Looking for a quick, refreshing mocha iced coffee recipe that tastes like it came straight from your favorite café? You’re in the right place! This guide breaks down the easiest way to create that perfect blend of rich coffee and chocolate, right in your kitchen. From stories behind this chilly favorite to brewing tips, we’ll cover it all in just four simple parts.
Whether you’re skipping a coffee shop run or craving a cool twist on your morning brew, this mocha iced coffee recipe is the one to keep handy. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Why This Mocha Iced Coffee Recipe Is a Must-Try
A kitchen memory with every sip
Mocha iced coffee recipe mornings remind me of college summers. I’d sit on the back porch with my sister, armed with two mason jars, coffee still steaming in a pot inside. We’d load each glass with ice, splash in some milk, drizzle homemade chocolate syrup, and shake it like a cocktail pro. That blend of chill and chocolate brought laughter and lazy conversations.
Since then, I’ve kept this mocha iced coffee recipe as my go-to when I want something that tastes like dessert but feels like caffeine confidence. It’s simple, requires no fancy tools, and you can adjust it to your sweetness level.
What makes it the perfect mocha iced coffee
This recipe balances bold coffee with a smooth cocoa finish. It uses only five pantry staples, and there’s room to make it your own—swap milk types, use store-bought or homemade chocolate syrup, or double it for guests.
You can even pair it with a breakfast treat like cottage cheese banana bread or something fun and chewy like these chocolate tahini bites for an extra indulgence.
Ingredients you’ll need
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cold coffee | 1 cup |
| Milk (any kind) | ¼ cup or to taste |
| Chocolate syrup | 2 tablespoons |
| Ice cubes | 4–5 |
You can pair this drink with something light and fruity, like strawberry matcha latte for a coffee-and-tea duo, or try it with vegan blueberry muffins for brunch.
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Mocha Iced Coffee Recipe That’s Sweet, Cold & Easy to Make
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and creamy mocha iced coffee recipe made with cold coffee, milk, and chocolate syrup. Just shake or stir and enjoy!
Ingredients
1 cup cold coffee
¼ cup milk or to taste
2 tablespoons chocolate syrup
4–5 ice cubes
Instructions
1. Brew strong coffee and let it cool (or use cold brew).
2. In a mason jar or tall glass, add ice cubes.
3. Pour in the cold coffee.
4. Add milk and chocolate syrup.
5. Shake well or stir until combined.
6. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Use any milk: dairy, oat, almond, or coconut.
Make it stronger with espresso or cold brew.
Top with whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
How to Make the Perfect Mocha Iced Coffee at Home
Brewing your base for the best flavor
For this mocha iced coffee recipe, the coffee you use matters. Strong, bold coffee works best because it won’t get watered down when mixed with ice and milk. You can use freshly brewed hot coffee and let it cool, or make a batch of cold brew if you like a smoother taste.
Here’s how to do it:
- Hot brew method: Brew 1 cup of coffee using your usual method (drip, French press, pour-over—whatever you prefer). Let it cool to room temperature, then chill in the fridge for 20 minutes.
- Cold brew method: Steep coarsely ground coffee in cold water (1:4 ratio) for 12–18 hours. Strain, and store it chilled.
Pro tip: Brew a double batch and keep it in the fridge so you can whip up this mocha iced coffee recipe all week long. It also pairs well with morning-friendly bites like spiced pear bread or even something fun like vegan blueberry muffins.
Mix it up: Shaking or stirring?
Once your coffee is chilled, it’s time to put it all together. This step is quick, easy, and honestly—kind of fun.
Here’s how to make your iced mocha:
- Grab a mason jar or tall glass.
- Add 4–5 ice cubes.
- Pour in 1 cup of cold coffee.
- Add ¼ cup milk of your choice.
- Drizzle in 2 tablespoons of chocolate syrup (or more to taste).
- Shake well if using a jar, or stir with a long spoon until blended.
The result is a creamy, sweet mocha iced coffee with just the right kick of caffeine. You can even top it with whipped cream or a sprinkle of cocoa powder for a café-style treat. If you’re enjoying this on the side of lunch, it goes well with savory options like hot honey popcorn chicken bites.
Customize Your Mocha Iced Coffee Recipe Like a Pro
Easy ways to tweak your mocha iced coffee recipe
One of the best things about this mocha iced coffee recipe is how easily you can adjust it. Whether you want it extra creamy, dairy-free, or lower in sugar, there’s a simple switch for every taste.
Try these easy modifications:
- Dairy-free? Swap out the milk for almond, oat, coconut, or soy milk. Oat milk makes it extra creamy, while almond milk adds a nutty flavor.
- No chocolate syrup? Mix 1 tablespoon cocoa powder with 1 tablespoon hot water and 1–2 teaspoons sugar or maple syrup.
- Want it stronger? Use espresso or double-strength cold brew.
- Cutting sugar? Use unsweetened cocoa and a dash of monk fruit or stevia.
- Add flair: A pinch of cinnamon, a drop of vanilla extract, or even a spoonful of peanut butter adds new depth.
You can also make a fun drink board featuring this recipe and others like pistachio butter spread or chewy vegan monster cookies to serve alongside.
How to make a Starbucks-style mocha iced coffee at home
Want to recreate that familiar coffee shop vibe? Here’s how to turn your mocha iced coffee recipe into a Starbucks-style version:
- Brew 2 shots of espresso (or ½ cup strong coffee).
- Fill a tall glass with ice.
- Add 2 tablespoons of chocolate syrup.
- Pour the espresso over the ice and syrup.
- Top with ¾ cup milk (Starbucks uses 2% milk, but you can adjust).
- Stir well or shake in a jar.
Optional: Add whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce on top—because why not?
And if you like experimenting, this version goes great with brunchy snacks like strawberry sago or fruit and ricotta cake.
What is in a mocha iced coffee?
A classic mocha iced coffee recipe usually includes brewed coffee (or espresso), chocolate syrup, milk, and ice. The key is in the balance: rich coffee meets sweet chocolate, chilled to perfection. You can also top it with whipped cream if you’re feeling fancy.
How to make mocha cold coffee at home?
Start by brewing strong coffee and letting it cool. Then pour it over ice, add milk and chocolate syrup, and mix well. You can shake it in a jar or stir it in a glass. That’s it! For a creamy twist, use whole milk or oat milk.
What is the formula for mocha coffee?
The basic mocha formula is:
1 part coffee + 1 part milk + chocolate syrup to taste
For example, 1 cup coffee + ¼ cup milk + 2 tablespoons syrup. Adjust to your liking!
How to make a mocha iced coffee at Starbucks?
To mimic Starbucks at home, brew 2 shots of espresso or ½ cup strong coffee. Add 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup and ice, then pour in about ¾ cup 2% milk. Stir or shake it all together. Don’t forget the whipped cream if you want the full experience!
Conclusion: Your New Favorite Coffee Ritual
There’s something extra satisfying about making your own mocha iced coffee recipe at home. It’s fast, flexible, and seriously delicious. Whether you enjoy it on a lazy weekend or as a morning wake-up treat, it’s always worth those five minutes in the kitchen.
Plus, you can pair it with snacks like chewy vegan monster cookies or keep it light with a strawberry pineapple smoothie. The possibilities? Endless.
Now go grab that jar, pour your coffee, and take a moment for yourself. You’ve earned it.
Love this mocha iced coffee recipe?
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