Hojicha Cappuccino (Print version)

Creamy hojicha tea with steamed milk creates a smooth, toasty Japanese fusion beverage perfect for coffee lovers seeking something different.

# What you'll need:

→ Tea Base

01 - 2 teaspoons hojicha loose-leaf tea or 2 hojicha tea bags
02 - 1 cup filtered water

→ Milk

03 - 1 cup whole milk or oat milk for dairy-free option

→ Sweetener

04 - 1 to 2 teaspoons honey, maple syrup, or sugar optional

# Directions:

01 - Bring 1 cup of filtered water to a gentle simmer. Add the hojicha tea leaves or tea bags and steep for 3 to 4 minutes. Strain or remove the tea bags.
02 - While the tea steeps, heat the milk in a small saucepan or using a steam wand until hot but not boiling. Froth the milk until creamy and foamy.
03 - Pour the brewed hojicha equally into two cups. Stir in sweetener to taste if desired.
04 - Gently pour the steamed milk over the tea, holding back the foam with a spoon. Spoon the remaining milk foam on top for a classic cappuccino finish.
05 - Serve immediately, optionally dusted with a pinch of hojicha powder or cinnamon.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • No caffeine jitters—hojicha is naturally lower in caffeine, so you can enjoy this any time of day without that 3 p.m. crash.
  • It tastes like you're treating yourself without the guilt, because it genuinely is wholesome and comforting.
  • Making it feels like a small meditation rather than a task, giving you permission to slow down for ten minutes.
02 -
  • Temperature matters more than you'd think—if your milk gets too hot, it breaks down and won't foam properly, so stay patient and keep the heat moderate.
  • The length of your steep changes everything; three minutes gives you a gentle, smooth cup, but if you love bold flavors, go a full four and a half minutes and the hojicha will announce itself.
03 -
  • If you don't have a milk frother, a simple whisk or even a Mason jar with a tight lid shaken vigorously will create surprisingly good foam—the motion is what matters.
  • Make the hojicha base ahead of time and reheat it gently when you're ready to drink; this drink works beautifully as a ritual you can repeat without thinking.
Go back