Save to Pinterest A Hojicha Americano is a soothing, aromatic beverage that artfully blends roasted Japanese green tea with hot water. This combination creates a drink with coffee-like strength and depth, making it the perfect gentle pick-me-up for those who want the warmth of a dark roast without the jitters of caffeine.
Save to Pinterest Hojicha is unique because the tea leaves are roasted, which removes bitterness and results in a toasted, nutty flavor. When prepared as an Americano, the concentrated tea base is lengthened with hot water, mimicking the experience of a traditional espresso-based drink.
Ingredients
- Tea: 2 teaspoons hojicha loose leaf tea (or 1 hojicha tea bag)
- Water: 240 ml (1 cup) filtered water, just off the boil
Instructions
- Step 1
- Heat the filtered water to about 90°C (194°F), just below boiling.
- Step 2
- Add the hojicha tea leaves or tea bag to a teapot or mug.
- Step 3
- Pour the hot water over the hojicha.
- Step 4
- Steep for 3–4 minutes, adjusting time for desired strength.
- Step 5
- Strain and discard the leaves (if using loose leaf).
- Step 6
- Serve hot, as you would an Americano coffee.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For a stronger flavor, you can increase the amount of hojicha or extend the steeping time. Using filtered water is recommended to ensure the clean, earthy notes of the roasted tea are not masked by minerals.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can easily customize this beverage by adding a splash of oat milk or soy milk for a creamy variation. If you prefer a sweeter profile, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup complements the nutty roasted notes beautifully.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this Hojicha Americano hot in a mug or clear glass to appreciate its deep amber hue. Because hojicha is naturally low in caffeine, it is an excellent choice for a calming beverage in the late afternoon or evening.
Save to Pinterest Whether you are looking to reduce your coffee intake or simply enjoy the unique toasted notes of Japanese tea, the Hojicha Americano is a versatile and comforting addition to your drink repertoire.
Ask About This Recipe
- → What is Hojicha?
Hojicha is roasted Japanese green tea made from sun-grown tea leaves and stems that are roasted over charcoal at high heat. This roasting process gives the tea a reddish-brown color and distinct toasty, nutty flavor profile with lower caffeine content than other green teas.
- → Is Hojicha Americano caffeinated?
Yes, but Hojicha contains significantly less caffeine than coffee and other green teas due to the roasting process. A typical cup has about 20–30 mg of caffeine compared to 95 mg in coffee, making it suitable for afternoon or evening drinking.
- → Can I make this iced?
Absolutely. Brew the Hojicha double-strength using hot water, then pour over ice for a refreshing iced version. The roasted flavor profile shines in both hot and cold preparations.
- → What makes it an Americano?
The Americano reference comes from the preparation method of combining concentrated tea with hot water, similar to how an Americano coffee is made. It creates a full-bodied beverage with coffee-like strength and depth.
- → How do I store Hojicha leaves?
Store loose leaf Hojicha in an airtight container away from light, heat, and moisture. Properly stored, it will maintain freshness for 6–12 months. Avoid keeping it near spices or strongly scented foods as tea absorbs odors.
- → Can I reuse Hojicha leaves?
Yes, you can resteep Hojicha leaves 2–3 times. The second infusion often yields a slightly lighter but still flavorful cup. You may need to increase steeping time slightly for subsequent steeps.