A cozy, caffeine-gentle winter ritual!
When winter calls for something warm, grounding, and a little festive, this Creamy Peppermint Hojicha Latte answers beautifully. Made with roasted Japanese hojicha, this latte offers a naturally low-caffeine alternative to coffee — layered with notes of toasted caramel, gentle smoke, and cool peppermint sweetness.
Finished with peppermint cream, melted chocolate, and crushed candy canes, this drink feels indulgent without being overwhelming. It’s perfect for slow mornings, afternoon resets, or a calming evening treat when you want comfort without the jitters.
Why Hojicha?
Hojicha is a roasted green tea from Japan that’s beloved for its warm, nutty flavor and naturally low caffeine content. Unlike matcha or coffee, hojicha is gentle on the nervous system, making it an ideal base for cozy, dessert-style drinks — especially during the colder months.
Paired with peppermint, hojicha becomes even more soothing: grounding, aromatic, and quietly festive.
Ingredients
For the latte
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2 tsp hojicha
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1/4 cup hot water
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3/4 cup milk, steamed
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1 tbsp peppermint syrup
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Peppermint cream (recipe below)
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Melted chocolate (for the rim)
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Crushed candy canes or peppermint candy
Peppermint Syrup
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6 oz water
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1/2 cup sugar
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6 mini peppermint candies or candy cane pieces
Peppermint Cream
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2 oz heavy whipping cream
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1 tsp peppermint syrup
How to Make a Creamy Peppermint Hojicha Latte
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Make the peppermint syrup
Add water, sugar, and peppermint candy to a saucepan. Stir over medium heat until fully dissolved, then remove from heat and let cool. -
Prepare the glass
Coat the rim of your cup with melted chocolate, then dip into crushed candy canes or peppermint candy. Set aside. -
Whisk the hojicha
Sift hojicha into a bowl, add hot water, and whisk until smooth. Stir in peppermint syrup, then pour into your prepared cup. -
Add the milk
Steam or heat milk until warm and gently frothy. Pour into the cup and stir. -
Make the peppermint cream
Whip heavy cream with peppermint syrup until thick and spoonable. Dollop generously on top of the latte. -
Finish & enjoy
Dust with extra hojicha or top with more crushed peppermint candy. Sip slowly and enjoy the moment.
A Cozy Tip
Want to make this even more grounding? Try it with oat milk for extra creaminess, or reduce the peppermint syrup slightly for a more subtle, tea-forward flavor. This recipe also works beautifully served warm or lightly iced for a refreshing holiday twist.
Whether you’re swapping coffee for something gentler or simply looking to elevate your winter tea ritual, this Creamy Peppermint Hojicha Latte is a reminder that cozy can still feel intentional — and delicious.
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