
Whether it’s a scorching summer day or you just need a refreshing pick-me-up, an iced mocha is the perfect blend of rich espresso, velvety chocolate, and cool, creamy milk.
The best part? You don’t need to be a barista to whip one up at home. I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to create a delicious iced mocha that rivals your favorite coffee shop’s version.
So grab your ingredients, and let’s get started on a delicious journey to iced mocha perfection.
Ingredient Notes
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk a bit about the ingredients you’ll need and why they’re important:
- Espresso: The heart of any mocha is the espresso. If you have an espresso machine, great! If not, a strong brewed coffee or instant espresso will do the trick.
- Chocolate Syrup: The chocolate element can come from store-bought syrup, or you can make your own.
- Milk: Whole milk gives the creamiest texture, but you can use any milk or milk alternative (like almond, oat, or soy milk).
- Sweetener: Depending on your chocolate syrup, you can add extra sweetener. Sugar, honey, or agave are all good options.
- Ice: Fresh ice is key to a cold, refreshing drink.
- Whipped Cream: Optional but highly recommended for a luxurious touch.
Step-By-Step Iced Mocha Recipe
Let’s get into the fun part—making the iced mocha! Follow these simple steps to create your own at home.
Step 1: Brew Your Espresso
Start by brewing your espresso. If you have an espresso machine, pull a double shot. This means using approximately 18-20 grams of finely ground coffee and extracting about 2 ounces of liquid espresso.
If you don’t have an espresso machine you can use a strong brewed coffee instead. A French press or Aeropress can help you get a strong coffee flavor similar to espresso. Use about 1/2 cup of this strong coffee.
Step 2: Add Chocolate
Once you have your hot espresso or strong coffee, it’s time to add the chocolate. Pour about 2 tablespoons of chocolate syrup into your glass. If you’re a chocoholic, feel free to add more according to your taste.
The heat from the espresso will help dissolve the syrup completely, so you’ll have a smooth, well-integrated chocolate flavor. Make sure to mix well so that no chocolate syrup settles at the bottom of the glass.
Step 4: Add Milk
Next, fill your glass about halfway with ice. This will help chill the espresso and ensure your iced mocha is nice and cold. Once your glass is filled with ice, pour 1 cup of cold milk.
The type of milk you choose can impact the creaminess and flavor of your mocha. Whole milk will give you the creamiest texture, but you can use any milk or milk alternative based on your dietary preferences or taste.
Almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, and coconut milk are all good alternatives. Each type of milk will add its unique flavor and texture to your iced mocha.
Step 5: Stir and Adjust
Now that all your main ingredients are in the glass, give your iced mocha a good stir. Use a long spoon to reach the bottom of the glass and ensure all the flavors are well combined.
Taste your iced mocha and adjust if necessary. If you find it needs more chocolate, add another drizzle of chocolate syrup. If it’s too strong, pour in a bit more milk.
This step is all about finding the perfect balance for your taste buds. Stir well after each addition to make sure everything is well mixed.
Step 6: Top with Whipped Cream
It’s time to add the finishing touches. You can top your iced mocha with a dollop of whipped cream. This adds an extra layer of creaminess to your drink.
You can even drizzle a bit more chocolate syrup over the whipped cream, or sprinkle some cocoa powder or chocolate shavings on top for a beautiful presentation.
Check out more coffee recipes:
- 19 Best Summer Coffee Drinks
- Iced Coffee with Ice Cream Recipe
- Oreo Iced Coffee Recipe
- Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso Recipe
Iced Mocha Variations
One of the best things about making an iced mocha at home is the ability to customize it to your taste. Here are a few fun variations to try:
- Mint Iced Mocha: Add a splash of peppermint extract for a refreshing twist.
- Caramel Iced Mocha: Swap out the chocolate syrup for caramel, or add a drizzle of caramel on top.
- Mocha Frappe: Blend all the ingredients with ice to create a frosty, blended drink.
- Vegan Iced Mocha: Use your favorite plant-based milk and vegan chocolate syrup.
Ingredients
- 2 shots Espresso (or 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee)
- 2 tbsp Chocolate syrup (or to taste)
- 1 cup milk (or milk alternative)
- Ice
- Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
- Brew the espresso or strong coffee.
- Mix the espresso with chocolate syrup in a glass until dissolved.
- Fill the glass halfway with ice.
- Pour in the cold milk and stir well.
- Top with whipped cream and an extra drizzle of chocolate syrup if desired.
- Enjoy immediately!
Notes
- For a stronger coffee flavor, use more espresso or less milk.
- Experiment with different types of milk and sweeteners to find your perfect combination.
- This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled if you’re making for a crowd.