Save to Pins Discover the soothing harmony of Japanese tea culture and warming spices with this Iced Hojicha with Cinnamon. This elegant beverage blends the unique, smoky-sweet profile of roasted hojicha with creamy milk and a delicate sprinkle of cinnamon for a truly refreshing afternoon pick-me-up.
Save to Pins Whether you are a fan of traditional Japanese teas or simply looking for a new way to enjoy your iced lattes, this fusion drink offers a beautifully balanced flavor profile that is both earthy and comforting.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons hojicha loose leaf tea (or 2 hojicha tea bags)
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based, such as oat or almond milk)
- 1–2 teaspoons honey or simple syrup (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus extra for sprinkling
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Step 1
- Bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add hojicha tea leaves or tea bags, reduce heat and steep for 5 minutes.
- Step 2
- Strain the tea into a heatproof pitcher and allow to cool to room temperature. For quicker chilling, refrigerate for 10 minutes.
- Step 3
- Fill two glasses with ice cubes.
- Step 4
- Pour cooled hojicha tea over the ice, filling each glass halfway.
- Step 5
- Stir in milk and sweetener to taste.
- Step 6
- Sprinkle ground cinnamon over each glass and stir gently.
- Step 7
- Garnish with an extra pinch of cinnamon on top and serve immediately.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To achieve a professional café-style appearance, try frothing your milk before adding it to the glasses. Using a kettle or saucepan ensures your water is at the right temperature, and a strainer is essential for a smooth drink if you prefer loose leaf tea.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This recipe is highly versatile; for a dairy-free version, use oat, almond, or soy milk. You can also adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of honey or simple syrup, and feel free to increase the cinnamon if you prefer a spicier kick.
Serviervorschläge
This Iced Hojicha with Cinnamon is best served immediately while chilled. It pairs wonderfully with light Japanese treats like mochi or simple buttery shortbread cookies, making it a perfect companion for a sweet afternoon snack.
Save to Pins With only 60 calories per serving when made with unsweetened almond milk and no added sweetener, this drink is a guilt-free way to indulge in a flavorful, Japanese-inspired fusion beverage at any time of day.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What does hojicha taste like?
Hojicha has a distinctive nutty, caramel-like flavor with earthy undertones. The roasting process removes bitterness, creating a smooth, mellow tea with notes reminiscent of toasted grains and coffee.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can brew the hojicha in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add milk and cinnamon just before serving for the best flavor and texture.
- → What milk works best for this drink?
Oat milk creates the creamiest texture and naturally sweet flavor, but dairy milk, almond milk, and soy milk all work beautifully. Choose based on your dietary preferences and taste.
- → Is hojicha caffeinated?
Yes, hojicha contains caffeine, though less than regular green tea due to the roasting process. One serving typically contains about 20-30mg of caffeine compared to 30-40mg in standard green tea.
- → Can I serve this hot instead?
Absolutely. Simply skip the ice and serve the brewed hojicha steaming hot with warmed milk and cinnamon. The combination is equally comforting when served as a warm beverage.
- → What desserts pair well with this drink?
Light Japanese desserts like mochi, matcha cookies, or shortbread complement the roasted flavors beautifully. The cinnamon notes also pair well with vanilla-based treats or rice cakes.