Hojicha Macchiato Japanese Latte

Featured in: Tea Time Treats

Craft a comforting Japanese beverage by brewing roasted hojicha green tea and topping it with velvety steamed milk foam. This soothing drink combines earthy, nutty notes from the roasted tea leaves with creamy richness, creating a perfectly balanced latte experience.

Ready in just 10 minutes, this warming beverage offers an espresso-style presentation with the gentle caffeine of roasted green tea. Perfect for afternoon tea moments or as a calming evening treat.

Updated on Thu, 05 Feb 2026 10:04:54 GMT
Steaming Hojicha Macchiato with frothy milk foam in a white ceramic cup on a cozy wooden table. Save to Pinterest
Steaming Hojicha Macchiato with frothy milk foam in a white ceramic cup on a cozy wooden table. | lovelyserena.com

Hojicha Macchiato is a soothing Japanese-inspired beverage featuring roasted green tea (hojicha) topped with a cloud of steamed milk for a creamy, espresso-style experience. This drink offers a cozy and nutty alternative to traditional coffee-based drinks, making it a perfect easy-to-prepare treat.

Steaming Hojicha Macchiato with frothy milk foam in a white ceramic cup on a cozy wooden table. Save to Pinterest
Steaming Hojicha Macchiato with frothy milk foam in a white ceramic cup on a cozy wooden table. | lovelyserena.com

The key to a perfect Hojicha Macchiato is the contrast between the dark, roasted tea base and the light, airy milk foam. By using high-quality hojicha leaves and properly textured milk, you can recreate a cafe-style experience at home.

Ingredients

  • Tea Base
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons hojicha loose leaf tea (or 1 hojicha tea bag)
  • 150 ml (2/3 cup) hot water (about 90°C / 195°F)
  • Milk
  • 40 ml (2–3 tablespoons) whole milk (or oat milk for dairy-free)
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Instructions

Step 1
Heat water to about 90°C (195°F). Place hojicha tea leaves or tea bag in a teapot or mug.
Step 2
Pour hot water over the tea and steep for 2–3 minutes. Remove the leaves or tea bag.
Step 3
Meanwhile, steam the milk using a milk frother, steam wand, or by heating and whisking until frothy.
Step 4
Pour the brewed hojicha into a small cup (such as an espresso cup or demitasse).
Step 5
Spoon a small amount of steamed milk foam directly onto the center of the tea, creating a macchiato dot.
Step 6
Serve immediately.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure the best flavor, use a teapot or heatproof mug and a tea strainer if you are using loose leaf tea. Achieving the perfect "macchiato dot" is easiest with a dedicated milk frother or a small whisk to create stable, velvety foam.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a vegan or dairy-free version, oat or soy milk are excellent substitutes. If you prefer a bit more sweetness, you can stir a touch of honey or brown sugar into the hojicha tea before topping it with the milk foam.

Serviervorschläge

Serve your Hojicha Macchiato in an espresso cup or a small mug to emphasize its concentrated flavor. The roasted notes of the tea pair wonderfully with an optional dusting of cinnamon or cocoa powder on top of the foam.

Creamy Hojicha Macchiato in a glass mug, showcasing roasted tea color and a latte foam swirl. Save to Pinterest
Creamy Hojicha Macchiato in a glass mug, showcasing roasted tea color and a latte foam swirl. | lovelyserena.com

This simple yet elegant drink is a wonderful way to enjoy the rich tea culture of Japan. Nutritional Information (per serving): Calories: 45, Total Fat: 2 g, Carbohydrates: 4 g, Protein: 2 g.

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Ask About This Recipe

What makes hojicha different from regular green tea?

Hojicha is roasted green tea that undergoes high-heat roasting, resulting in a reddish-brown color, lower caffeine content, and earthy, nutty flavor notes with less vegetal character than unroasted green teas.

Can I make this without a milk frother?

Yes! Heat milk in a small saucepan until hot but not boiling, then whisk vigorously by hand or use a handheld immersion blender to create frothy foam. Alternatively, shake warm milk in a sealed jar for 30-60 seconds.

What milk alternatives work best?

Oat milk froths exceptionally well and provides a creamy texture similar to dairy. Soy milk also creates good foam. Almond and coconut milk tend to be thinner but still work for a lighter version.

Is this suitable for evening consumption?

Absolutely! Hojicha naturally contains lower caffeine levels than other green teas and coffee, making it a gentle choice for afternoon or evening enjoyment without disrupting sleep patterns.

How can I enhance the flavor profile?

Add a drizzle of honey or brown sugar for sweetness, dust with cinnamon or cocoa powder for spice notes, or try a splash of vanilla extract. The roasted tea also pairs beautifully with a pinch of sea salt.

Hojicha Macchiato Japanese Latte

Roasted green tea meets creamy steamed milk in this soothing Japanese-style latte.

Prep Duration
5 minutes
Cook Duration
5 minutes
Overall Time
10 minutes
Created by Serena Moore


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Japanese

Makes 1 Portions

Dietary Details No Meat, Wheat-Free

What You Need

Tea Base

01 1.5 teaspoons hojicha loose leaf tea or 1 hojicha tea bag
02 2/3 cup hot water (195°F)

Milk

01 2-3 tablespoons whole milk or oat milk

How To Make It

Step 01

Heat water to proper temperature: Heat water to 195°F. Place hojicha tea leaves or tea bag in a teapot or mug.

Step 02

Steep the tea: Pour hot water over the tea and steep for 2-3 minutes. Remove the leaves or tea bag.

Step 03

Prepare steamed milk: Steam the milk using a milk frother, steam wand, or by heating and whisking until frothy.

Step 04

Pour brewed tea: Pour the brewed hojicha into a small espresso cup or demitasse.

Step 05

Add milk foam: Spoon a small amount of steamed milk foam directly onto the center of the tea, creating a macchiato dot.

Step 06

Serve: Serve immediately.

Tools You'll Need

  • Teapot or heatproof mug
  • Tea strainer for loose leaf tea
  • Milk frother or small whisk
  • Espresso cup or small mug

Allergy Details

Review ingredients for allergens and speak to your healthcare provider if you have concerns.
  • Contains milk if using dairy milk
  • Use plant-based milk for dairy-free and vegan version
  • Double-check tea and milk labels for possible cross-contamination

Nutrition per Portion

Details are for reference and aren't a substitute for expert medical guidance.
  • Energy: 45
  • Lipids: 2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Proteins: 2 g