Hojicha Cortado Roasted Japanese Tea (Printable)

Smooth roasted Japanese tea blended with silky steamed milk for a perfectly balanced, warming beverage.

# What You'll Need:

→ Tea

01 - 2 teaspoons hojicha loose leaf tea or 1 hojicha tea bag
02 - 1/2 cup water, just below boiling (approximately 195°F)

→ Milk

03 - 1/2 cup whole milk or plant-based milk alternative

# How-To Steps:

01 - Heat water to just below boiling temperature, approximately 195°F.
02 - Add hojicha tea leaves or tea bag to a teapot or infuser. Pour hot water over the tea and steep for 2 to 3 minutes. Strain or remove the tea bag.
03 - While the tea steeps, steam the milk until hot and frothy. If you do not have a steamer, gently heat milk on the stovetop and whisk until frothy.
04 - Pour the brewed hojicha into a heatproof cup, filling approximately 1/2 cup.
05 - Add the steamed milk in equal proportion, approximately 1/2 cup, holding back the foam with a spoon, then spoon the froth on top if desired.
06 - Serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Combines traditional Japanese roasted tea with a modern latte-style preparation.
  • Naturally lower in caffeine than coffee, making it a great afternoon pick-me-up.
  • Quick and easy to prepare in just 10 minutes total.
  • Offers a unique nutty and caramel-like flavor profile.
02 -
  • Ensure the water is not boiling to avoid scorching the tea leaves and creating bitterness.
  • Use an exact 1:1 ratio of tea to milk to achieve the traditional cortado balance.
  • Hold back the foam while pouring the milk to control the texture, then spoon the froth on top at the end.
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