An iced mocha is a delightful cold beverage to enjoy as an afternoon pick-me-up. Give your wallet a boost as well by making it yourself.
It’s true that a Frappucino or an iced mocha is one of my favorite indulgences, particularly in summertime.
But, at 4 bucks a pop, it’s not the best use of our money. Instead, with some good coffee, sugar, cocoa, milk, and ice, I can make my own.
What is an iced mocha?
An iced mocha is basically a cold coffee drink make with chocolate. It can be made with coffee or espresso, made with milk, and can be topped with whipped cream.
What’s the difference between an iced latte and iced mocha?
Although both are cold caffeinated beverages, it’s the addition of chocolate that sets the iced mocha apart from it’s other coffee cousins.
Ingredients for your own homemade iced mocha
- Coffee (or espresso)
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Granulated sugar
- Milk
- Ice cubes (for serving)
How to make an iced mocha
Making your own also couldn’t be easier. I like to combine the cocoa and sugar first into the coffee to help them dissolve first. I think this just makes for one smooth iced mocha in the end.
- In small bowl or mug combine the hot coffee, cocoa, and sugar. Stir until cocoa and sugar are completely dissolved.
- Stir in 1 cup milk. You can really use any milk you prefer and have on hand. Almond, soy, low fat, full fat, oatmilk. Whatever you prefer!
- Pour over ice in large mug or glass. Ice is clearly key here to make sure it’s an iced mocha 😉
Want to take it one step further? Maybe top it with some Homemade Whipped Cream . Or maybe a drizzle of Homemade Mocha Chocolate Syrup ? Who needs the coffee shop now? Not me.
Tips for making this coffee drink
Of course since we’re skipping the coffee shop lines here and save a few pennies, let’s make sure we do this right.
- Use chilled coffee. Maybe this goes without saying, but pouring hot coffee over ice is just going to end up with a watery coffee in the end. And that’s just no good! You can obviously make it ahead of time and keep it chilled in the fridge or try making coffee iced cubes (just one Tip for Making Iced Coffee Drinks (of many) that can help make chilled coffee and iced coffee drinks better.
- Dissolve the cocoa and sugar first. I think it’s just better to stir these in first and get rid of any lumps.
What kind of milk should I use?
This particular recipe is on the milkier side, but you can adjust the ratio of coffee to milk to suit your tastes. I use nonfat milk, but it will certainly be creamier if you use milk of a different percentage milkfat.
If you prepare this recipe, be sure to take a picture and hashtag it #GOODCHEAPEATS. I can't wait to see what you cook up!
Iced Mocha
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup strongly brewed coffee or espresso
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 cup milk
- ice cubes for serving
Instructions
- In small bowl or mug combine the hot coffee, cocoa, and sugar. Stir until cocoa and sugar are completely dissolved.
- Stir in 1 cup milk. Pour over ice in large mug or glass.
Notes
Nutrition
jess says
have you tried making a simple syrup at home?
boil water and sugar, add vanilla extract (if you like). Cool, put in bottle, keep in fridge. Cheaper than the flavored syrups, and make it easier to make iced coffee drinks. 🙂
( I don’t remember the exact ratios – but Martha Stewart has a good recipe.)
Jessica says
@jess, yes, I just started doing that. Love it for iced coffee.