Drink · Cozy Sips

London Fog Hojicha

A London fog with hojicha instead of earl grey was an idea I had after making too many of the original version and wanting something different. Hojicha has a roasted, almost caramel quality that works even better than black tea in this format. The vanilla is important here. Do not skip it.

Ingredients

Hojicha Base

• 3g hojicha powder
• 30g hot water (175°F)
• 10g maple syrup
• 100ml milk of your choice

Earl Grey Syrup (makes enough for several drinks)

• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 bags earl grey tea

Method

1. 1Make the earl grey syrup: combine water and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves, add earl grey tea bags, and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove tea bags and let the syrup cool completely.
2. 2Sift hojicha powder into a small bowl.
3. 3Pour boiling water into a teacup to cool it to 175°F, then pour into the tea bowl with the hojicha.
4. 4Add maple syrup and whisk vigorously for 15 seconds in an "M" shape until smooth and frothy.
5. 5Add ice to a glass, pour in the earl grey syrup and milk, then slowly pour the hojicha on top.

Tips & Notes

The steamed milk is key here froth it until it is velvety and thick. Hojicha has a naturally lower caffeine content than green tea, making this a lovely evening drink. The vanilla syrup can be swapped for a lavender or honey syrup for variation.