Homemade Mocha Mix

Kickstart your day with this super simple Homemade Mocha Mix! Stir into hot milk or water for a drink that’s as chocolaty and creamy as you like. I’ll even show you how to whip up a mocha frappe that’ll rival you-know-who!

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This Homemade Instant Mocha Mix solves the dilemma of wanting a hot and chocolaty mocha, while also not wanting to leave the house. Short of trying to convince (trick) someone else in the house that they want a coffee so could they get one for me too, this is my tasty solution.

One of the many careers I've had in my lifetime (resume not available on LinkedIn 😉) was manager for a large chain bookstore with an attached cafe, and when someone didn't show up for work guess who made the mochas? I think this mocha mix  perfectly replicates those mochas, without needing to purchase an expensive espresso machine.

After mixing together the simple ingredients, you will have enough mocha mix to make 26 cups of delicious mocha. It makes a great gift, one cup or one jar at a time. Stirred into hot water, milk, or even a cup of coffee, everyone can choose their beverage, just like at your favorite coffee shop!

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here's a picture of the simple ingredients needed to make a delicious homemade instant mocha mix. Really! That's it! Let's go over each of the ingredients and how you can make changes if you need to:

• Powdered milk - For the richest mug of mocha I prefer to use whole milk powder. The resulting mocha mix only needs to be stirred into hot water and you get a rich creamy mocha. If you can't find it at your local grocery store, and don't want to order it online, nonfat dry milk works just as well, although I would recommend stirring your mocha mix into milk of your choice (dairy or plant based) to get a fuller flavor.
• Powdered sugar - Powdered sugar works better than granulated sugar in this mocha mix. It dissolves more quickly in the hot liquid and the added cornstarch helps to thicken your beverage just a touch.
• Instant coffee or espresso - Either instant coffee or espresso work here. It depends on whether you want a mild or strong coffee flavor in your mocha. Do Not use regular ground coffee that needs to be brewed. It will not dissolve and you will be sad.
• Unsweetened cocoa - Dutch process, or dark cocoa powder, is my preferred cocoa because it has a more intense chocolate flavor. If you can only find natural cocoa powder, it works as well, but it will have a milder, but still delicious chocolate flavor.
• Kosher salt - As I've said so many times before, a little bit of salt just makes the other ingredients taste more like themselves. If you didn't add a little bit of salt, the flavor would be just a little flat. If you don't have diamond crystal kosher salt (my preferred salt brand) use half the amount called for in the recipe.

See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

Variations

You know from visiting your favorite coffee shop that a mocha is just the beginning. You can flavor yours anyway you want. Other than buying and pumping store-bought syrups (go for it) here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Mexican Mocha - Stir in a pinch of nutmeg, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper for a kick of spicy heat.
• Peppermint Mocha - Add crushed peppermint candies and stir your mocha with a candy cane for a festive twist.
• Salted Caramel Mocha - Stir caramel and a tiny pinch of sea salt into each mug for a sweet-and-savory treat.
• Vanilla Mocha: Add ½ cup of vanilla powder to your entire mix or just add a few drops of vanilla extract to each mug for a subtle vanilla mocha flavor.

Step-by-step Instructions

Seriously this is so easy. If you can use a spoon or a whisk you can make this recipe. Some people have hand mobility issues—sometimes I do. That's when your food processor or blender will come in super handy. Let's go over both methods of making this mocha mix:

Mixing by hand

Step 1: Measure out all ingredients. If any ingredients are clumpy (like cocoa powder or dry milk), sift them into a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Use a whisk or a wooden spoon to thoroughly mix everything. Break up any visible clumps as you go. Transfer the mocha mix to an airtight container and store it in a cool, dry place.

Using a blender or food processor

Step 1: Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender or food processor in layers to help with even mixing.

Step 2: Pulse the blender or food processor several times to start combining the ingredients, then blend on a low speed for about 30 seconds until evenly combined.

Open the blender lid and check for any lumps. If needed, blend for another 10 to 15 seconds. Stir and then let the mix cool in the blender before storing, as blending can generate heat that may slightly melt sugar and cocoa powder.

Makes a very generous 26 servings of mocha mix. If you don't need that much, click the .5X button on the recipe card and you can make a half batch. But I wouldn't. You're really gonna like this stuff.

How to use this homemade mocha mix

Hot mocha (makes one beverage)

Step 1: Spoon 4 tablespoons of mix into one cup of very hot water or milk.

Step 2: Stir until the mix is completely dissolved.

Step 3: Top with whipped cream if you like.

Step 4: Maybe grate some chocolate on top for fancy reasons. Enjoy!

Frozen Mocha Frappuccino (makes 2 beverages)

Step 1: Add 2 cups of milk, 3 cups of ice, 3 tablespoons of chocolate syrup, and ¼ cup of homemade mocha mix to the jar of your blender. Blend on high, or the smoothie setting for 30 seconds.

Step 2: Turn the blender off and stir. If there are more ice chunks, blend another 15 to 30 seconds. Pour into tall glasses and top with whipped cream and more chocolate syrup.

Recipe FAQs

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