Craft Hōjicha | Blue Bottle Coffee

Craft Hōjicha

Toasted Walnut, Caramel, Cocoa

A gentle counterpoint to the vibrancy of matcha, Craft Hōjicha is a grounding, restorative ritual designed for moments of calm, whether enjoyed as an evening wind-down or a soothing morning latte. While most Japanese green teas are defined by their fresh, verdant notes, hōjicha finds its flavor in a specialized high-heat roasting process. This transformation removes any lingering bitterness, coaxing out a warm, natural sweetness with low caffeine and a sophisticated profile of toasty, nutty, and smoky caramel notes.

Pair It With

Craft Matcha - $35

Sweet Blossom Syrup - $12

Craft Hōjicha Set of Three - $98

Craft Hōjicha and Matcha Set - $65

Ha’ Matcha Whisk - $45

Ha’ Matcha Cup Set - $49

Origin and Partnerships

Our team worked with Uji-based Rishouen — a teahouse born from five generations of tea knowledge — to source hōjicha of the same outstanding quality as our ceremonial-grade Craft Matcha.

Producer

Rishouen is led by Koji Kagata, a second-generation tea master whose inherited learnings in the Way of Tea began with his great-great-grandfather, a tea farmer in Uji.

Processing

Before grinding, the leaves undergo a traditional sand-roasting process that transforms the green tea into something deeply restorative. By roasting the whole leaf at high temperatures, its deep amber color and complex profile are teased out.

Origin

Japan is to tea as Ethiopia and Yemen are to coffee — a place of deep heritage and tradition. We source our hōjicha from tea fields in Kyoto Prefecture and other regions of Japan, considered among the world’s finest tea-growing regions.

Craft Hōjicha

Our Craft Hojicha was once one of our most popular tea drinks in our cafes. Rich, nutty flavor meets smooth, creamy milk in our low-caffeine Hōjicha Latte. Discover what makes this toasty, grounding cup so loved, day and night.

With or Without Milk

Delicious hōjicha lattes can be made at home. Sweet and mellow with an intricate, nutty taste, this hōjicha is a comforting, full-bodied delicacy when paired with milk and served over ice, or enjoyed with a rich pour of steamed milk.

Traditional Tastes

Hōjicha is a traditional Japanese staple. Enjoyed year-round, cold or hot, it’s often brewed in a large pot for families to enjoy at mealtime. Because of its low caffeine content, hōjicha is seen as an afternoon delight — something to complement rest and relaxation.

Powder vs. Loose Leaf

While loose-leaf hojicha is traditionally steeped and strained to create a light, aromatic cup for sipping “neat,” the stone-ground powder format offers a bolder, richer experience. Because the entire roasted leaf is consumed, the flavor is intensified, allowing it to stand up perfectly to milk in lattes.

Hōjicha Two Ways

What You'll Need

Hōjicha 1 1/2 teaspoon (3 g)

Milk 8 oz (237 mL)

Water 1 oz (30 mL)

Whisk Bamboo

Mix 1 oz water (170°F) with 1 ½ teaspoon (3 g) Craft Hōjicha using a whisk or NanoFoamer (without the screen).
If you wish, add a sweetener of your choice and mix until dissolved. We recommended 1/2 tsp (2 g) of sugar for a subtle sweetness.
Transfer the hōjicha base to your favorite mug.
Heat 8 oz milk and, if desired, aerate with NanoFoamer (with the screen).
Pour in your milk and enjoy.
Pro Tip: For a smoother texture, sift your Craft Hōjicha through a fine sieve before adding water. You can use the back of a spoon to move the powder through the sieve.

What You'll Need

Craft Hōjicha - $35

Ha’ Matcha Whisk - $45

Ha’ Matcha Cup Set - $49

Essentialist Cup and Saucer - $42