The combination of chocolate and coffee comes together in this simple mocha latte! Using ingredients you have in your pantry create a barista-worthy coffee drink in the comfort of your own kitchen! Enjoy as an iced mocha latte, or hot depending on the season! SO simple, and SO delicious!

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
The main difference between a latte and a mocha latte is that a latte is only made with steamed milk, while a mocha latte has added chocolate. The chocolate can be added in the form of cacao powder, cocoa powder, melted chocolate, or even chocolate syrup.
Yes! As written, this recipe is vegan! It uses dairy-free milk, and coconut whipped cream. The chocolate flavor comes from vegan-friendly cacao powder and coconut sugar.
You should be able to find cacao powder and coconut sugar in your local grocery store. It can also be found in specialty stores such as Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, or online.
Yes! If you don’t have an espresso maker, simply brew a strong cup of coffee in your drip coffee maker or French press! You could also use Nespresso, AeroPress, or Stovetop Moka Pot.
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.
If you made this recipe, please comment below and leave a ⭐️ rating. You can also follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook for more family-friendly vegan recipes!
Recipe
Mocha Latte
Ingredients
- 8 ounces strong brewed coffee or 3 shots of espresso
- ¼ cup almond milk or milk of choice
- 1 teaspoon cacao powder
- 1 teaspoon coconut sugar
- Coconut Whipped Cream optional
- 1 teaspoon dark chocolate shavings optional
Instructions
- Brew the coffee or prepare the espresso. Pour into a mug.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cacao powder and coconut sugar.
- Add the cacao and coconut sugar mix to the coffee mug, and mix well until combined.
- Pour the milk into a glass measuring cup. Using a frothing wand or another milk frother, prepare the almond milk until it is warm and foamy.
- Pour the almond milk over the coffee. Stir to combine.
- Optional: Top with whipped coconut cream and dark chocolate shavings.
Notes
- Brew the coffee or espresso.
- In a medium bowl or large glass measuring cup, whisk together the cacao powder and coconut sugar.
- Add the coffee, and almond milk. Whisk together until combined.
- Fill a glass or mason jar with ice. Pour the coffee over the ice.
- Top with coconut whipped cream and chocolate shavings if desired.
- Add an additional teaspoon of sugar if you like it sweeter, or use sweetened milk.
- Not all non-dairy milk froths well. I find that soy milk, oat 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. Heat over medium-high. Whisk the milk while it heats until it becomes warm and frothy.
Kristen Wood
This turned out absolutely delicious! Thank you for the wonderful recipe. 🙂
AISilva
I love the idea of spending only 5 more minutes in the morning and making this delicious mocha latte at home rather than going out and spending money. This mocha latte was so good, thank you!
Gina
I love mocha lattes! This delicious recipe will be saving me money now that I can make a great cup at home! Thanks for the great recipe!