Recipe courtesy of Andy Liang for Food Network Kitchen

Hojicha Latte

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  • Level: Easy
  • Total: 5 min
  • Active: 5 min
  • Yield: 1 serving
This comforting latte is made from hojicha powder, a Japanese green tea that’s roasted over high heat for a distinctive toasty aroma and reddish-brown color. When stirred into frothed milk, it transforms into a creamy latte that feels both cozy and balanced. Gentle sweetness from a touch of honey and lack of bitterness make it a favorite for evenings or for anyone looking for a mellow alternative to matcha or coffee — and you can even serve it over ice if you prefer. Unlike traditional green teas, hojicha is very low in caffeine and has a smooth flavor with hints of caramel and cocoa. We make the drink with a technique similar to the one for matcha latte using a bamboo whisk: This type of whisk’s numerous, flexible tines make for even hydration with no lumps and superior flavor.

Ingredients

Directions

Special equipment:
a bamboo whisk; an instant-read thermometer; a handheld frother
  1. Soak a bamboo whisk in enough hot water to cover the tines of the whisk without covering the handle for at least 2 minutes.
  2. Sift the hojicha powder through a fine-mesh strainer into a medium bowl to remove any clumps.
  3. Vigorously whisk the hot water into the hojicha with a bamboo whisk, drawing an “M” shape with the whisk, until no lumps remain and the mixture is frothy on top, about 20 seconds. Whisk in the honey if using until dissolved. Set aside for a moment.
  4. For a hot latte, microwave the milk in a medium microwave-safe bowl until hot and steamy, 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Froth the milk using your preferred method, either with a small whisk or a handheld frother. Pour the hojicha base into a mug and top with the frothy milk, making your favorite latte art if you like.
  5. For an iced latte, pour the milk into a glass filled with ice and slowly pour the hojicha base over the milk. Enjoy immediately, stirring with a straw.

Cook’s Note

Hojicha powder comes in different degrees of fineness. We recommend hojicha that is stone-milled for a smoother latte; look for it online or at your favorite coffee shop if they sell it. You can replace the honey with other sweeteners such as simple syrup, agave nectar, maple syrup or other flavored syrups.