Making a mocha at home is simple and rewarding, combining the rich flavors of coffee and chocolate. Start by brewing a shot of espresso or strong coffee. Mix in a tablespoon of cocoa powder or chocolate syrup, then add steamed milk to create a creamy texture. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa for an indulgent finish.
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In Short
- A mocha is made by combining coffee with hot chocolate.
- It is possible to achieve it with instant coffee, but for taste and texture, we recommend using ground coffee.
Are you looking for ways to make this delicious drink perfect for the summer? Follow our guide on how to make a refreshing iced mocha!
The Basics of Brewing Your Mocha
Use freshly roasted coffee rather than a bag that’s been open for more than ten days. Using good quality chocolate is essential. But using fresh coffee is even more so!
This next step is not as essential, but we recommend using a thermometer to monitor the milk since it has a small window within which to get the taste just right. Go past 65°C (149° F), and the milk will taste a little burnt and sour.
Tip – Heat the milk first! When an espresso shot has been left to sit for a while, it can turn sour. You want the shot to mix with the milk straight away, so make sure your milk is ready before the shot has finished brewing.
How to Make a Mocha Using an Espresso Machine
Making your mocha latte using an espresso machine gives you a better chance of getting the rich, fresh flavor that you’re used to receiving in a coffee shop.
Ingredients:
- 250 ml milk (full fat is best for frothing) or a non-dairy alternative
- 1-2 tsp of high-quality drinking chocolate powder (depending on how strong you want the chocolate to be
- 18 g ground espresso, or one espresso pod
Equipment:
- Large cup, 300-350 ml capacity
- Espresso machine
- Thermometer (recommended, but not essential)
- Wide bottom jug
Step 1: Pour the chocolate powder into your cup.
Step 2: Add the coffee to your portafilter basket and tap it to create a level surface or insert the pod into the designated place.
Step 3: Place your cup under the spout and press the button to allow your coffee shot to pour into your cup. Once the espresso shot has finished pouring, mix it in with the chocolate powder to create a smooth texture.
Step 4: Transfer the milk into your jug and place it under the steam wand. The wand should be just below the surface of the milk and close to the side of the jug in order to create a vortex.
Turn the steamer off once the temperature is within the 55–65°C (139°–149°F) zone or when the sides of the jug are uncomfortable to touch.
Tip – Tap the jug on a hard surface and swirl it around gently to get rid of air bubbles within the milk; you should end up with a silky, thick consistency.
Step 5: Slowly pour the milk into the cup, holding the jug higher to begin with, and then bringing it closer as you reach the top of the cup. If you’re feeling creative and want to create a simple tulip-shaped latte art, try shaking the jug gently while you pour the froth before pulling the jug upwards at the end.
How to Make a Mocha Using the Homemade Method
Don’t have an espresso machine? No worries, we’ve got some tips and tricks on how you can make a truly homemade instant mocha.
Ingredients:
- Milk (full fat is best for frothing) or a non-dairy alternative
- Cocoa powder and a teaspoon of sugar for drinking chocolate powder
- Instant coffee
- Chocolate drops (not essential but better for rich taste)
Equipment:
- Large cup
- Microwave or pan
- Stirrer
Step 1: To make your hot chocolate mix, stir the sugar, cocoa powder, chocolate drops (if you have some on hand), and the milk together in a microwavable cup. Place in the microwave for 30 seconds to one minute. If you’re using a pan on the stove, continue until you have a smooth syrup-like texture.
Step 2: Next, add the desired amount of instant coffee, and then stir together.
Step 3: Place the cup back in the microwave for another 60 seconds. If it is still not warm enough, warm it once more while checking at 15 second intervals to ensure it doesn’t burn.
If you are heating it in a pan, continue to stir it until it’s steaming but not bubbling and until the coffee granules have melted.
Step 4: Pour your mocha into a fresh cup and top it off with whipped cream and cocoa powder if you choose.
How to Make a Mocha Using the Mason Jar Method
The mason jar method is ideal for creating novelty mochas that are so pretty you might be tempted to show them off on social media.
Ingredients:
- Half a jug of milk (full fat is best for frothing) or a non-dairy alternative
- Chocolate powder or cocoa powder
- Coffee – instant or espresso shot
Equipment:
- Mason Jar
- Microwave
- Stirrer
Step 1: Fill your mason jar about half-full with milk.
Step 2: Add the coffee granules if it’s instant or espresso coffee shot followed by the hot chocolate powder.
Step 3: Screw the lid onto the mason jar, ensuring that it is sealed shut. Shake it vigorously until the milk is frothy.
Step 4: Take the metal lid off the mason jar and place the jar into the microwave for one minute.
Give it a good stir, and if it’s steaming, the drink is finished. Otherwise, place it back in the microwave 15 seconds at a time, continually checking and stirring as you go.
Step 5: Add whipped cream and cocoa powder as you like, and you’re all done! Be sure to get a picture and show off your super pretty mason jar mocha!
And now that you know how to make the perfect mocha, who needs a coffee shop?
If you use a machine and you don’t want to waste that precious ground coffee, put it to good use with our list of ideas for leftover coffee grounds—you’ll be amazed at the number of things that coffee provides a solution for!
Can’t get enough of mochas? Check out our “What Is A Mocha?” article here.
Dan is a former competition barista and has been honing his knowledge of coffee for over two decades.
He has worked in coffee farms in Peru, as well as roasters in Australia. He now trains new baristas and hosts cupping experiences in Austin.