Besides a shot of espresso, only a few drinks can pick me up like a Dunkin Cocoa Mocha. It’s the combination of caffeine and comforting cocoa that just does the job so well.
Sounds tempting? Read on for my copycat recipe!
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Intro: Cocoa Mocha by Dunkin
A little more indulging than the classic mocha, the Cocoa Mocha is a latte that the chain introduced in 2019.
It features an intense mocha taste, with chocolate and espresso as its main flavors.
If you love mochas, I guarantee you’ll love this drink!
The Cocoa Mocha is a seasonal drink which means you can’t find it all the time.
However, it usually makes an appearance as part of Dunkin’s winter lineup.
Dunkin brought back the Cocoa Mocha a few times over the last couple of years, so you might expect it this year too!
Cocoa Mocha Latte Ingredients
The Cocoa Mocha latte is espresso, skim or whole milk, and chocolate sauce, topped with whipped cream, cocoa powder, and a chocolate drizzle.
It’s available warm and iced. (1)
How to Make Dunkin Cocoa Mocha Latte
We’re sharing a true and tried homemade Dunkin Cocoa Mocha latte recipe as promised.
If you don’t want to wait in line for the seasonal drinks this holiday season, get your brewing gear and take on this recipe.
Step 1: Prep Your Cup
Find a trusty cup, preferably one you can line with some luxurious chocolate sauce.
This is your initial step and sets the stage for the whole process. Some might find it a bit overkill, but honestly, it’s this sort of attention to detail that really makes the difference.
Step 2: Brew Your Espresso
Next, you’ll need to brew two shots of espresso. Don’t worry if you don’t have an espresso machine; a moka pot works wonders here.
A little tip from me to you: use a medium roast if you’re not a hardcore coffee enthusiast. You’d want the chocolate to shine in this drink, not be overpowered by the coffee.
Step 3: Blend Your Brew
After brewing your espresso, you’ve got to be quick!
Pour your hot espresso into the cup with the chocolate sauce right away. Here’s the difficult part. Stir just the bottom so that the flavors meld but not so vigorous that you’ll destroy your beautiful chocolate walls!
Step 4: Steam Your Milk
Now, let’s get on with the steaming.
Take your milk – remember to handle it with care. Using a steam wand or a handheld frother, whip it up till it’s rich and creamy.
The secret here is not to let the milk get too hot; keeping it under 145°F will ensure you don’t burn it. A full tutorial on steaming milk is provided below.
THE BASICS: How To Steam Milk
Step 5: Assemble Your Latte
The final step is all about assembly.
Pour the beautifully steamed milk over the coffee-chocolate blend, and let it meet the froth. If you’re feeling extra decadent, you can top it off with a generous serving of whipped cream and a naughty drizzle of chocolate.
Sip and enjoy the magic of your homemade Cocoa Mocha Latte.
I’ve tried this one myself and I’ve got to say, Dunkin might have some competition on their hands.
Dunkin Cocoa Mocha Flavor Profile & Calories
Since it’s a seasonal drink, not many can get their hands on the Cocoa Mocha.
If you’ve never tried it, read along for what you can expect and how many calories you’ll need to sacrifice.
Flavor
Contrary to its name, you won’t find the Cocoa Mocha overwhelmingly sweet.
Chocolate flavor from the cocoa powder and the mocha sauce will be the first taste to hit you. This is quickly followed by the espresso flavor.
Steamed milk also gives it a rich silky texture, coating your mouth at each sip.
Ingredients
Cocoa Mocha is classified as a latte, meaning the base consists of espresso and milk.
The key ingredient that gives it its flavor is the Mocha flavor swirl.
The drink is followed by whipped cream, a chocolate drizzle, and sprinkled with cocoa powder.
Hazelnut Swirl: Dunkin Cancelled It But We’ve The Recipe!
Calories
So, how many calories are in the Cocoa Mocha latte? Calories depend on the drink size and type of milk.
You can choose between whole and skim milk. Whole milk complements the drink but raises the calories too.
Cocoa Mocha (Skim Milk):
- Small: 250 cals
- Medium: 330 cals
- Large: 420 cals
Cocoa Mocha (Whole Milk):
- Small: 300 cals
- Medium: 400 cals
- Large: 520 cals
Caffeine
Cocoa Mocha contains caffeine as it has espresso shots. Depending on the size this drink contains between 1 to 3 shots for small to large.
It’s worth noting that Dunkin’s espresso is higher in caffeine than other shops.
In total, the caffeine in Dunkin Cocoa Mocha Latte can be between 120 mg to 360 mg.
Food Pairings
Cocoa Mocha Latte is usually ordered as a breakfast coffee or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
So breakfast items, like bagels or muffins are the perfect combo.
It also goes without saying that the Cocoa Mocha tastes good with donuts. But be aware that this sweet treat will add to your calorie count for the day.
SAME DRINK? What’s Dunkaccino? (Bonus: Copycat Recipe)
Summary
The Cocoa Mocha is one of the things that get me excited during the winter season.
This adult version of hot cocoa is easy to make at home too if you want to taste it when it’s not available in-store.
Tl;dr: Dunkin Cocoa Mocha Latte Recipe
Dunkin Cocoa Mocha Recipe
This Cocoa Mocha latte recipe makes one serving and should be prepared right before consuming. If you plan on sharing make sure to double it!
Ingredients
- Espresso: 2 shots
- Milk: 1/2 cup
- Chocolate Sauce (Torani Puremade Chocolate Sauce): 1.5 tbsp
- Whipped Cream (Optional)
- Chocolate Drizzle (Optional)
Instructions
- Start by adding the chocolate sauce to the bottom of your chosen cup. You can additionally line your cup with chocolate sauce as well.
- Brew 2 shots of espresso using your moka pot or espresso machine. You can use any roast you have on hand, but we recommend a lighter roast if you're not a huge coffee fan.
- Add the brewed espresso to the cup with chocolate sauce immediately and stir to combine them. Make sure the sauce dissolves into the coffee before moving on to the next step.
- Place your milk in a pitcher and use a steam wand or a handheld frother to steam it. Be careful not to burn the milk, the temperature should not exceed 145°F.
- Pour the steamed milk over the coffee and scoop the foam. Optionally you can add whipped cream and a chocolate drizzle on top. Enjoy!
Wondering where your info comes from? We totally understand. Hey Joe only obtains our information from reputable sources. Contents from this article are sourced from the following publications:
- News Dunkin Donuts: https://news.dunkindonuts.com/news/dunkin-espresso-new-signature-lattes