White Chocolate Mocha (Hot or Iced)
My white chocolate mocha is the perfect way to get your afternoon coffee fix without going out! It’s made with fresh espresso, your choice of milk, and white chocolate coffee syrup just like your favorite coffee shop!
A white chocolate mocha was the very first drink I ever ordered from Starbucks, and it’s been one of my favorite coffee drinks ever since. To save a few dollars, I decided to start making a homemade version. According to Starbucks’ website, their grande-sized Iced White Chocolate Mocha features 2% milk, 4 pumps of white chocolate mocha sauce (a proprietary blend, no doubt), 2 shots of espresso, ice, and whipped cream.
I created our recipe with similar ingredients and plenty of room for customization! There’s a hot version and an iced version, and I love them both equally. This drink is really easy to make. The longest part is waiting for the coffee to brew. But, that’s better than waiting in line, right?
If you love coffee as much as I do, check out my classic iced coffee and pumpkin spice latte (this one is great during the fall months!).
Kim’s Coffee Making Tips
- You don’t need a fancy espresso maker! While using fresh brewed espresso yields the best results, it’s not necessary to run out and buy a fancy espresso machine just to make this drink.
- Use coffee ice cubes to keep the iced version from getting watered down. You’ll need to make these ahead of time by brewing coffee, pouring it into ice cube trays, and letting it freeze solid.
- Add the perfect amount of espresso. Do you like a single shot of espresso or maybe it’s a double shot? Customize this iced mocha to your tastes.
Ingredients
You’ll need espresso or some kind of coffee for the base flavor. If you don’t have an espresso machine, no worries. Use strong, fresh brewed coffee (stronger than you’d normally make it for your morning cup) . Cold brew is a great option for an iced white chocolate mocha.
Milk adds creaminess and balances the espresso. I actually use whole milk. Use your favorite (soy, almond, coconut, 2%, skim, etc.). If you use half and half or heavy cream, you may not need as much since they’re quite rich. If you plan to froth the milk, opt for whole milk. It froths well when warmed.
For the white chocolate flavor, I really like white chocolate drink syrup in the pump style containers (think Torani and Monin). They’re really easy to find online.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces freshly brewed espresso, *See note
- Ice, for the glass (optional for the iced version)
- 2 to 4 tablespoons white chocolate syrup, adjust to taste
- 6 to 8 ounces milk
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Instructions
To Make the Hot Version
- Brew the espresso, and while it brews add the white chocolate syrup to a coffee mug.2 ounces freshly brewed espresso2 to 4 tablespoons white chocolate syrup
- Pour the fresh brewed espresso into the mug, and stir to combine. Top off with your choice of milk. Add whipped cream, white chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of white chocolate dessert sauce. Enjoy!6 to 8 ounces milk
To Make the Iced Version
- Brew the espresso, and if desired let it cool to room temperature.2 ounces freshly brewed espresso
- Add ice to a tall, heat-safe glass then add the white chocolate syrup. Pour in the espresso and top off with milk.Ice2 to 4 tablespoons white chocolate syrup6 to 8 ounces milk
- Add whipped cream and sprinkle white chocolate shavings and a drizzle of white chocolate sauce on top of the whipped cream.
Notes
Nutrition
How to Make a White Chocolate Mocha (Hot and Iced)
Start by brewing the espresso or coffee of your choice. If you’re making an iced drink, consider letting the espresso cool so it doesn’t melt the ice.
Place the white chocolate syrup into a glass or mug (add some ice or coffee cubes for the iced version). Pour in the espresso then top off with milk.
Add some whipped cream, white chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of white chocolate dessert syrup, and enjoy!
Is there a substitute for white chocolate syrup?
Yes, there are a few substitutes available for white chocolate coffee syrup.
We use Torani brand, but if you can’t find it here are some other options:
- Torani White Chocolate Sauce: This white chocolate sauce makes a great topping for desserts and even tastes wonderful drizzled over the whipped cream on this drink. It can double as the white chocolate flavor in the white chocolate mocha, too!
- White Chocolate Chips: Make your own white chocolate sauce by melting good-quality white chocolate chips with a little heavy cream or whole milk. Stir the melted white chocolate chips into the espresso!
- Baking Chocolate: Melt some white baking chocolate with heavy cream or milk and make a homemade white chocolate sauce to flavor this coffee drink!
The drink was tasty, way too sweet though. I would recommend putting less white chocolate sauce, and more coffee to dilute the sweetness. Overall, good recipe otherwise!