Save to Pins Embrace the comforting and aromatic experience of a Hojicha Flat White, a delightful Japanese fusion beverage. This drink features the robust essence of roasted hojicha tea, perfectly balanced with velvety microfoam milk to create a smooth, nutty, and toasty flavor profile that is both warming and sophisticated.
Save to Pins Unlike traditional green tea, hojicha is roasted at high temperatures, which reduces its bitterness and lends it a characteristic caramel-like sweetness. When prepared as a flat white, the tea concentrate acts much like an espresso shot, providing a strong base for the steamed milk to shine.
Ingredients
- Hojicha Concentrate: 2 teaspoons hojicha loose leaf tea (or 2 tea bags), 120 ml (½ cup) hot water (90°C/195°F)
- Milk: 120 ml (½ cup) whole milk (or oat milk for dairy-free)
- Sweetener (optional): 1 teaspoon sugar, honey, or syrup
Instructions
- Step 1: Steep the Hojicha
- Prepare the hojicha concentrate by steeping the tea leaves or bags in 120 ml hot water for 3–4 minutes. Strain and discard the leaves or remove the bags.
- Step 2: Prepare the Milk
- Heat the milk until steaming but not boiling. Use a steam wand, milk frother, or shake in a jar to create a fine, velvety microfoam.
- Step 3: Sweeten the Base
- Pour the strained hojicha concentrate into a pre-warmed cup. If you prefer a sweeter drink, stir in your choice of sweetener until dissolved.
- Step 4: Combine and Finish
- Gently pour the microfoamed milk over the tea concentrate. Aim for a smooth, integrated blend with a creamy layer on top.
- Step 5: Serve
- Serve your Hojicha Flat White immediately while hot.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To achieve the best texture, ensure your kettle reaches 90°C (195°F) before steeping to extract the full flavor without scorching the tea. Using a small saucepan to heat the milk allows for better temperature control before frothing with a wand or whisk.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegan or dairy-free version, oat milk is highly recommended as its natural sweetness complements the roasted tea. You can also adjust the strength of the beverage by steeping the tea for an extra minute or adding more tea leaves for a bolder taste.
Serviervorschläge
Serve immediately in a ceramic cup to retain heat. For a decorative and flavorful finish, dust the top of the microfoam with a pinch of hojicha powder or a light sprinkle of cinnamon.
Save to Pins This Hojicha Flat White is a beautiful example of how simple ingredients can create a complex and satisfying beverage. With 90 calories and a rich, nutty profile, it is an ideal treat for any time of the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What makes hojicha different from regular green tea?
Hojicha is roasted green tea that develops a deep, nutty flavor with lower caffeine content. The roasting process removes bitterness and creates warm, toasty notes with caramel undertones that pair perfectly with steamed milk.
- → Can I make this without a milk frother?
Absolutely. Heat milk on the stove until steaming, then pour into a sealed jar and shake vigorously for 30-60 seconds until frothy. Alternatively, use a handheld whisk or immersion blender to create microfoam texture.
- → What milk works best for microfoam?
Whole milk creates the most velvety microfoam due to its fat content. Oat milk is an excellent dairy-free alternative that froths well and adds natural sweetness. Almond and soy milk can also work but may produce lighter foam.
- → How do I adjust the strength?
Steep hojicha longer for a bolder flavor or increase the amount of tea leaves. For a lighter version, reduce steeping time to 2 minutes. The concentrate can be made stronger since it will be diluted with milk.
- → Is hojicha suitable for evening drinking?
Yes, hojicha naturally contains less caffeine than other green teas and coffee due to the roasting process. This makes it an excellent choice for afternoon or evening enjoyment without affecting sleep quality.
- → Can I prepare the concentrate in advance?
Prepare a larger batch of hojicha concentrate and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before adding steamed milk. This makes it convenient for quick daily preparation.