How to Make a Mocha Coffee Drink

Co-authored by Jesse Gaynor

Last Updated: December 9, 2024 Approved

What happens when you really, really, want a cafe mocha but really, really, really want to stay home in your pajamas? Make your own, that's what! Whether you just have drip coffee or espresso, you can bring the cafe into your own home quicker than you could change into real pants and get out the door. So put your wallet down and start with Step 1 below.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using Brewed Coffee

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1
Gather your ingredients. Here is what you'll need to make a mocha coffee drink using brewed coffee: ^{[1]
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- 8 ounces freshly brewed coffee (or instant)
- 1/2 cup (4 ounces) milk
- 1 tablespoon (15 g) cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon (15 g) warm water or warm milk (milk makes the mocha richer and creamy)
- Sugar (optional)
- Whipped cream and cocoa (optional, for topping)
2
Brew as much coffee as you want. To be closer to authentic, you'll want to use double-strength, dark-roasted coffee. And you could use instant coffee if you're in a pinch, but brewed coffee is just so much better. ^{[2]
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Research source}
- Coffee reaches "double-strength" when it's around 4 tablespoons (60 g) of coffee grinds to 6 ounces of water.
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Combine equal parts of each and stir up in a small bowl. You'll need about 2 tablespoons (30 g) for one mocha drink.
The more coffee you have, the more chocolate syrup you'll probably want. But be sure to leave room for milk!
5
Steam some milk or heat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. How much? Well, how big is your mug? 1/3 to 1/2 cup (3 to 4 ounces) is usually plenty.
- You want the milk between 140 and 160°F (60 - 70°C). Any hotter than that and the milk burns, losing its flavor.
6
Fill your mug with heated milk. If there's any foam, be sure to hold it back with a spoon, so it layers above the mocha on top.
- If you like a really, really sweet mocha, add a teaspoon of sugar to your drink before you top it with foam.
Chocolate or caramel syrup -- or even cinnamon or turbinado sugar -- is a nice touch, too.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using Espresso

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1
Gather your ingredients. Here's what you'll need to make a mocha coffee drink using espresso: ^{[3]
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Research source}
- Espresso Roast (regular or decaf)
- 2 tablespoons (30 g) hot water
- 1 tablespoon (15 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon (15 g) sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup milk (any variety)
- 1 tablespoon flavored syrup (optional)
This will make the classic chocolate flavoring you can find in your favorite cafe; it will be so much more gratifying than just pouring Hershey's syrup into your coffee. That stuff is for children. ^{[4]
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You want enough to fill just about half of your mug. If you don't want that much caffeine, consider combining it with a decaf roast or using fewer beans in your brew.
4
Steam 1/2 cup of milk. If you have a steamer, of course. If you don't, you can just add your milk straight to your espresso and heat in the microwave or throw the milk onto the stovetop and heat to 160°F (70°C). But if you have an espresso machine, you probably have a steamer!
- Make sure the tip of your steamer isn't too near the bottom or too near the top of your milk. You want it not too be too bubbly and aerated, but also not burned and over-steamed. It should only take about 15 seconds, and if you have a thermometer, stop around 160°F (70°C).
- Is your mug Central Perk-style large? Then you may want closer to 3/4 of a cup.
5
Add the steamed milk to your chocolate syrup. But be sure to hold a large spoon to the edge of your steamed milk to hold back the foam. You want that stuff to go on top, after the milk and chocolate have combined.
- Once all the milk has gone into your mug, spoon out the foam so it rests uniformly on top, putting the proverbial icing on the cake.
Bam! Mocha created. If you have a flavored syrup lying around that you'd like to add (maybe caramel or raspberry), add it at this stage.
Because it's not enough that it tastes good, it's got to look good too. You can also top it with caramel, cinnamon, or turbinado sugar. Heck, birthday sprinkles and a cherry if you'd like. Now all you have to do is drink up!

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Question

In the "Using Espresso" method, why is salt added? Is adding salt a must or optional?

Community Answer

Salt is supposed to increase the intensity of the flavor. I would say it is recommended, but optional.

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Question

Will decaf work, too?

Holdencaulfield

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Using decaffeinated coffee to make a coffee drink is perfectly acceptable for people who dislike caffeine, have heart conditions or do not wish to be energized.

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How can I make a mocha coffee without special equipment?

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You just need a few cups to measure out ingredients and mix things together. A saucepan is useful to heat up milk, or you can use a microwave. Generally, you can add the chocolate you prefer to your cup of coffee and milk.

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Tips

If you added whipped cream, try adding chocolate syrup to it to make it like a coffee shop mocha with that chocolate drizzle effect.

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If you want the iced version, simply put ice and the coffee in a blender and blend.

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Warnings

Be careful not to heat anything more than you need to. It could burn the flavor or burn you!

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Be careful not to burn yourself.

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Experiment with various sweeteners to find one that tastes best to you. There are some concerns about the health effects of any kind of sweetener, from sugar to Splenda to NutraSweet and their derivatives.

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Things You'll Need

A coffee maker, espresso machine or hot water to make instant coffee
Cup or mug
Spoon

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