If you love peppermint mochas, give this peppermint hojicha latte a try for something fun and new. Hojicha, a type of roasted green tea, is a bit gentler and has nutty caramel notes. Because it has a less caffeine its the perfect option for afternoons and evenings. Hojicha pairs well with the peppermint, rich chocolate, and a not-too-sweet, homemade peppermint whipped cream topping. It checks all the boxes by being festive, fun, and delicious.

What is Hojicha?

Hojicha is a roasted green tea that is naturally lower in caffeine than matcha or coffee. It has a warm, nutty flavor and is especially great for dessert-style drinks or lattes. Check out our hojicha powder here.

Hojicha powder vs. loose-leaf hojicha

Hojicha comes in two main forms: loose leaf and powder, and while both offer the same warm, roasted flavor, they’re used a bit differently.

Loose-leaf hojicha is brewed like a traditional tea, then strained. It gives you a light, smooth cup that’s perfect for sipping on its own. Because the leaves are removed, the flavor tends to be a bit more subtle.

Hojicha powder, on the other hand, is made by finely grinding roasted hojicha leaves. Similar to matcha, you whisk the entire leaf into water or milk, meaning you consume the whole tea leaf. This gives hojicha powder a richer, more full-bodied flavor and makes it ideal for lattes, desserts, and baking. It also blends seamlessly with milk and syrups without tasting watered down.

For this recipe, we recommend using hojicha powder. It has a deeper, toastier flavor, which holds up well against peppermint, chocolate, and cream.

Ingredients

Peppermint Hojicha Latte

• 2 tsp hojicha powder

• 1/4 cup hot water

• 3/4 cup milk of choice, steamed

• 1 tbsp peppermint syrup

• Melted chocolate (for rim)

• Crushed candy canes

Peppermint Syrup

• 3/4 cup water

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 6 peppermint candies

Peppermint Cream

• 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream

• 1 tsp peppermint syrup

Directions:

1. Add the water, sugar, and peppermint candies to a saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally, until the sugar and candies fully dissolve. Remove from heat and let cool.

2. Dip the rim of your mug into melted chocolate, then immediately dip into crushed candy canes until fully coated. Set aside to allow the chocolate to firm up.

3. Sift the hojicha powder into a bowl. Add hot water and whisk until smooth and fully dissolved. Stir in 1 tablespoon of peppermint syrup. Pour into your prepared mug.

4. Steam or heat your milk, then gently pour it into the hojicha mixture.

5. Whip the heavy cream with 1 teaspoon peppermint syrup until soft peaks form. Spoon generously on top of the latte.

Finish with a light dusting of hojicha powder and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• Go dairy-free: Use oat milk and coconut cream for the topping

• Make it less sweet: Reduce the syrup or skip the candy cane rim

• Add some extra flavors: Add a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla to the hojicha

Bottom Line

This Peppermint Hojicha Latte gives you all the holiday nostalgia with chocolate, peppermint, and cream, but without the caffeine overload. Ideal for anyone sensitive to caffeine or for a cozy evening drink. If you’ve never tried hojicha before, this is a great recipe to give it a try! Find our hojicha powder here.