As summer heat wave is still striking in Japan and in many other countries around the world, this month we are talking about something light and refreshing.
Here you can find the recipe of our 3 “summer tea” suggestions to enjoy Japanese teas in a different way while fighting off the heat. And if you live in the other side of the equator.. well keep it in mind and give it a try in a few months 😉
Either way, we hope you like it! Here we go.
ICED HOJICHA
Choose a hojicha that you like. For this recipe, we have used the spring bancha hojicha from Haru1ban, Kagoshima Prefecture. Leave 3g of tea to steep with 80ml water at room temperature for 45 minutes. In this way, the brew will come out more intense. When the tea is almost ready, prepare a glass with ice cubes, a slice of orange peel and a slice of lime peel. The citrus aroma and zesty freshness will pair quite well with the roasted green tea. Pour the hojicha into the glass and enjoy!
ICED MATCHA LATTE
Choose a spring matcha (often called “ceremonial grade” outside of Japan). We have used Hosoi Nouen‘s from Kyoto Prefecture. Sift two chashaku of matcha (about 1.5 gr) into a chawan. Pour 60ml of water at 80ºC and whisk until you get a foamy nice matcha. In a glass place about 5 ice cubes and pour over 60ml of cold coconut milk. To finish, pour the matcha on top. The coconut milk is very light in flavor and texture compared to other milks: it does not overpower the matcha but adds a tiny bit more creaminess and sweet freshness. Better enjoyed sitting outside!
ICED WAKOCHA
Here we have used a summer harvest of koshun cultivar by Kajihara Tea Farm in Kumamoto Prefecture. This cultivar is quite peculiar, but really you can choose and try with any wakocha you like. Steep 3g of tea with 80ml of water at 40ºC for 45 minutes. Add some ice cubes with a slice of peach and a shiso leaf (optional) into a fancy glass. Pour over the steeped wakocha. The sweetness of the peach combines perfectly with the tannins of a black tea and the shiso adds a herby fresh trait. A twisty cocktail vibe – without the alcohol!