Creamy Hojicha Vanilla Milkshake

On a gray afternoon walk through Uji, Japan's famous tea district, I stumbled upon a tiny café serving something unexpected. The air smelled of roasted tea leaves and vanilla, and inside, a milkshake the color of autumn sat on every table. One sip and I understood why Hojicha works so brilliantly in cold drinks. That evening in my Kyoto Airbnb kitchen, I recreated it with nothing but a small blender and store-bought vanilla ice cream. Now it's my go-to when I want something comforting but not too sweet.

Last summer, my sister visited during a heatwave and I made these for us both. She took one sip and closed her eyes, saying it reminded her of roasted marshmallows from camping trips. We sat on the back steps drinking them while the sun went down, and she asked for the recipe before her plane even took off.

Ingredients

• Vanilla ice cream: Use a good quality brand with real vanilla, not too sweet, as it forms the base of the entire shake
• Whole milk: Creates the perfect creamy consistency, though oat milk works beautifully if you prefer plant-based
• Hojicha powder: This roasted Japanese green tea has an earthy, toasty flavor that cuts through the richness
• Whipped cream: Adds a lovely light texture on top and makes it feel like a special treat
• Crushed roasted nuts: Walnuts or pecans echo the roasted notes in the tea
• Extra Hojicha powder: For dusting on top, which adds a beautiful finish

Instructions

Combine everything:

Add vanilla ice cream, milk, and Hojicha powder to your blender

Blend until smooth:

Puree until completely creamy with no visible powder remaining, about 30 to 45 seconds

Prepare your glasses:

Pop two glasses in the freezer for at least 10 minutes while you blend

Pour and garnish:

Divide between chilled glasses and add toppings however you like

Serve right away:

The texture is best immediately, so grab a straw and enjoy

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My kids now request these on weekend afternoons, and I've started keeping a small tin of Hojicha powder in the pantry just for this recipe. Something about the warm, roasted flavor feels like a hug in a glass.

Getting The Texture Right

If your shake feels too thin, add a few more scoops of ice cream and blend again. Too thick? Splash in a little more milk. The perfect consistency should coat a spoon but still sip easily through a straw.

Making It Your Way

Sometimes I add a frozen banana for extra creaminess and natural sweetness. A tiny pinch of sea salt enhances the roasted tea flavor without making it taste salty.

Serving Ideas

These pair beautifully with Japanese sweets, but they're also perfect on their own as an afternoon pick-me-up.

• Chill your glasses in advance for the best experience
• Use wide straws so you can enjoy the toppings with every sip
• Double the recipe if you're serving more than two people

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Hope this becomes one of your favorite quick treats too.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What does Hojicha taste like?

Hojicha features a distinctive toasty, nutty flavor with caramel notes. Unlike other green teas, the roasting process reduces bitterness and creates a smooth, earthy profile that pairs beautifully with creamy ingredients like vanilla ice cream.

→ Can I make this dairy-free?

Absolutely. Substitute dairy-based vanilla ice cream with your favorite plant-based alternative like coconut, almond, or oat milk ice cream. Use any plant-based milk you prefer—the toasty Hojicha flavor complements all varieties well.

→ How do I adjust the tea flavor strength?

Start with 2 tablespoons of Hojicha powder for balanced flavor. For a more intense tea taste, increase to 3 tablespoons. If you prefer a subtler note, reduce to 1 tablespoon. Since the powder blends directly, you can easily customize each batch to your preference.

→ What toppings work best?

Whipped cream adds classic creaminess, while crushed roasted nuts complement the toasty notes. Extra Hojicha powder dusted on top creates an elegant finish and intensifies the flavor. For a Japanese touch, try topping with sweet red bean paste or small mochi pieces.

→ Does Hojicha contain less caffeine?

Yes, the roasting process significantly reduces caffeine content compared to other green teas. This makes Hojicha milkshakes a great afternoon or evening option when you want a comforting treat without the caffeine kick typically found in matcha or coffee-based beverages.

→ Can I prepare this in advance?

For best texture and flavor, blend and serve immediately. However, you can pre-measure ingredients or pre-chill your glasses. If you must prepare ahead, blend and store in the freezer for up to 30 minutes, then give it a quick stir before serving.