Iced Mocha Latte Recipe

There’s just something magical about that first sip of an iced mocha latte. It’s cold, creamy, and perfectly sweet with a rich chocolatey twist. If you’re someone who loves coffee but also has a soft spot for chocolate, this drink is a dream come true. It tastes like something fancy from a coffee shop, but it’s so simple to make right in your kitchen.

What makes this iced mocha latte special? For one, it’s budget-friendly. You don’t need any expensive equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. It’s also super customizable — you can make it stronger, sweeter, or dairy-free depending on what you like.

And let’s be honest, when the weather is warm or you just need a little pick-me-up, nothing hits the spot quite like an iced coffee with a hint of chocolate.

I started making this recipe during a heatwave last summer. I was craving something cool and energizing, but didn’t want to spend five dollars every day at a café. So I played around with a few ingredients at home and finally landed on the perfect combo. Now, it’s my go-to when I want to feel a little fancy without leaving the house.

Whether you’re a student needing a study boost, a parent on the go, or just someone who enjoys treating themselves, this recipe is quick, tasty, and satisfying. Let me show you how to make it — you’re going to love it too!

What is an Iced Mocha Latte?

An iced mocha latte is a cold coffee drink made with espresso (or strong coffee), milk, chocolate syrup, and ice. It’s like a chocolatey twist on a classic iced latte, giving you the best of both worlds — coffee and dessert in a cup.

You get the bold, rich flavor of coffee mixed with the smooth sweetness of chocolate and the creaminess of milk. It’s seriously delicious.

Unlike a regular iced coffee, which can be pretty straightforward, an iced mocha latte feels a bit more indulgent. It’s not as heavy as a milkshake, but it definitely feels like a treat.

Some recipes use cocoa powder, but I love using chocolate syrup for a smoother, café-style taste that blends perfectly without extra steps. It’s quick, tasty, and doesn’t require fancy gear — just what you need for a sweet caffeine fix at home.

Why You’ll Love It

• It’s easy to make in just minutes – No need to wait in line or spend money at a café.
• You only need a few simple ingredients – Most of them are probably already in your kitchen!
• It’s totally customizable – Make it sweeter, stronger, or dairy-free if you want.
• Perfect for warm days or anytime you want a cool treat – Refreshing and energizing!
• It tastes like a chocolate dessert and coffee combined – The best of both worlds!

Ingredient List

For the Coffee Base:

• 1 shot of espresso (or 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee)
• 1 tablespoon chocolate syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

For the Milk & Ice:

• 1/2 cup milk (any type you prefer—dairy or non-dairy)
• 1/2 cup ice

For the Topping:

• Whipped cream (optional)
• A drizzle of chocolate syrup (optional)

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Ingredient Notes

• I always use Ghirardelli chocolate syrup — it adds a rich, smooth flavor.
• Don’t skip the espresso or strong coffee! It balances the sweetness and makes the drink feel like an actual coffee.
• If you prefer a dairy-free version, oat milk works wonderfully and still gives that creamy texture.
• You can adjust the amount of chocolate syrup depending on how sweet you like your drinks! Start with 1 tablespoon, and add more if you want a sweeter taste.

Kitchen Tools Needed

• Espresso machine or coffee maker – You’ll need this to brew the strong coffee or espresso shot. If you don’t have an espresso machine, a French press or any coffee maker will work — just make sure your coffee is strong!
• Glass or cup – To mix and serve your iced mocha latte. I love using a tall glass so I can fit plenty of ice and still have room for the milk and coffee.
• Stirring spoon or straw – To mix all the ingredients together and blend the chocolate syrup perfectly with the coffee.
• Measuring spoons – For measuring out the chocolate syrup and vanilla extract (if you’re using it).
• Blender (optional) – If you like your iced mocha latte extra frothy, a quick pulse in a blender can give it a fun texture, but it’s totally optional!

Instructions

1. Brew the Coffee (3-5 minutes)
Start by brewing a shot of espresso or making a small cup of strong coffee. If you’re using a coffee maker, aim for about 1/4 cup of concentrated coffee. While it’s brewing, set it aside to cool for a minute or two.

Pro Tip: If you’re in a rush, you can brew the coffee ahead of time and chill it in the fridge for a few hours to make it extra cold.

2. Prepare the Glass

Before adding ice or coffee, drizzle chocolate syrup around the inside walls of a tall glass in a spiral or zigzag motion. (Optional)
Fill the glass with ice, about halfway full. You want the ice to cool the coffee quickly once it’s added.

3. Mix the Chocolate Syrup and Coffee (2 minutes)
Pour the cooled espresso (or strong coffee) into the glass with ice. Add the chocolate syrup and vanilla extract (if you’re using it). Stir until the syrup is fully dissolved and evenly mixed with the coffee.

Pro Tip: Be patient while stirring — this is where the magic happens! The chocolate syrup blends best when you take your time.

4. Add the Milk
Pour in your milk of choice — whether it’s dairy, oat, almond, or any other variety. Stir gently to combine with the coffee and chocolate.

5. Optional Toppings
Top with a dollop of whipped cream and drizzle a little extra chocolate syrup over it for a fun, fancy finish. It’s totally optional, but it adds an extra touch of sweetness!

6. Enjoy! (Instant)
Give it one last quick stir, and it’s ready to sip and enjoy. You’ve just made yourself a delicious iced mocha latte from the comfort of your own home!

Pro Tip: If you like it sweeter, feel free to add an extra splash of chocolate syrup or even a pinch of sugar to taste.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Make it extra cold: For the coldest drink, use coffee ice cubes! Just pour leftover coffee into an ice cube tray and freeze. That way, your iced mocha latte won’t get watered down as the ice melts.
• Blend it for a frothy texture: If you love a frothy top, pour your milk and coffee mix into a blender for a few seconds. It adds a fun texture and makes it feel like a café-quality drink!
• Play with the sweetness: If you find the chocolate syrup isn’t sweet enough, add a little honey or sugar to adjust. Everyone’s sweet tooth is different!
• Try different flavor syrups: Feeling adventurous? Add a little caramel or hazelnut syrup along with your chocolate syrup for a whole new flavor profile.
• Make it decaf: Don’t want the caffeine? You can easily make this a decaf version by switching to decaf espresso or coffee — it still tastes amazing!

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Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• Milk: Swap regular milk for oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk to make it dairy-free. Oat milk is especially creamy and works perfectly with the chocolate flavor.
• Chocolate: If you don’t have chocolate syrup, cocoa powder, and a bit of sugar can work. Just mix them into your coffee while it’s still hot to dissolve the powder.
• Sweeteners: Try maple syrup or agave instead of regular sugar for a natural, lighter sweetness. You can also use stevia if you’re watching your sugar intake.
• Flavor Add-ins: Want to get fancy? Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg on top for a cozy, spiced touch, or a splash of peppermint extract for a holiday twist!

Serving Suggestions

• Perfect for breakfast: I love having this iced mocha latte alongside a warm croissant or a slice of banana bread. It’s a deliciously indulgent start to the day!
• Afternoon pick-me-up: Pair it with a light snack like a granola bar or some mixed nuts. It’s a great way to keep your energy up without feeling overly full.
• With a sweet treat: If you’re in the mood for dessert, serve your iced mocha latte with a chocolate chip cookie or a few squares of dark chocolate. It’s like a mini dessert party in a glass!
• Brunch companion: Enjoy it with a stack of pancakes or waffles. The sweet, chocolatey flavor of the latte is the perfect match for the fluffy goodness of breakfast favorites.
• Chill with friends: Serve it at your next casual hangout with a platter of finger foods, like mini sandwiches or fruit slices, for a relaxed, enjoyable vibe.

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Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Storage: While this drink is best enjoyed fresh, you can store any leftover iced mocha latte in the fridge for up to 1-2 days. Just make sure to keep it in an airtight container to avoid losing flavor.
• Reheating: If you prefer your iced mocha latte warm (hey, no judgment!), you can reheat it in the microwave for 30-45 seconds. Just make sure to give it a good stir before reheating, as the chocolate syrup might settle at the bottom.
• I don’t usually have leftovers because I tend to drink it all at once, but if I do have a little left, I’ll pour it over more ice later in the day — it’s still just as good!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make an iced mocha latte without an espresso machine?

Yes! If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can brew a strong cup of coffee with a regular coffee maker or even a French press. Just make sure it’s concentrated so the coffee flavor stands out against the chocolate.

Can I use chocolate chips instead of syrup?

Absolutely! You can melt chocolate chips with a little hot water to create your own chocolate sauce. It’s a great alternative if you prefer to avoid store-bought syrups.

How can I make my iced mocha latte dairy-free?

No problem! Just swap the regular milk for a dairy-free option like oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk. Oat milk is especially creamy and works great with the chocolate flavor.

Can I make this drink ahead of time?

You can! Brew the coffee ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy, just pour it over ice, mix with chocolate syrup, and add milk. It’s an easy make-ahead option for busy mornings.

How can I make this less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet iced mocha latte, just reduce the amount of chocolate syrup or use a sugar-free version. You can also skip the whipped cream topping!

Can I make it iced or hot?

This recipe is perfect both ways! For a hot mocha latte, simply skip the ice and warm your milk before combining everything. You can still enjoy the rich flavor hot or cold, depending on your mood!

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Now that you know how to make the perfect iced mocha latte, it’s time to try it for yourself! Whether you’re treating yourself after a long day or enjoying it as part of your morning routine, this easy, customizable drink is sure to hit the spot.

Let me know how you like it, or if you have any fun variations of your own! You can always connect with me by leaving a comment below or sharing your creations on social media. Happy sipping!