There’s just something cozy about a cold drink that still feels warm on the inside, you know? That’s what you get with this Hojicha Frappe.
It’s creamy, nutty, a little earthy, and the roasted green tea flavor is mellow—not bitter at all.
This is the drink I make when I want something relaxing but still a treat. It’s not too sweet, not too heavy, and it’s ready in minutes.
Let’s make it together!
❤️ Why I Love This Recipe
This hojicha frappe is pure comfort in a cup. I started making it after falling in love with roasted tea lattes in a tiny café in Kyoto. It’s mellow and smooth, and the flavor is so different from matcha—more cozy, less grassy. Here’s what makes it a regular in my kitchen:
- Roasted and toasty flavor that feels like a hug.
- No fancy tools—just a blender and a few ingredients.
- Super quick to make, but feels special every time.
- Easy to customize with oat milk, almond milk, or coconut cream.
🍽️ Servings + Time
- Makes: 2 servings
- Total Time: 5 minutes
📊 Macros (per serving)
- Calories: 105
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 3g
- Carbs: 16g
- Sugar: 9g
🔬 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Hojicha is roasted green tea, which lowers the caffeine and brings out deep, nutty flavors. When blended with milk and a bit of ice, it gives a creamy texture that’s smooth and rich. The roasting process caramelizes some of the tea’s natural sugars, making it naturally sweeter and more mellow than matcha. That’s why it pairs so well with milk.
🧂 What You’ll Need
- 2 tsp hojicha powder
- 1 cup milk (any kind—dairy, oat, almond)
- 1 cup ice
- 2–3 tsp sugar or honey
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- Whipped cream or extra hojicha powder for topping (optional)
👩🍳 Tools You’ll Need
- Blender
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cup
- Serving glasses
- Small spoon for toppings
🧠 Pro Tips
- Sift the hojicha powder first—it blends better and avoids clumps.
- Use cold milk to keep your frappe icy and smooth.
- Start with less sweetener and add more if you need—it’s easy to adjust.
- Blend on high speed for the smoothest texture.
- Top with whipped cream and a dusting of hojicha powder for café vibes.
🔁 Substitutions & Variations
- Swap sugar with honey, maple syrup, or stevia.
- Use oat milk or almond milk for a dairy-free version.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to make it more like a dessert.
- Use cold brew hojicha if you don’t have powder—just blend less milk and more tea.
🕒 Make-Ahead Tips
You can make the hojicha mixture (milk + sweetener + hojicha) ahead of time and keep it chilled. Just blend with ice when ready.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Add Ice to Blender
Add 1 cup of ice to your blender. This helps give that perfect frozen frappe texture.
2. Add Hojicha Powder
Add 2 tsp of hojicha powder, sifted, into the blender. This is your flavor base.
3. Pour in Milk
Pour in 1 cup cold milk of your choice (I love oat milk for this!).
4. Add Sweetener and Vanilla
Add 2–3 tsp sugar or honey and 1/4 tsp vanilla extract if using.
5. Blend Until Smooth
Blend on high for 30–45 seconds, until smooth and frothy.
6. Pour and Serve
Pour into glasses, top with whipped cream or a sprinkle of hojicha powder if you like.
🥡 Leftovers & Storage
Frappe is best enjoyed right away. If you need to store it, keep the blended mix (before adding ice) in the fridge up to 24 hours. Re-blend with fresh ice before serving.
🍽️ What to Serve With It
- A slice of butter mochi
- Matcha cookies for a green tea theme
- A light fruit salad
- Sweet red bean toast if you’re feeling fancy
🧠 Common Mistakes
- Using hot milk – it melts the ice and makes it soupy.
- Skipping the sifting – you’ll get clumps of hojicha.
- Over-blending – it can get too foamy instead of creamy.
- Too much sweetener – hojicha has natural sweetness; taste first!
🧾 FAQ
What is hojicha?
It’s roasted green tea, usually made from bancha leaves. It’s mellow and nutty, not bitter like some green teas.
Where can I buy hojicha powder?
Online, at Japanese grocery stores, or some well-stocked tea shops.
Can I make this without a blender?
Yes! Use a shaker bottle with cold brewed hojicha and milk, but it’ll be more like iced tea than a frappe.
Is hojicha high in caffeine?
Nope! It’s much lower in caffeine than matcha or coffee. Great for afternoons.
🗓️ Meal Plan Ideas
- Afternoon pick-me-up with fruit and granola
- Light dessert after a sushi dinner
- Weekend brunch drink with sweet toast or pancakes
- Study break treat with a cookie or two
🥰 Final Thoughts
This hojicha frappe is my go-to for when I want a café moment at home—without leaving my kitchen. It’s quick, simple, and packed with roasted tea flavor that feels like a quiet little break in your day.
Try it, and let me know how it turned out! Leave a comment with your thoughts or any questions—I’d love to hear from you. 💬