morning ritual. Now whenever I see hojicha powder in my pantry, I think of those mornings and how something so simple can become something you look forward to.

Ingredients

• Hojicha powder: This roasted green tea is the soul of the drink, offering that warm, slightly toasted flavor that feels like a hug in a mug; don't confuse it with regular matcha, as hojicha's deeper roast creates a completely different, more mellow experience.
• Boiling water: You want it truly hot to properly dissolve the powder and create that beautiful froth when whisked.
• Plant milk: Oat milk is my go-to because it froths beautifully and adds a subtle sweetness, but soy and almond work wonderfully too depending on what you're craving.
• Pure vanilla extract: The real stuff makes all the difference here; it blends seamlessly into the warm milk rather than sitting on top with that artificial edge.
• Maple syrup or sweetener: This is optional and entirely up to your mood, but I find just a touch enhances rather than masks the tea's natural depth.

Instructions

Awaken the tea:

Scoop the hojicha powder into your mug and pour the boiling water over it, then whisk vigorously for about thirty seconds until you see that gorgeous foam forming on top. The whisking is what transforms it from a simple tea into something that feels special.

Warm the milk:

Heat your plant milk in a small saucepan over medium heat, watching for the steam to rise and listening for that gentle shimmer, or use a milk frother if you have one. Don't let it boil; you're looking for that steaming, almost silky stage.

Season the milk:

Stir the vanilla extract and your chosen sweetener into the warm milk, letting them dissolve completely so every sip tastes intentional. This is where you adjust to your taste, so go easy at first and add more if needed.

Bring it together:

Pour the vanilla-infused milk slowly over the hojicha base, watching how the colors mingle and the foam rises. A gentle stir or whisk at the end ensures everything is harmoniously combined.

Serve with intention:

Cup it in both hands while it's still steaming and take that first moment for yourself. This drink deserves a pause.

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My friend Sarah came over stressed from a work presentation, and I quietly made her one of these without asking. She sat on my couch, wrapped both hands around the mug, and just breathed in the steam for a full minute before even tasting it. When she finally did, her shoulders dropped, and she said something like, "I didn't know I needed this," which is exactly what a good drink should do.

The Magic of Hojicha

Hojicha is roasted green tea, which means it goes through a second roasting process that mellows out the grassy notes and brings forward this warm, almost caramel-like depth. That roasting is what makes it so different from regular matcha, and honestly, it's what makes it perfect for evenings or afternoons when you want comfort without the caffeine jolt. The tea has this gentle sophistication that doesn't require you to be a tea expert to appreciate.

Choosing Your Plant Milk

Not all plant milks are created equal when it comes to steaming and frothing. Oat milk froths like a dream and has this natural sweetness that complements hojicha beautifully, while soy milk creates that barista-quality density that makes the drink feel indulgent. Almond milk is lighter and works well if you prefer something less heavy, though it doesn't froth quite as dramatically.

Elevating Your Moment

This drink is at its best when you're intentional about how you enjoy it, not rushed while checking your phone. Find a quiet corner, light a candle if that's your thing, or just sit by a window with your thoughts. It's the kind of beverage that bridges the gap between self-care and simplicity, offering comfort without pretension.

• For extra indulgence, add a tiny splash of coconut milk to create an even creamier texture.
• If you want more froth, use a handheld milk frother or even a blender to aerate the milk before pouring.
• Adjust both the vanilla and sweetener to your exact preference; this drink is forgiving and wants to be personalized by you.

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This hojicha latte has become my answer to those moments when everything feels like too much, a small ritual that says "you matter enough to slow down for." Make it for yourself, make it for someone who needs it, and notice how the warmth spreads from your hands through your whole body.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What does hojicha taste like?

Hojicha has a distinctive nutty, caramel-like flavor with earthy undertones. The roasting process removes bitterness, resulting in a smooth, mellow taste that's less astringent than other green teas. Its natural sweetness pairs beautifully with vanilla and creamy milk.

→ Is this latte caffeinated?

Yes, but significantly less than regular green tea or coffee. The roasting process reduces caffeine content, making hojicha a lower-caffeine alternative perfect for afternoon or evening enjoyment without disrupting sleep.

→ Which plant milk works best?

Oat and soy milk create the creamiest, most latte-like texture due to their higher protein content. Almond milk adds a subtle nuttiness that complements the hojicha, while coconut milk adds richness. Choose based on your preference for flavor and frothiness.

→ Can I make this iced?

Absolutely. Prepare the hojicha concentrate with hot water as directed, then let it cool. Froth cold milk or shake it vigorously in a jar, pour over ice, and add the hojicha. The vanilla flavor comes through beautifully whether hot or cold.

→ How do I store hojicha powder?

Keep hojicha powder in an airtight container away from light, heat, and moisture to preserve its roasted flavor. A cool pantry or cupboard works well. Properly stored, it will maintain its quality for 6-12 months.

→ Can I use vanilla bean instead of extract?

Yes, scrape the seeds from half a vanilla bean and whisk them into the hot milk. This adds beautiful specks and an even more intense vanilla flavor. Alternatively, steep the whole bean pod in the milk as it heats for subtle infusion.