Hojicha Einspänner

Get ready to welcome fall with this hojicha einspänner. It’s the perfect balance of warm, toasty hojicha tea and rich, velvety cream. Truly feels like autumn in a glass. The roasted notes of hojicha blend beautifully with the light, sweet cream for an ideal treat on crisp mornings.

What is hojicha powder?

Hojicha is a type of Japanese green tea that has been roasted, which gives it a distinct, nutty, and caramel-like flavor and aroma. Hojicha is also naturally low in caffeine, so you can enjoy it later in the day. Unlike traditional matcha powder, which is bright green and grassy, hojicha has a deep amber-brown hue and a smooth, toasty flavor.

When buying hojicha to make a latte, look for:

Powder instead of loose-leaf tea. Loose-leaf hojicha is meant for steeping, whereas powder is made for whisking or blending directly into drinks.
A fine, smooth texture. Hojicha should dissolve easily when whisked with hot water.
Hojicha should smell lightly sweet and roasted, not stale or bitter.
Look for hojicha that originates from Japan, ideally from Kyoto or Uji.

What is an einspänner?

The einspänner originated in Vienna as a strong black coffee served with a generous topping of whipped cream. The name comes from the German word for a one-horse carriage, as this drink was said to be perfect for carriage drivers who needed a strong coffee that would stay warm for a long time under a thick layer of cream.

We’ve swapped hojicha for espresso, which creates a similar indulgent drink but with less caffeine and comforting, toasty, and almost caramel-like notes.

Ingredients:

2 tsp hojicha powder

3 tbsp hot water

¼ cup heavy cream

1 tbsp sweetener (such as honey, maple syrup, or simple syrup)

½ cup milk

Directions:

1. Sift hojicha powder into a bowl. Add hot water and whisk until frothy. Set aside.

2. In a separate cup, combine heavy cream and sweetener, and froth until thick. Set aside.

3. Fill a glass with ice. Pour in your milk of choice, followed by half of the whipped cream. Slowly pour in hojicha. Top with the remaining whipped cream.

4. Finish with a dusting of hojicha powder.

Enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

If you don’t have a frother, you can whip cream by hand using a whisk (about 2-3 minutes) or shake it vigorously in a sealed jar until thick.
Adjust your sweetness to taste. Hojicha pairs well with maple syrup or vanilla-infused simple syrup.
If you want a hot drink, skip the ice and gently heat your milk instead.
Make it dairy-free by swapping heavy cream for coconut cream and oat or almond milk for dairy milk.
Since hojicha is naturally low in caffeine, this drink can be enjoyed in the late afternoon!

Bottom Line:

This hojicha einspänner captures the essence of fall. It’s comforting, aromatic, and satisfying. Whether you’re watching the leaves change, working from home, or just winding down after dinner, this drink brings a sense of calm and quiet joy to your day. We hope each sip can be a reminder to slow down and savor the season.