If you love your local coffee shop but not the price tag involved, you can easily recreate this homemade Cinna-Mocha Latte right in your own kitchen for a fraction of the cost. It is creamy and satisfies that craving without leaving the comfort of your home.
I don’t know about you, but my day doesn’t start without that first cup of coffee… and usually, another in the afternoon… and sometimes one after dinner. Honestly, my reliance on it might just qualify me for Coffeeholics Anonymous! All joking aside, this daily habit gives me the pick-me-up I need to power through all my household chores. It’s truly indispensable.
Espresso Alternatives
Though a latte implies a beverage with milk and espresso, you can gain a similar effect even if you don’t have an espresso machine at home.
- Espresso from a home espresso maker is the first and best tasting
- Concentrated coffee using cold water overnight
- Normal coffee brew
- Instant coffee (I do not suggest this, but if it is what you have on hand you can definitely create a delicious coffee using instant granules)
Mocha:
Mocha is the main flavor; I used 100% cocoa. It is rich and decadent when sugar is added. If you don’t have 100% cocoa, that’s okay. You can get a similar flavor by trying one of these:
- Hot cocoa mix
- Quick
- Hershey Powder (Unsweetened) and my first suggestion if you don’t have 100% cocoa
Cinnamon:
The Cinna-Mocha latte calls for cinnamon, you can achieve a very similar flavor using pumpkin pie spice. It contains cinnamon along with other spices that taste delicious, and if you are like me fall flavors are delicious any time of the year.
Sugar:
Sugar is not a requirement, but if you don’t use any, it will be bitter due to the unsweetened cocoa. You can use other things in place of sugar, but my only other suggestion would be maple syrup.
- Sugar enhances the sweetness of the cinnamon and cocoa.
- It’s not a requirement, but your latte will be bitter due to the cocoa and cinnamon.
- Maple syrup is a delicious alternative to granulated sugar.
Supplies Needed:
- Mixing spoon (I love these long-handled spoons for mixing my lattes.)
If you use a jar, you can put the lid on and shake your coffee instead which creates a delicious foam. - Large cup or Ball/Mason Jar for your latte.
Ingredients:
- 2-3 Shots of espresso or 1 cup of very strong coffee
- 3-4 Tbsp. of light cream, half & half or the milk or non dairy of your choice. (If this isn’t light enough for you add a few more Tbsp.)
- 1-2 Tbsp. Sugar or maple syrup
- 1-2 Tbs. 100% cocoa powder (you can use 1/4 Tsp. if this is too rich for you)
- 1/4 Tsp. Cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice
- Ice: Lots of ice
How to Make a Cinna-Mocha Latte:
Step 1: First, add the sugar, cocoa, and cinnamon to your cup and set it next to your espresso brewing area.
Step 2. Brew two shots, I like to put mine into manual mode and I let it run until I have roughly 2-3 shots of espresso. It should give you a little under 1 cup of espresso. Add this directly to the cup. Either swirl your cup or use a long-handled spoon to mix until all of your ingredients have incorporated into your espresso.
Step 3: Next, fill your jar to the brim with ice.This will melt down somewhat from the hot espresso, but it is important to have enough ice to keep your coffee cold. I will usually twist my cup around to get the ice melted down then add more.
Step 4: Next, add the dairy of your choosing.
Step 5: Put a lid on your jar and shake vigorously or mix well with a spoon.
Step 6: As an added treat you can top your Cinna-Mocha latte with whipped cream and an extra sprinkle of cinnamon. Perfect for a dessert craving and caffeine fix at the same time!
Homemade Cinna-Mocha Latte
Equipment
- Coffee spoons
- Large cup or jar for coffee
- Espresso machine or coffee maker
Ingredients
- 2-3 shots Espresso or 1 cup VERY strong coffee
- 3-4 Tbsp. Light cream or dairy or non-dairy of your choosing
- 1-2 Tbsp. Sugar or maple syrup
- 1-2 Tsp. 100% Cocoa powder you can use 1/4 tsp. if this is too rich for you.
- ¼ Tsp. Cinnamon pumpkin pie spice works too
- Ice
Instructions
- First, add the sugar, cocoa, and cinnamon to your jar. Set it next to your espresso brewing area.
- Brew 2-3 shots of espresso and add it directly to your cup. Either swirl your cup or use a long-handled spoon to mix until all of your ingredients have incorporated into your espresso.
- Fill your cup to the brim with ice. This will melt down some from the hot espresso. Once it has melted down, add more ice to the top again.
- Add the dairy of your choosing. I love light cream for the decadence with this recipe.
- If you are using a jar, put the lid on and shake vigorously. This also creates a nice foam on top. Or you can use a long spoon to incorporate your espresso and cream.
- As an added treat, top with whipped and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
So, there it is. A delicious way to start your day or a yummy afternoon treat. Brew up a latte and fill your kitchen with the amazing aroma of espresso.
What is your favorite way to have your coffee in the morning? Let me know in the comments below.
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Qt. Ball Jars for a cup
Long handled spoon: For mixing though I also like to use a jar top to shake it.
Espresso Maker that I currently have
Espresso Maker that isn’t as expensive, I have used this one with delicious results.
Current Favorite Espresso Whole Bean
Same Espresso: Ground
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