If you’re craving something creamy, refreshing, and just a little different from your usual tea, this coconut hojicha cloud is a must-try! It’s smooth, nutty, and perfectly balanced with a deep, toasty flavor that tastes amazing with coconut water.
It’s hydrating, lightly caffeinated, and so simple to make at home with just a few ingredients.
Here’s how to make this delicious coconut hojicha cloud at home!
What is a Hojicha Cloud?
A hojicha cloud is just a fancy name for a hojicha cream or cold foam. However, the name originates from its cloud-like appearance: a fluffy, soft cream on top of a liquid, such as coconut water in this case.
This cloud coconut drink trend comes from social media, which originated with matcha instead of hojicha, although I’m not sure who created it.
What is a Coconut Hojicha Cloud?
A coconut hojicha cloud is coconut water with a fluffy hojicha cream on top, all over ice. It’s the hojicha version of the matcha coconut cloud! It looks so cool, with a slightly transparent body and a tan fluffy cream on top.
You can make the cream with either coconut or heavy cream, but coconut cream will give a stronger coconut flavor, while the heavy cream provides a dairy taste instead. I personally like the heavy cream version more, because I find coconut cream can be overbearing.
This drink also does not need any additional sugar other than from the coconut water. It’s perfectly sweet from the coconut water, and the cream top adds a nice richness. However, if you want it to be sweeter, feel free to add your favorite sweetener.
What does a Coconut Hojicha Cloud Taste Like?
This drink is so refreshing and addictive.
The coconut hojicha cloud is creamy, slightly sweet, and super refreshing. The coconut water, while sweet, has a savory quality to it, similar to Gatorade. It’s not sweet like desserts and is more hydrating than anything.
The cream on top blends into the coconut water, making it super creamy and delicious. I was skeptical of it at first, but the hojicha has a nice roasted taste that makes this taste similar to a chocolate-flavored coconut water. It’s unlike any other tea drink you’ll have and a nice hydrating treat that will give you a nice caffeine boost.
Why You Should Make This Recipe
- It’s café-level fancy but easy to make. You don’t need a milk frother or espresso machine, just a whisk (or handheld frother), heavy cream, and some coconut water.
- The flavor is unique and comforting. Hojicha’s roasted, toasty flavor pairs perfectly with the subtle sweetness of coconut. It’s nutty, slightly smoky, and so cozy, which gives hot chocolate vibes.
- It’s caffeine-friendly. Hojicha is naturally low in caffeine, so you can enjoy this drink anytime, when you wake up or before bed.
- It feels like a light dessert. Just think of a fluffy hojicha whipped cream mixed into a refreshing coconut water. It’s basically a light ice cream!
Coconut Hojicha Cloud Recipe: Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup coconut water
- 1 cup ice
- 1 tsp hojicha powder
How to Make a Coconut Hojicha Cloud
- Add heavy cream and hojicha powder into a small cup or bowl. Tip: For a smoother cream, prepare your hojicha in a bit of water, then add it to the cream. Adding the hojicha powder straight into the cream increases your chances of clumps.
- Whip hojicha cream, using a handheld frother or electric or manual whisk. Stop whipping when the cream has the consistency of drinking yogurt, which is thickened but still pourable.
- Add ice and coconut water to a separate cup. Pour hojicha cloud foam on top and top with a dusting of hojicha powder.
- Mix and enjoy!
Tips for a Coconut Hojicha Cloud
- Use good-quality hojicha powder. Just like matcha, not all hojicha powders are equal. Go for one that’s finely ground and aromatic; it’ll incorporate better and give you a smooth roasted flavor.
- Adjust the strength to your taste. I use about 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of hojicha powder per serving. Start with 1 teaspoon if you like it lighter, and go up to 1.5 for a deeper flavor.
- Whisk thoroughly. Use a bamboo whisk, milk frother, or small hand whisk to fully whisk the hojicha powder in hot water before adding ice or milk. It prevents clumping and ensures a smooth texture.
- Top with flair: Sprinkle dried coconut flakes, a dusting of hojicha powder, or a drizzle of honey or syrup to garnish this drink.
- Adjust texture: If your coconut cloud is too thick, whisk in a splash of coconut water or milk until it’s pourable but still fluffy.
Substitutions and Variations
- Dairy-Free: Swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or oat milk creamer to keep it dairy-free. Coconut cream adds an extra coconut note and provides the same fat for a creamy texture.
- Lighter Version: Use half-and-half or even whole milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter, less rich cloud foam.
- Coconut Water Alternatives: If you don’t have coconut water, you can use sparkling water for a fizzy version, or cold milk for a creamier take.
- No Hojicha Powder: You can use hojicha tea leaves and brew them into a tea, then combine them with coconut water for an alternative. You can also brew a concentrate and whip it with heavy cream.
- Salted Coconut Cloud: Whisk a pinch of salt into your cream before frothing; it enhances the roasted tea flavor and brings out the sweetness.
Easy Coconut Hojicha Cloud
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup coconut water
- 1 cup ice
- 1 tsp hojicha powder
Instructions
- Add heavy cream and hojicha powder into a small cup or bowl. Tip: For a smoother cream, prepare your hojicha in a bit of water, then add it to the cream. Adding the hojicha powder straight into the cream increases your chances of clumps.
- Whip hojicha cream, using a handheld frother or electric or manual whisk. Stop whipping when the cream has the consistency of drinking yogurt, which is thickened but still pourable.
- Add ice and coconut water to a separate cup. Pour hojicha cloud foam on top and top with a dusting of hojicha powder.
- Mix and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hojicha?
Hojicha or houjicha (pronounced hoe-jee-chah), is a roasted Japanese green tea made from tea leaves or stems. It has a naturally nutty, toasty flavor and much lower caffeine than matcha or regular green tea, making it great for an afternoon or evening drink.
Does hojicha have caffeine?
Yes, but very little. It typically only has a fraction of what’s in matcha or coffee, very similar to the amount in decaf coffee.
Can I use hojicha tea bags instead of powder?
Yes! If you don’t have hojicha powder, you can brew strong hojicha tea using 1–2 tea bags in a small amount of hot water, then mix that into the cream. Just let it cool before adding it.
Can I make it vegan or dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use coconut cream, oat milk creamer, or another plant-based alternative for the foam. It’ll still whip beautifully and taste rich.
What if I don’t have coconut water?
You can use coconut milk for a creamy version or some other light fruit juices for a sweeter version. Coconut water has such a unique taste and body that it’s hard to replace it.
Other Cloud Drinks You’ll Enjoy
If you like the creamy and refreshing taste of this coconut hojicha cloud, then you have to try the other flavors of this drink! Here are the cloud drinks you need to try next:
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