Mocha Latte | Hot and Iced

What’s better than a simple latte on a chilly morning? Not much! But a mocha latte just might be up there! The combination of chocolate and coffee is a flavor explosion that’s difficult to resist!

The challenge is when you head to Starbucks or your favorite coffee shop you end up spending quite a bit of money for a drink you could make at home with pantry ingredients!

I love treating myself every now and again to a barista-made café drink, but most of the time I whip up a delicious mocha in the comfort of my own home!

This mocha latte can be prepared hot or iced depending on your preference or season. It’s super simple and only requires a handful of ingredients!

Why This Recipe Works

• Versatile: Use any type of milk you prefer. Make it hot or iced!
• Simple Ingredients: This recipe requires simple pantry ingredients. No special trips to the grocery store necessary!
• Low Cost: A medium size mocha at your favorite coffee shop will likely cost you $5 or more! Making this homemade version at a fraction of the cost!
• Creamy and Delicous: This latte has a rich chocolate flavor, with a creamy texture. It’s a simple treat, and low in calories.
• No Fancy Coffee Equipment Needed: While having a espresso machine will certainly take this recipe up a notch, it’s not necessary! This recipe uses simple kitchen equipment.

Ingredients and Notes

Strong Brewed Coffee or Espresso: Depending on the tools you have at home, you’ll either need 8 ounces of strong brewed coffee or 3 shots of espresso. I don’t have an espresso machine at home, so I simply make a strong cup of drip coffee.

Steamed Milk: Use the milk of your choice. I opt for unsweetened almond milk or oat milk, but you can use any type of milk you desire.

Cacao Powder and Coconut Sugar: Cacao is more natural than cocoa powder, and has a deeper chocolate flavor. However, if you don’t have cacao powder, feel free to use cocoa powder instead. You’ll need to add some sweetness. I opted for coconut sugar because it is less processed than white sugar. Use what you have on hand and what you prefer. Maple syrup or agave syrup would also work.

Whipped Cream and Chocolate Shavings (optional): While optional, topping your mocha with whipped cream and chocolate shavings makes this a truly special coffee shop drink! I use coconut whipped cream, and dark vegan chocolate to keep it dairy-free. But feel free to use whatever type of whipped topping you prefer.

How to Make a Mocha Latte – Step by Step

Hot Mocha Directions

Step 1: Brew the coffee or prepare the espresso. Pour into a mug.

Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the cacao powder and coconut sugar.

Step 3: Add the mixture to the coffee mug, and mix well until combined.

Step 4: Using a frothing wand or an electric milk frother, prepare the almond milk until it is warm and foamy.

Step 5: Pour the almond milk over the coffee. Stir to combine.

Step 6: Top with whipped coconut cream and dark chocolate shavings.

Iced Mocha Directions

Step 1: Brew the coffee or espresso.

Step 2: In a medium bowl or large glass measuring cup, whisk together the cacao powder and coconut sugar.

Step 3: Add the coffee, and almond milk. Whisk together until combined.

Step 4: Fill a glass or mason jar with ice. Pour the coffee over the ice.

Step 5: Top with whipped coconut cream and chocolate shavings if desired.

Recipe FAQS

Expert Tips

• Add an additional teaspoon of sugar if you like it sweeter, or use a sweetened almond milk.
• Not all non-dairy milks froth well. I find that soy milk, oat milk, coconut milk, and almond milk made for coffee froth the best.
• My favorite tool to use to froth milk for my drinks is an electric milk frother. It turns out super creamy every time!
• If you don’t have a milk frother or frothing wand, add the milk to a small saucepan on the stove over medium heat. Whisk the milk while it heats until it becomes warm and frothy.
• Add half a teaspoon of vanilla extract to bring out the chocolate flavor.
• Cover with a lid or paper towel, and reheat in the microwave if needed.