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Hojicha caramel latte in a clear glass mug topped with caramel drizzle and creamy milk foam on a neutral background
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Hojicha Caramel Latte (Cozy Roasted Tea Latte)

This hojicha caramel latte is smooth, creamy, and lightly sweet with warm roasted tea flavor and buttery caramel. Made with strong brewed hojicha and steamed milk, this cozy café-style drink is easy to make at home and perfect hot or iced.
Course Beverage, Coffeehouse Drinks, Drink, Latte, Tea Drinks
Cuisine Asian-inspired, Café, Fusion, Japanese-Inspired
Keyword café style hojicha latte, caramel hojicha latte, caramel milk tea latte, caramel tea latte, hojicha caramel latte, hojicha latte at home, hojicha latte recipe, hojicha latte with caramel, hojicha milk tea, homemade hojicha latte, hot hojicha latte, iced hojicha caramel latte, Japanese hojicha latte, roasted green tea latte, roasted tea latte recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 1 latte
Calories 180kcal
Cost $2 for entire recipe

Equipment

  • Mug or heatproof glass
  • Small saucepan or microwave-safe cup (for heating milk)
  • Tea strainer (if using loose-leaf hojicha)
  • Spoon or small whisk
  • Milk frother (optional)

Ingredients

  • 1 hojicha tea bag OR 2 teaspoons loose-leaf hojicha
  • 4 ounces hot water
  • 8 ounces milk whole milk or oat milk recommended
  • 1 tablespoon caramel syrup or caramel sauce
  • Optional: caramel drizzle for topping

Instructions

Step 1: Brew the hojicha

  • Place the hojicha tea bag or loose-leaf hojicha in a mug.
  • Pour 4 ounces hot water over the tea.
  • Steep for 2–3 minutes for a strong brew.
  • Remove tea bag or strain leaves.

Step 2: Add caramel

  • Stir the caramel syrup into the hot hojicha until fully dissolved.

Step 3: Heat the milk

  • Heat milk in a saucepan or microwave until hot but not boiling.
  • Froth if desired.

Step 4: Assemble the latte

  • Pour the hot milk into the hojicha caramel mixture.
  • Stir gently to combine.

Step 5: Optional topping

  • Drizzle caramel over the top and add foam if desired.

Notes

Use Strong Brewed Hojicha

Use strong brewed hojicha so the roasted tea flavor doesn’t get lost in the milk. A weak brew will make the drink taste mostly like caramel milk instead of a balanced hojicha caramel latte.

Caramel Syrup vs Caramel Sauce

Caramel syrup blends more smoothly into the drink, while caramel sauce creates a richer dessert-style hojicha latte. Either works, but syrup gives a more café-style result.

Best Milk Options

Whole milk and oat milk produce the creamiest texture. Oat milk especially enhances the caramel flavor and pairs naturally with roasted hojicha notes.

Avoid Over-Steeping

Do not steep hojicha longer than about 3 minutes. Over-steeping can make the tea taste smoky or slightly bitter and overpower the caramel.

How to Make It Stronger

If you want a stronger hojicha flavor, reduce the milk slightly instead of adding more tea. This keeps the latte smooth while boosting roasted tea taste.

Iced Version Tip

Let the brewed hojicha cool slightly before pouring over ice. This prevents dilution and keeps the caramel flavor balanced.

Salted Caramel Variation

Add a very small pinch of salt to create a salted caramel hojicha latte. This enhances both the roasted tea and caramel flavors.

Serve Fresh

This hojicha caramel latte tastes best served immediately while hot and creamy, but it can also be chilled for a smooth iced hojicha caramel latte.