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This simple three ingredient mocha latte recipe is a delightfully sweet combination of rich chocolate syrup and bold espresso topped with your favorite steamed milk or milk alternative. It’s a classic coffee recipe that’s been a staple of coffee shop menus for ages! Now you can learn how to make it at home in less than five minutes with this easy recipe.
Chocolate and coffee are a match made in heaven and this hot mocha latte recipe proves that to be true. Three ingredients are all you need to make a drink worthy of any Starbucks trip.
Ingredients for this recipe
- Espresso – Make it in a machine, moka pot, or mix up some instant espresso powder. You can also use strongly brewed coffee. More on that below.
- Chocolate Syrup – This will add sweetness and that classic chocolate flavor to our mocha.
- Milk – Whatever dairy or dairy-alternative you like to use in your homemade coffee recipes!
What is a mocha?
Mocha is the name for the flavor combination of espresso or coffee and chocolate.
So, a mocha latte is a mixture of chocolate syrup and espresso, topped with steamed milk.
Whereas a peppermint mocha latte includes the addition of peppermint simple syrup into your standard mocha! And a white mocha is made with white chocolate syrup. Get it? Got it? Good!
How to Make a Mocha Latte at Home
This is just a quick overview, you can find detailed instructions in the recipe card below!
- Brew the espresso. And combine with chocolate syrup in a glass.
- Top with steamed milk. Or milk-alternative.
- Enjoy! Add a spray of whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup if you want things to be extra sweet and chocolatey!
Difference between a mocha and a latte?
Traditionally, café lattes are the combination of freshly brewed espresso and steamed milk. There are no flavors or syrups added to a plain café latte, instead the flavor comes from the espresso and milk. Some people may find this a touch bitter and add sweeteners or flavored syrups.
In this case, a mocha latte is when chocolate syrup is added to a plain café latte.
This is similar to how the addition of vanilla simple syrup to a café latte turns it into a hot vanilla latte. The flavor dictates the name, so to speak.
Can I make a latte without espresso?
Trying to make a Starbucks-inspired drink at home but don’t have an espresso maker? Never fear! There are methods to make a strongly brewed cup of coffee that work fairly well in a pinch.
If you don’t have an espresso machine at home, I recommend using 3 ounces of very strongly brewed coffee so it doesn’t taste weak.
In a drip maker – To brew an extra strong cup of coffee at home, I recommend 3 tablespoon of ground coffee per 6 ounces of water. This will get you about two servings of coffee to make two lattes.
Moka Pot – A moka pot is a great option if you don’t have an espresso machine! It will brew a beautifully strong cup of coffee right on your stovetop. I recommend 2 tablespoon of ground coffee per 6 ounces of water for astrong moka brew.
Instant Espresso – you can find instant espresso powder at your higher end grocery stores or online.
Making a Latte Without a Milk Frother
While I love my milk frother and use it daily, not everyone has one! (Though you can pick up really affordable hand-held ones for about $5 at places like Target.)
To make steamed milk without a milk frother you can use one of the following methods.
On the stove: Place 8 – 12 ounces of your preferred milk in a small saucepan and set over medium heat. Cook, whisking constantly, until milk is steaming hot. Remove from heat and whisk vigorously for 20 seconds before pouring over espresso and chocolate syrup.
In a jar: add your milk to a mason jar and microwave for 30 – 60 seconds, or until steaming. Cover the jar with a leak-proof lid and shaky vigorously for 20 seconds. Pour into your mug with espresso and chocolate syrup.
See? You don’t need fancy equipment or machines to enjoy Starbucks level drinks at home!
Other latte recipes you may enjoy
- Maple Latte
- Pistachio Latte
- Eggnog Latte
- Pumpkin Spice Latte (made with my Homemade Pumpkin Spice Syrup!)
- Gingerbread Latte
Watch the recipe video!
3 Ingredient Mocha Latte
Equipment
- Espresso Maker (optional)
- Milk Frother
- Mugs
Ingredients
- 1 - 3 tablespoons chocolate syrup (more or less depending on how sweet you like it)
- 2 ounces espresso (or 3 ounces strongly brewed coffee)
- 8 ounces milk of choice
Instructions
- In a mug, combine 1 – 3 tablespoons chocolate syrup and 2 shots of espresso and stir well.
- Using a milk frother, or the stovetop or jar method (see post), steam 8 ounces of milk and pour over the espresso mixture.
- If desired, garnish with whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup to serve. Enjoy immediately.
Video
Notes
- Recipe makes one drink, is easily multiplied.
- Refer to post for instructions on making a latte without an espresso maker or milk frother.
Jessica Hellmer says
Made this with the whipped cream and chocolate drizzle on top. 10/10 - definitely will make again! 💗
Amanda Gajdosik says
Love to hear that, Jessica! Thanks for rating and reviewing! Happy latte making 🙂