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.