Mocha latte recipe – chocolate and coffee best friends!

Mocha latte is a creamy and indulgent coffee with a sweet flavor and rich aroma. Made with freshly brewed espresso, creamy steamed milk, and cocoa powder, it features a bold chocolate taste that stands out among other coffee drinks. Its creamy texture enhances the sweetness of the chocolate while still providing a bold coffee flavor.

What is a mocha latte

A mocha latte is a type of coffee made with espresso, steamed milk and chocolate syrup or cocoa powder.

The difference between a mocha latte and a regular latte is the addition of mocha syrup or cocoa powder which gives it a delicious chocolate taste and color.

For an even richer taste, you can add vanilla extract and whipped cream to your mocha latte for an indulgent treat that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth!

You can also customize your mocha latte by using different types of milk such as non-dairy milks like almond milk or oat milk instead of dairy milk for a healthier option!

 What does a mocha latte taste like?

Mocha lattes have a sweet, creamy taste and are the perfect combination of coffee and chocolate.

You can adjust the flavors by changing some of the ingredients. So if you want you can have a deeper chocolate experience by adding more cocoa powder.

Or you can make the coffee more rich and creamy by using 1 shot of espresso. That allows the chocolate and rich creamy milk to come through more.

Topped off with whipped cream and a dusting of chocolate shavings, a mocha latte becomes both smooth, rich, velvety and decadent at once!

Best coffee beans

As always, use the best quality and freshest beans you can. And grind them when you need them.

There are no rules for which is the best coffee to use for a mocha latte. But if you are making a chocolate latte it makes sense to use coffee beans that taste of chocolate. After all, you can’t have too much chocolate!

Here are my current favorite great coffees you can use for this recipe:

illy Classico medium roast

Delicious tastes and aromas of caramel and chocolate.

San Francisco Bay Coffee – French Roast

A deeply intense experience of dark roast coffee with notes of chocolate and spices.

Kicking Horse Coffee Smart Ass Medium/Dark Roast

Great flavor notes of berries, brown sugar and chocolate.

How to make a mocha latte at home

Making moccha latte at home is easy and fun! As with most lattes you only need a few ingredients and somewhere to relax and enjoy the delicious tastes and aromas.

 Equipment

• Coffee maker or espresso machine
• Steam wand or milk frother or blender
• Latte glass
• Spoon
• Kitchen scales (optional)
• Set of measuring spoons (optional)

Ingredients

• ¾ cup milk
• 1-2 shots espresso or 1/2 cup of strong coffee
• 2-3 tsp cocoa powder
• 2 tbsps hot water
• 1-2 tsp sugar (optional)
• 1 tbsp whipped cream (optional)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)
• 1 pinch cocoa powder for dusting (optional) 

Method

• Brew 1-2 shots of espresso.
• Put the cocoa powder into a small bowl and add the hot water. Stir to a smooth liquid.
• Pour the cocoa into a latte glass.
• Heat the milk to 140°F (60°C), but don’t let it boil.
• Add any sugar and vanilla extract you want to use.
• Froth the milk to a creamy texture.
• Gently pour the espresso into the latte glass and stir to combine the cocoa paste.
• Pour the milk over the espresso, holding back some foam for the top.
• Top with the foam or for a luxury finish add the whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa powder.
• Relax and enjoy!

Top tips for making mocha latte at home

• Choose good quality fresh espresso beans to create the base of your mocha latte.
• Adjust the amount of sugar you add to change the sweetness of your latte. I recommend starting with the recipe as I have written it. Then, if it’s too sweet for you, next time use a little less sugar. Alternatively, if it’s not sweet enough for you, you can add a bit more sugar and stir it in.
• When you put the cocoa powder and hot water into a bowl it can easily become lumpy. To avoid lumps start by adding a small amount of water and stir to a paste. Then add the rest of the water and stir to a smooth liquid.
• If you prefer you can use mocha syrup. You can use store-bought mocha syrup. It’s available from most good stores. But if you have any difficulty finding it, or you want to make your own, check out my easy mocha syrup recipe.

With an espresso machine

• Brew 1-2 shots of espresso.
• While the espresso is brewing, pour the milk into a jug, Add the sugar to the milk.
• add in any vanilla extract you want to use. It is not essential, but vanilla extract just adds a little something extra.
• Stir the milk.
• Use the steam wand on your espresso machine to heat and froth the milk to a creamy foamy texture.

Without an espresso machine

• Use your preferred coffee maker to brew a strong short coffee. Check out our tips on how to make espresso without an espresso machine.
• While the coffee is brewing, heat the milk in a pot over medium heat, or in a microwave, until it reaches 140°F (60°C). Do not let it boil.
• Pour the milk into a jug. Add the sugar and any vanilla extract you want to use. It’s not essential, but I find the vanilla extract adds a little something extra.
• stir the milk.
• Use a milk frother or blender to build a smooth creamy texture.

Finishing your mocha latte

• Pour the espresso into a latte glass, then gently pour in the milk. Hold back some foam to gently layer on top.
• You can use whatever milk you prefer. If you like dairy milk, check out my review of the best dairy milks. Otherwise, I have a great review of the best non-dairy milks you can use.
• If you want to really treat yourself, you can add a spoonful (or two) of whipped cream to the top. Better yet, pipe the cream. Then finish with a dusting of chocolate powder.

Different types of latte

If you love our mocha latte, be sure to give these a try:

• Vanilla latte
• Cinnamon latte
• Strawberry oat milk latte
• Iced caramel latte

FAQs

How much espresso do I need for one cup of mocha latte?

The number of shots of espresso you add to a latte comes down to personal choice.

If you prefer a milky latte allowing the rich and creamy flavors to come through, then add 1 shot of espresso coffee.

If you like your lattes to have more coffee flavor, add 2 shots of espresso.

What type and how much chocolate should I add to my mocha latte?

You can use any cocoa powder, or even melt some chocolate. But it’s easier and better to use good quality cocoa powder to make your mocha latte.

Does Starbucks have a mocha latte?

Sometimes you just want a great mocha latte. Making it at home allows you to control exactly what goes into it. That way you will get the exact coffee you want. But if you are out, its easier to go to a coffee shop.

So yes, Starbucks does have a mocha latte! This delicious coffee combines rich espresso with chocolatey cocoa flavors to create an indulgent yet refreshing treat.

What are the ingredients in a mocha latte?

You only need 4 simple ingredients (though you can add others for a decadent experience!):

• ¾ cup milk
• 1-2 shots espresso or 1/2 cup of strong coffee
• 2-3 tsp cocoa powder
• 2 tbsps hot water

For a more luxurious experience you can use some or all of these:

• 1-2 tsp sugar (optional)
• 1 tbsp whipped cream (optional)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)
• 1 pinch cocoa powder for dusting (optional)