Orange Infused Hojicha Recipe: The Perfect Cosy Winter Tea
This simple brewing method has become one of our favourite seasonal rituals. It's easy to make at home, looks stunning and fills the room with the scent of roasted tea and fresh orange.
Why Orange and Hojicha Work So Well Together
Unlike sharper green teas, hojicha has a more naturally smooth and mellow, roasted flavour with a refreshing aftertaste. As the hot water passes through the orange, it lightly extracts the essential oils from the peel.
The result is a cup that's:
- Naturally sweet without adding sugar
- Brightened with fresh orange aroma
- Smooth and low in bitterness
- Perfect for slow winter mornings and cosy afternoons
Our No.8 Loose Leaf Light Roast hojicha is especially suited to this recipe as its lighter roast allows the delicate citrus flavours to shine while still delivering the comforting warmth that hojicha is loved for.
Orange Infused Hojicha Recipe
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Ingredients - 1 fresh orange - No.8 Light Roast Hojicha - 250 to 300ml hot water (around 90°C) - Heatproof cup or glass server |
Method 1. Cut the orange in half. 2. Carefully scoop out the flesh, leaving a hollow orange shell. Using a toothpick or fork, poke holes in the orange skin. 3. Fill the orange with loose leaf No.8 Light Roast hojicha. 4. Place the orange securely over your cup or server. 5. Slowly pour hot water over the tea leaves. 6. Allow the tea to drip through the orange and into your cup. |
The tea will carry gentle citrus notes while retaining the comforting roasted flavour of hojicha.
Optional Winter Additions
For extra warmth, try adding:
- A cinnamon stick
- A couple of cloves
- A drizzle of honey
- A slice of dehydrated orange for serving
These additions pair beautifully with hojicha without overpowering its naturally roasted character.
Why Hojicha is the Perfect Winter Tea
Naturally Low in Caffeine
Because hojicha is roasted, it contains significantly less caffeine than many green teas. That makes it an excellent afternoon or evening drink when you want something warm without affecting your sleep.
Comforting Roasted Flavour
The roasting process removes much of the grassy character found in traditional green tea, replacing it with a smooth and mellow flavour that has a roasted aroma and no bitterness.
Gentle on the Stomach
Many tea drinkers find hojicha easier to enjoy than stronger teas, especially after meals.
Which Hojicha Should You Use?
For this recipe we recommend our No.8 Loose Leaf Light Roast hojicha.
Its lighter roast preserves more delicate sweetness, allowing the orange to gently complement the tea rather than dominate it.
If you prefer richer roasted notes, you can also experiment with No.5 Loose Leaf Dark Roast hojicha for a deeper, more robust winter brew.