If you’re looking for a cozy, nutty, and slightly toasty latte to bring in fall, this black sesame hojicha latte is for you. The roasted notes of Japanese hojicha tea paired with the richness of black sesame give you a latte as beautiful as it is delicious. If you’ve never heard of hojicha, it’s matcha’s effortlessly cool younger brother. It’s a type of roasted green tea with a nutty, toasty flavor that’s both smooth and mellow. This latte feels indulgent yet perfectly balanced. It’s creamy, sweet, and layered with flavor.
What is hojicha
Hojicha is a type of Japanese green tea that’s roasted at a higher temperature, which gives it a warm, nutty, slightly caramel flavor. Unlike matcha, which is a vibrant green and has almost an earthy flavor, hojicha has a deep amber color and a toasty aroma. It’s naturally low in caffeine, making it an excellent choice for late afternoons or evenings when you want something comforting that won’t disrupt your sleep. You can buy hojicha as a powder or as a loose leaf tea. Look for hojicha powder if making this recipe. If you’ve never tried hojicha, this recipe is a great way to give it a go!
What is black sesame paste, and where to find it
Black sesame paste is made by grinding roasted black sesame seeds into a smooth, nutty, slightly sweet paste. It’s widely used in East Asian desserts like ice creams and baked goods. It’s rich and earthy and complements roasted teas like hojicha perfectly.
You can find black sesame paste at most Asian grocery stores. You can also order it online from specialty retailers.
What you’ll need
Hojicha powder: Provides the base for the latte. Look for a high-quality Japanese-sourced hojicha powder for the best flavor. Find our hojicha powder here!
Black sesame paste: Adds depth and nuttiness.
Milk: Dairy, oat, almond, or soy all work. Use your favorite! Creamier milks pair especially well with hojicha.
Sweetener: You can use honey, maple syrup, or simple syrup. Taste and adjust as needed.
Heavy cream: Essential for the cold foam topping! For a vegan alternative, use coconut cream.
Ingredients:
2 tsp hojicha powder
¼ cup hot water
½ cup milk of choice
1 tsp sweetener
Ice cubes
Black sesame cold foam to top
Black sesame cold foam:
3 tbsp heavy cream
2 tbsp milk of choice
1 tbsp sweetener
2 tsp black sesame paste
Directions:
1. Pour milk and sweetener into a glass and stir to combine. Fill the glass with ice.
2. Sift hojicha powder into a bowl, add hot water, and whisk until frothy. Pour it on top of the milk.
3. Combine heavy cream, milk, sweetener, and black sesame paste. Using an electric frother, mix until frothy and thick. Pour over hojicha mixture.
Why hojicha and black sesame work together
Hojicha brings roasted earthy notes with a subtle sweetness, while black sesame adds nuttiness, richness, and balances out the creaminess. Together, they create a comforting drink that’s a little less sweet than most lattes, but with far more depth. And because hojicha is naturally lower in caffeine, you can drink this latte almost any time of day!
Bottom Line
As fall approaches, you may want something warmer, nuttier, and a bit more grounding. This black sesame hojicha will win you over. It’s the perfect fusion of Japanese tea culture and traditional Asian flavors. Be prepared for this to become your new go-to afternoon pick-me-up!
