Homemade Iced Mocha latte is sweet, creamy, and chocolaty, just like your favorite coffee shop drink — but it's way cheaper and ready to be served any time! Simply make a batch of mocha concentrate, then pour and serve. It's the perfect way to cool down on those hot summer days!
I love making my own homemade coffee drinks. They're always so much easier to make than you'd expect, and there's nothing like having your favorite drink waiting for you in the fridge. This easy iced mocha recipe is a great way to use up any leftover coffee since you mix the coffee with cocoa powder and sugar before adding it to your glass. The mocha concentrate will last in the fridge for about a week, so you can sip on it all week long!
Why You'll Love This Iced Mocha
- Classic mocha flavor. This homemade mocha mixes regular coffee with cocoa powder and regular sugar, which you can adjust to taste. The bitterness of the chocolate and coffee gives this drink full-body flavor, and a little sugar mellows the whole thing out. It's a classic for a reason, and easy enough that you can make it for your morning coffee every day!
- Save money. An iced mocha at my local coffee shop is often $5-6. With this simple recipe, you can make your own at home for just a fraction of the cost.
- Control the quality of your ingredients. Making iced coffee at home is a great way to avoid allergens or increase the quality of your ingredients. You can use all organic products, dairy-free milk, or whatever you need to make it just right.
Ingredient Notes
To make this delicious Iced Mocha, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):
- coffee - use regular brewed coffee. It's easiest to dissolve the sugar and cocoa powder when the coffee is still warm.
- cocoa powder - this is the regular powdered stuff you use for brownies. I recommend using unsweetened cocoa powder.
- granulated sugar - to add sweetness. Adjust to taste.
- ice cubes
- milk - choose your favorite milk. It can be regular whole milk or non-dairy milk.
- whipped cream - optional, for serving.
- chocolate sauce - optional, for serving.
You will also need measuring cups and spoons, a small mixing bowl, whisk, glass cup, and a spoon.
How to Make the Best Iced Mocha
- Make mocha concentrate. In a small mixing bowl, add the coffee, cocoa powder, and sugar. Whisk until well combined without any lumps.
- Assemble. Place a few ice cubes into a glass cup. Fill with the mocha concentrate, then top with milk.
- Sweeten. Stir gently to combine. Add more sugar, if desired.
- Serve. Top with whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Recipe Variations
- Use espresso. If you have an espresso maker at home, make 1-2 shots of espresso to use instead of regular coffee. Feel free to dilute it with extra water or milk.
- Use cold brew coffee. This is such an easy option! Keep a jug of unsweetened cold brew in the fridge or leftover cold coffee.
- Make a big batch. On the weekend, make an extra pot of coffee and prepare the mocha mixture all at once. Keep it in the fridge, then pour it over ice and add some cold milk before serving.
- Go sugar-free. Instead of sugar, use liquid stevia drops or your favorite sugar substitute. You can also use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, although those will change the flavor of the mocha slightly.
- Try an iced caramel mocha. Stir in a dollop of my homemade salted caramel sauce for a delicious twist on the traditional mocha.
How to Serve
This Iced Mocha is delicious served on its own, or paired with some of delicious treats including:
- Oreo Brownies
- Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Whipped Shortbread Cookies
- Chocolate and Vanilla Marble Cake
- S'mores Bars
- Strawberry Cupcakes
For more recipes, see our 40 Best Summer Desserts.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Warm the coffee. I know this is an iced coffee drink, but the sugar crystals will dissolve a lot better using hot coffee.
- Make coffee ice cubes. Fill ice cube trays with leftover coffee, and use the coffee ice cubes to keep your iced mocha from diluting! It's such an easy hack.
- Use good-quality cocoa powder. The chocolate flavor comes from the cocoa powder, and there is a wide range of quality out there. Opt for a high-quality brand, and feel free to substitute different flavors of chocolate (white, milk, or dark chocolate) to make it your own.
Storing and Freezing Instructions
How to Store
Once assembled, these homemade mochas should be served right away.
If you prefer to make a large batch to enjoy later, combine several servings of the coffee, cocoa powder, and sugar in a large container, whisk well, and store in the fridge for up to 7 days. To serve, pour the concentrate over ice and add the milk, whipped cream, and chocolate syrup like normal.
How to Freeze
The mocha concentrate can easily be frozen. Make sure the cocoa powder and sugar are fully incorporated into the coffee, then freeze. To serve, thaw in the fridge overnight and shake to incorporate.
FAQ
An iced mocha is a cold coffee drink made by combining espresso or coffee with sweetened chocolate and your milk of choice, then serving it over ice. It's similar to chocolate milk with a kick of caffeine! There are lots of variations, but this is the main formula. Mochas are often served with a little whipped cream or even a scoop of ice cream on top with a chocolate drizzle. You can make mocha with any color of chocolate, and you can use any type of coffee you prefer (espresso, instant coffee, cold brew concentrate, regular brewed coffee, etc).
They're very similar. The main difference is chocolate. Iced lattes are made by pouring espresso shots over ice and then topping them with milk. An iced mocha follows the same formula, but you need to add chocolate. Stir some cocoa powder and sugar into the coffee, add milk, then squirt some whipped cream and drizzle chocolate syrup before serving.
Whipped cream and chocolate syrup are classic, but you can also add chocolate shavings or a sprinkle of cocoa powder. For extra flavor, feel free to use a chocolate-flavored whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a little warmth.
More Cold Drink Recipes
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Recipe
Iced Mocha
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Homemade Iced Mocha latte is sweet, creamy, and chocolaty, just like your favorite coffee shop drink — but it's way cheaper and ready to be served any time! Simply make a batch of mocha concentrate, then pour and serve. It's the perfect way to cool down on those hot summer days!
Ingredients
- 1 cup coffee
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ice cubes
- ⅓ cup milk
- whipped cream (optional, for serving)
- chocolate sauce (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, add the coffee, cocoa powder, and sugar. Whisk until well combined without any lumps.
- Place a few ice cubes into a glass cup. Fill with the mocha concentrate, then top with milk.
- Stir gently to combine. Add more sugar, if desired.
Notes
How to store: Once assembled, these homemade mochas should be served right away. If you prefer to make a large batch to enjoy later, combine several servings of the coffee, cocoa powder, and sugar in a large container, whisk well, and store in the fridge for up to 7 days. To serve, pour the concentrate over ice and add the milk, whipped cream, and chocolate syrup like normal.
How to freeze: The mocha concentrate can easily be frozen. Make sure the cocoa powder and sugar are fully incorporated into the coffee, then freeze. To serve, thaw in the fridge overnight and shake to incorporate.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Assemble
- Cuisine: American
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