Save Refresh your senses with this delightful Iced Hojicha with Cinnamon, a Japanese-inspired beverage that brings a modern twist to traditional roasted green tea. This drink is the perfect harmony of earthy, roasted notes, creamy milk, and a subtle hint of warming cinnamon, making it a sophisticated choice for any time of day.
Save Hojicha is distinct from other green teas because the leaves are roasted, resulting in a beautiful reddish-brown color and a nutty, smoky flavor profile. When combined with ice and a touch of sweetness, it transforms into a cooling treat that is both calming and invigorating.
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 ensure your drink is perfectly chilled without becoming watered down, make sure the hojicha has cooled significantly before pouring it over the ice cubes. If you are in a rush, a quick 10-minute session in the refrigerator is the best way to speed up the process.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This recipe is highly customizable to fit your dietary needs. For a dairy-free or vegan version, simply use oat, almond, or soy milk. You can also adjust the amount of honey, simple syrup, or cinnamon to perfectly match your sweetness and spice preferences.
Serviervorschläge
For a beautiful café-style presentation, try frothing your milk before adding it to the tea to create elegant swirls. This refreshing iced tea pairs exceptionally well with light desserts such as traditional mochi or buttery shortbread cookies.
Save Simple, elegant, and full of flavor, this Iced Hojicha with Cinnamon is a wonderful way to enjoy the art of Japanese tea in a cool, modern format. Whether you are serving it at a gathering or enjoying a quiet moment, it is sure to become a favorite in your beverage rotation.
Recipe FAQs
- → What does hojicha taste like?
Hojicha has a distinct roasted, nutty flavor with lower caffeine content compared to other green teas. The roasting process gives it a deep, earthy taste with subtle caramel notes that pair beautifully with creamy milk and warm spices like cinnamon.
- → Can I use different milk alternatives?
Absolutely! This beverage works wonderfully with dairy milk, oat milk, almond milk, or soy milk. Each alternative brings its own subtle sweetness and creaminess, so feel free to experiment based on your dietary preferences and taste preferences.
- → How can I make this drink sweeter?
You can add honey, maple syrup, or simple syrup to taste. Start with one teaspoon and adjust from there. The sweetness helps balance the roasted notes of the hojicha and creates a more dessert-like beverage experience.
- → Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes! You can brew a larger batch of hojicha and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When ready to serve, simply pour over ice, add your milk and sweetener, and finish with cinnamon. This makes it convenient for meal prep or entertaining guests.
- → What food pairs well with this beverage?
This drink pairs beautifully with light Japanese desserts like mochi, shortbread cookies, or delicate pastries. The roasted tea notes complement subtle sweetness without overpowering delicate flavors. It's also lovely on its own as a refreshing afternoon beverage.
- → Is hojicha caffeinated?
Hojicha contains caffeine but in lower amounts than other green teas due to the roasting process. A typical cup contains about 20-30mg of caffeine, making it a gentler option for those sensitive to caffeine or for afternoon enjoyment.