Caffè Mocha

When I moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa sixteen years ago, one of the first things that I noticed was the lack of drive-thru coffee shops. In California, they were already on almost every corner. So I got it into my head that Cedar Rapids needed drive-thru coffee, and I needed to be the one to bring it to town. The fact that I do not like coffee was not going to slow me down one bit…..

I started doing research, and of course I started playing around with espresso based drinks. Caffè Mocha quickly became my new addiction!! I ordered a Caffè Mocha in every coffee shop that I could find. Then I started ordering the ingredients online so I could perfect my drinks myself….and save a ton of money!! I did the math, and using regular milk and chocolate syrup and espresso beans from an online wholesale store…each drink cost .53 to make at home!!

and I could decorate them however I wanted, lol. By the time I got all of my research done and started looking for the perfect location…Starbucks came to town…womp…womp!!

I am now living in Phoenix, Arizona with my third espresso machine and second coffee grinder…and still making my own Caffè Mocha every morning. 🙂  They are now dairy-free and all-natural, but still way cheaper than going to a coffee shop!

First we need to decided on a chocolate base, since a Caffè Mocha is basically espresso in hot chocolate. 😉 You have your choice of:

one ounce of a chopped, dark chocolate bar…..

or one ounce {about 4 Tablespoons} of Double Chocolate Hot Cacao Mix.….

Add 3 ounces of fresh Espresso…..

And stir until it starts to dissolve. Pour in 8 ounces of steamed milk {165 degrees}…..

I am working on a milk frothing post, but for now you can use the steam wand on the espresso machine…or heat in the microwave for 1 minute and 40ish seconds. 🙂

Stir until completely dissolved. Top with whipped cream {click here for Coconut Whipped Cream} and garnish with cacao powder or shaved chocolate sprinkles….

Ahhh, heaven in a cup. 🙂

If you would like a Peppermint Mocha, add 2 to 3 tablespoons of Peppermint Syrup before you add the steamed milk. Some syrups are stronger than others, so you might need to play around with it to achieve the perfect pepperminty flavor. 🙂

What’s your favorite Caffè Mocha flavor? Oooh, maybe I should make a Turtle Mocha next, lol

Enjoy!!

Caffè Mocha

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Serves	1
Prep time	5 minutes
Meal type	Beverage, Breakfast

Skip the long lines at the drive-thru and make your own fresh, homemade Caffè Mocha at home.

Ingredients

• 1 Ounce double chocolate hot cacao mix (or 1 ounce chocolate bar, chopped)
• 3 Ounces fresh espresso
• 8 Ounces steamed milk (I use unsweetened cashew)
• whipped cream
• shaved chocolate (optional)
• 2 to 3 Tablespoons flavored syrup (optional)

Directions

Place hot cacao mix or chopped chocolate bar in the bottom of a large coffee mug.

Add fresh espresso, stir until dissolved.

Pour in steamed milk, stir to combine.

Add flavored syrup {if desired}.

Top with whipped cream and shaved chocolate sprinkles.

This recipe will be partying at these link parties!