Mocha coffee combines the sweet, dark flavors of chocolate with the rich bitterness of coffee. Milk adds creaminess to the brew, making for a delicious, indulgent cup of hot coffee.
Mocha is the perfect coffee for chocolate lovers, but the hot brew can be a bit too comforting when the sun is blazing during the summer months.
Fear not, mocha-lovers — iced mocha coffee brings all the flavors of the hot beverage with the cool refreshingness of iced coffee. In this article, you’ll learn how to make the best iced mocha coffee and a few variations of the original beverage.
Mocha Iced Coffee: What You’ll Need
Mocha iced coffee is relatively simple to make. However, you’ll need a few pieces of essential equipment and some key ingredients.
Here’s what you’ll need to make mocha iced coffee:
Ingredients
- Quality coffee (2–3 tablespoons)
- Cocoa powder (1–2 tablespoons)
- White sugar (2–4 tablespoons)
- Water
- Milk
- Heavy cream or canned whipped cream
- Ice
Equipment
- Coffee grinder (if using whole beans coffee)
- Coffee maker — espresso machine, moka pot, French press, or drip coffee maker
- Cooking pan
- Tall drinking glass
- Whisk (if using heavy cream)
- Tablespoon
Coffee Recommendations for a Mocha Iced Coffee
The best coffee for an iced mocha is dark roast arabica or an arabica and robusta blend.
If you prefer a milder, smoother coffee, opt for an arabica coffee such as the Cafely DaLat (100% Arabica) coffee. If you like your coffee stronger and prefer a slightly more bitter, nutty coffee, opt for a blend such as our SaiGon OG Coffee (Robusta x Arabica x Peaberry).
Freshly grinding the coffee yourself will produce a higher-quality brew with a more complex flavor profile. However, if you don't want to grind your own coffee, you can opt for a high-quality pre-ground coffee.
How to Make Mocha Iced Coffee: Simple Step-by-Step Guide
This simple mocha iced coffee recipe takes 10 to 15 minutes to make. The recipe below is for one serving, but the ingredients (listed above) can be multiplied to make as many mocha iced coffees as you want.
Here’s how to make out iced mocha coffee:
1. Grind the Coffee
First, grind two to three tablespoons (around 17 grams) of high-quality coffee — either 100% arabica or a robusta and arabica blend. The type of brewing method you’re using will determine the grind size.
For espresso or moka pot coffee, grind finely. For French press or drip coffee, grind coarsely.
2. Brew the Coffee
Using an espresso machine or moka pot, brew a strong shot of coffee. If you don’t have either of these machines, use a French press, drip coffee maker, or pour-over to make a strong, concentrated coffee.
If using one of the latter, reduce the amount of water you would normally use. Allow the coffee to cool to room temperature (20 to 30 minutes).
3. Prepare the Chocolate Syrup
In a pan, add one to two tablespoons of high-quality cocoa powder, two to four tablespoons of white sugar, and a small splash of milk.
Heat the mixture gradually and stir until a thick syrup has formed.
4. Make the Chocolate Milk
Remove the pan from the heat and gradually stir in a cup of whole milk, creating rich, cold chocolate milk.
5. Assemble the Iced Coffee
In a glass, add ice, followed by the concentrated coffee or espresso shot. Then, pour in the chocolate milk and lightly stir to combine.
Enjoy like this, or complete the next step before serving (optional).
6. Add Cream and Serve
Whip three to four tablespoons of heavy cream until stiff peaks have formed, or use canned whipped cream to crown the top of the iced coffee.
Grate some dark chocolate over the cream and serve with or without a straw.
Alternative Mocha Recipes
If you liked our iced mocha coffee recipe, check out these four alternatives:
1. Original Mocha Coffee
If you're interested in mocha iced coffee, you've probably tried the original hot beverage. This warm, chocolatey coffee is perfect for enjoying when the weather doesn't suit a chilled beverage.
Ingredients:
- Whole milk
- Dark chocolate or cocoa powder
- High-quality arabica and robusta coffee blend
- Sugar
- Water
- Whipped cream (optional)
How to make moka coffee step-by-step:
- Brew the coffee — First, brew a cup of strong black coffee using Cafely Saigon OG or a similar arabica and robusta blend. You can use an espresso machine, moka pot, Aeropress, or drip coffee maker just be sure to brew it strong.
- Prepare the milk — In a pan, heat up some whole milk. Don't boil or simmer the milk, the goal is to warm it until it's hot.
- Prepare the chocolate syrup — Add dark chocolate shavings or cocoa powder to a small mixing bowl. Add a teaspoon of sugar and a small amount of boiled water and stir to create a dark chocolate syrup.
- Combine the milk and chocolate — Add the chocolate syrup to the hot milk and stir thoroughly.
- Froth the milk — Using a whisk or milk frother, whip the chocolate milk until it's light and velvety.
- Assemble the mocha — To a large coffee mug or heat-proof glass, pour in the coffee, followed by the chocolate milk. Stir well to combine, and top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings if desired.
2. White Caffè Mocha
A white caffè mocha is made with white chocolate rather than dark or milk chocolate. It's a light, sweet, chocolatey coffee that's perfect for those with more of a sweet tooth who don't enjoy the strong flavors of dark chocolate and rich coffee.
Like the regular mocha, this is a relatively simple coffee to make. It can be served hot, or over ice by combining this recipe with the mocha iced coffee re ice above. Here's how to make it:
Ingredients:
- Espresso coffee (or strong black coffee)
- Whole milk
- White chocolate
- Whipped cream (optional)
How to make a white caffè mocha step-by-step:
- Brew the coffee — Brew a single shot of espresso coffee using arabica coffee — the smooth, creamy flavor of this coffee works perfectly with the subtle, milky sweetness of white chocolate. If you don’t have an espresso machine, brew a strong black coffee using a moka pot, Aeropress, French press, or drip coffee maker.
- Heat the milk — In a steaming pitcher, heat your milk using the steaming wand on your espresso machine. If you don’t have an espresso machine, heat the milk in a pot.
- Prepare the chocolate — In a small pot, add two tablespoons of grated white chocolate and a dash of milk or cream. Heat gently on a stove or in the microwave until melted.
- Assemble the mocha — In a large coffee mug or heat-proof glass, add the melted white chocolate, espresso, and milk. Stir thoroughly to combine.
- Garnish and serve — Top the brew with whipped cream and garnish with flaked white chocolate (optional). Serve hot and enjoy.
3. Black and White Iced Mocha
A black and white iced mocha coffee is similar to a regular iced mocha. However, this brew combines dark and white chocolate for a sweet, creamy, rich coffee.
This mocha was birthed at Starbucks where it’s served both hot and cold.
Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
- Espresso coffee (or strong black coffee)
- Whole milk
- White chocolate
- Dark chocolate
- Ice
- Whipped cream (optional)
How to make a black and white iced mocha coffee step-by-step:
- Brew the coffee — Brew a strong shot of espresso coffee using an arabica or arabica and robusta blend. If you don’t have an espresso machine, brew a strong, concentrated coffee using a drip coffee maker, French press, or moka pot. Once brewed, allow the coffee to cool to room temperature.
- Prepare the chocolate — Finely slice or grate a tablespoon of dark chocolate and a tablespoon of white chocolate. Add it to a glass bowl with two to three tablespoons of milk or cream. Microwave or heat over a pan of boiling water until melted.
- Prepare the milk — Add the melted chocolate syrup to a cup of cold, whole milk and whisk thoroughly to combine.
- Assemble the iced mocha — In a glass, add ice, followed by a shot of coffee and chocolate milk. Stir thoroughly to combine.
- Garnish and serve — Add a dollop of whipped cream and shavings of dark and white chocolate. Serve with a straw or as it is, and enjoy.
4. Vegan Iced Mocha Coffee
Creamy iced mocha coffee can be enjoyed by everyone. Follow the recipe below to make the perfect dairy-free chilled brew.
Ingredients:
- Quality coffee
- Cocoa powder
- White sugar
- Water
- Coconut milk
- Vegan whipped cream (optional)
- Ice
How to make a vegan iced mocha step-by-step:
- Brew the coffee — Brew a strong shot of espresso coffee or a concentrated brew using a French press, drip filter, or similar.
- Prepare the chocolate syrup — In a pan, add one to two tablespoons of vegan-friendly cocoa powder, two to four tablespoons of white sugar, and a splash of coconut milk. Gradually heat the mixture, stirring until a thick syrup has been created.
- Make the chocolate milk — Gradually stir in one cup of coconut milk to the chocolate syrup until a rich, vegan chocolate milk has been created.
- Assemble the iced mocha — In a glass, add ice, the shot of coffee, and chocolate milk. Stir gently to combine.
- Top with vegan whipped cream — Top the beverage with a squirt of canned, vegan whipped cream (optional). Then, grate some dark, dairy-free chocolate over the top and enjoy.
FAQs: Mocha Iced Coffee
Want to learn more about mocha and iced coffee?
Read through the answers to the frequently asked questions below…
1. Can You Make Iced Coffee with a French Press?
Yes. You can make iced coffee with a French press. Simply brew as normal, but reduce the amount of water used to create a strong, concentrated cup of coffee. Allow to cool, then mix with milk and pour over ice. Sweeten with sugar, syrup, or honey to taste.
2. What’s the Difference Between a Mocha Iced Coffee and a Normal Iced Coffee?
A regular iced coffee contains coffee, ice, and milk (usually). A mocha iced coffee contains coffee, chocolate, ice, and milk.
3. What Type of Coffee Is Best for Mocha Iced Coffee?
The best coffee for an iced mocha should be dark roasted. 100% arabica, such as our DaLat coffee, works well for a smooth, creamy, mild iced mocha. A robusta and arabica blend such as our DaNang blend is perfect for a darker, stronger iced mocha with a bitter, nutty edge.
4. Can You Make Mocha Iced Coffee With Instant Coffee?
Yes. Making mocha coffee with instant coffee is a great way to make this chilled beverage quickly. Although freshly ground coffee produces a more complex brew, a high-quality instant coffee like our Instant Vietnamese Espresso will produce a rich iced mocha with plenty of flavor.
5. How Do You Make a Vegan Mocha Iced Coffee?
You can make a vegan mocha iced coffee by replacing the milk with a non-dairy alternative such as coconut milk, almond milk, or oat milk. Also, make sure the chocolate you use is dairy-free or use pure cocoa powder like our recipe above.
6. What Is the Best Chocolate to Use in Mocha Iced Coffee?
The best chocolate to use in a mocha iced coffee should be dark. You can use cocoa powder or a rich, dark chocolate that contains 80% cocoa or higher.
7. Can You Add Whipped Cream to Mocha Iced Coffee?
Yes. Adding whipped cream to a mocha iced coffee is a great way to garnish the chilled beverage. Hand-whipped heavy cream or canned whipped cream can be added to the top of an iced mocha for decoration and a thick, creamy topping. Adding chocolate sauce or salted caramel takes it to the next level.
8. Can You Use Chocolate Syrup in Mocha Iced Coffee?
Yes. You can use ready-made chocolate syrup to replace the dark chocolate or homemade chocolate syrup we use in the recipe above. However, most store-bought syrups aren't rich enough to give your coffee the dark, chocolatey kick it needs.
9. What Are the Best Snacks to Pair With Mocha Iced Coffee?
The best snacks to pair with mocha iced coffee are the same and pair well with regular iced coffee. Pastries — both savory and sweet — work well with mocha iced coffee. Croissants, pain au chocolat, cinnamon buns, and Danish pastries are all good options to enjoy with a mocha iced coffee.
10. Can You Make Mocha Iced Coffee Without Sugar?
Yes. You can make mocha iced coffee without sugar. Use a low-sugar dark chocolate or make a paste by heating up cocoa powder and water. Sugar-free iced mocha doesn't taste as sweet as regular iced mocha, it's also more bitter. However, the nutty notes of a robusta blend pair perfectly with the bitterness and subtly sweet notes of sugar-free chocolate.
