Iced Mocha

An iced mocha combines espresso, milk, chocolate, and ice for a cool take on a classic chocolate latte. This simple recipe takes about five minutes and can be made with espresso or strong cold brew coffee. Choose your preferred milk and add whipped cream if you like a richer finish.

For the best flavor, use espresso or concentrated coffee so its taste remains noticeable alongside the milk and chocolate. If using hot espresso, pour it over the ice shortly before serving.

Iced Mocha Ingredients

• Espresso: Use one shot, or substitute strong cold brew coffee.
• Milk: Dairy, oat, almond, soy, or another preferred variety will work.
• Chocolate syrup: Use a store-bought or homemade chocolate syrup or sauce.
• Ice: Add enough to chill the drink in your glass.
• Whipped cream: Optional, for topping.

For a balanced drink, start with the recipe’s one tablespoon of chocolate syrup, then adjust the sweetness to taste the next time you make it.

How to Make an Iced Mocha

1. Brew one shot of espresso. If you do not have an espresso maker, use strong cold brew instead.
2. Whisk or froth the milk with the chocolate syrup until the syrup is evenly mixed in.
3. Fill a small glass with ice.
4. Pour the espresso or coffee over the ice, then add the chocolate milk.
5. Stir to combine and finish with whipped cream, if desired.

Mixing the syrup with the milk before adding it to the glass helps distribute the chocolate throughout the drink. If the espresso is hot, adding it directly to plenty of ice helps cool it quickly.

Tips and Substitutions

• Using leftover coffee: Let it cool before adding it to the glass. Use strong coffee because a small amount needs to provide the coffee flavor that espresso would normally contribute.
• Choosing chocolate sauce: Homemade or store-bought sauce can be used. If it is thick, whisk it thoroughly into the milk.
• Making it dairy-free: Substitute oat, almond, soy, or another milk alternative. The flavor and texture will vary depending on the type you choose.
• Adding whipped cream: Homemade or store-bought whipped cream both work; it can also be left off for a simpler drink.
• Adjusting strength: Use more coffee for a stronger taste, keeping in mind that the usual amount for this recipe is one espresso shot.

Ways to Make Espresso at Home

You can prepare the espresso with an automatic espresso machine, a stovetop espresso maker, or a pod-based machine that makes espresso. Follow the instructions for your equipment and use a freshly brewed shot for the most direct coffee flavor. Strong cold brew is a convenient alternative when espresso equipment is not available.

A stovetop espresso maker is a more hands-on option. An automatic machine can simplify brewing, while pod machines offer a quick method. Whatever you use, check that the coffee you make is espresso-strength or concentrated enough to stand up to the milk and chocolate.

Frequently Asked Questions About Iced Mocha

Is an iced mocha made with coffee or espresso?

An iced mocha is traditionally made with espresso. It is a chocolate latte served cold, but strong cold brew or cooled, strong brewed coffee can be substituted.

How many espresso shots are usually in an iced mocha?

The amount depends on the serving size, but an iced mocha commonly contains one or two shots. This recipe uses one shot.

How much caffeine is in a homemade iced mocha?

One espresso shot typically contains about 64 mg of caffeine. Two shots would provide about twice that amount. The actual caffeine content can vary with the coffee and serving size.

Quick Iced Mocha Recipe

Yield: 1 serving
Prep time: 5 minutes
Total time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 shot espresso
• 1 tablespoon chocolate syrup
• ¾ cup milk
• Ice
• ¼ cup whipped cream, optional

Instructions

1. Brew one shot of espresso, or prepare strong cold brew as an alternative.
2. Whisk or froth the milk and chocolate syrup until combined.
3. Fill a small glass with ice and pour in the espresso or coffee.
4. Add the chocolate milk, stir, and top with whipped cream if desired.

Nutrition per serving: 207 calories, 9 g fat, 6 g saturated fat, 0.4 g polyunsaturated fat, 2 g monounsaturated fat, 33 mg cholesterol, 89 mg sodium, 376 mg potassium, 24 g carbohydrates, 1 g fiber, 20 g sugar, and 7 g protein. The serving also contains 399 IU vitamin A, 0.1 mg vitamin C, 244 mg calcium, and 0.5 mg iron. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Nutrition is automatically calculated and may vary with the ingredients used.

Make this iced mocha with espresso for a traditional chocolate latte flavor, or use strong cold brew when that is more convenient. Adjust the chocolate syrup and milk to suit your taste, and serve it as soon as it is stirred over ice.