Cinnamon Mocha Latte
A warm, non-alcoholic coffee beverage with chocolate and cinnamon flavor.
What is this drink?
The Cinnamon Mocha Latte is a warm, non-alcoholic coffee drink that combines brewed coffee with cocoa powder, milk, and warming cinnamon for a homemade mocha that delivers café-quality chocolate-coffee comfort without leaving your kitchen.
Why you'll love it
The classic pairing of coffee and chocolate is elevated by cinnamon's warm spice, creating a deeply comforting hot drink that feels indulgent and sophisticated whether enjoyed as a morning treat or an afternoon pick-me-up.
When to serve
Perfect for cozy mornings, work-from-home breaks, autumn and winter afternoons, as a dessert drink after dinner, or any time you want a warm, comforting beverage that satisfies both coffee and chocolate cravings simultaneously.
Pro tip
Bloom the cocoa powder in a small amount of hot water first, stirring until smooth, before adding the milk and coffee — this prevents clumping and creates a richer, more evenly distributed chocolate flavor throughout the drink.
Brewed Coffee
Strong-brewed coffee provides the caffeinated backbone and bold, roasted bitterness that forms the foundation of any mocha latte — use freshly brewed for the best, most aromatic result.
Cocoa Powder
Unsweetened cocoa powder stirred into the warm liquid creates a rich, dark chocolate flavor that complements coffee's natural bitterness and transforms the latte into a genuinely indulgent mocha experience.
Ground Cinnamon
A pinch of warm, sweet cinnamon bridges the coffee and chocolate flavors while adding its own distinctive warmth, turning a simple mocha into something more complex and seasonally satisfying.
Swap Options
Replace brewed coffee with espresso for a more concentrated, intense mocha flavor. Use oat milk instead of dairy milk for a naturally sweeter, nuttier variation. Add a drop of vanilla extract for a mocha-vanilla latte combination.
Mix coffee and cocoa
In a saucepan, combine brewed coffee, milk, cocoa powder, sugar, and cinnamon. Heat gently.
Tips:
- •Do not boil.
Serve
Pour into mug and top with whipped cream if desired.
Tips:
- •Serve warm.
- Use high-quality cocoa for better flavor.
- Adjust cinnamon for spice level.
Different ways to make this drink your own
Cinnamon Mocha Frappe
Blend all ingredients with ice for a frozen version that is deeply indulgent and coffee-shop quality. Top with whipped cream and a chocolate-cinnamon dusting for a drink that rivals any specialty café frozen drink.
Mexican Mocha Latte
Add a pinch of cayenne alongside the cinnamon for a Mexican hot chocolate-inspired variation. The subtle chili heat builds after each sip, creating a complex, warming drink with genuine depth that lingers pleasantly.
Oat Milk Cinnamon Mocha
Replace dairy milk with oat milk for a naturally sweeter, slightly nuttier variation that has its own understated character. Oat milk's creamy texture is particularly well-suited to mochas and produces a beautifully silky final drink.
Tools that make this drink come together
Small Saucepan or Milk Frother
Heating and frothing the milk separately before combining with coffee and chocolate creates a café-quality latte texture. A handheld milk frother produces a lovely foam layer that elevates this from a basic coffee drink to something genuinely special.
Whisk or Spoon
Thoroughly combining cocoa powder or chocolate syrup with a small amount of hot liquid before adding the rest prevents clumps. A small whisk or spoon used to create a smooth paste first ensures even chocolate distribution throughout the latte.
Coffee Maker or Espresso Machine
Strong, well-brewed coffee or a proper espresso shot is the foundation of a good mocha latte. A moka pot, French press, or drip machine all produce workable coffee — use double strength for the most pronounced coffee flavor.
Can't Find These?
No frother? Shake hot milk vigorously in a sealed jar for 20 seconds for a basic foam. Use instant coffee dissolved in a small amount of hot water if no coffee maker is available. Mix cocoa with hot water into a paste before combining with milk.
The right glass makes a real difference
Large Ceramic Mug or Glass Latte Cup
A large ceramic mug is the classic vessel for any latte-style drink, providing a comfortable, warm-handed experience for a hot beverage. A clear glass latte cup creates a café aesthetic and allows the layers of coffee, chocolate, and frothed milk to be visible, making the drink feel like a professionally prepared specialty coffee. Both options work beautifully.
Alternatives
A wide-mouthed cappuccino cup creates an elegant, European café presentation. A double-walled glass mug keeps the drink hot and looks stunning on a table. For an iced version, a tall glass with a wide straw is perfect.
Perfect food pairings to complete the experience
Chocolate Biscotti
Crispy double-chocolate biscotti are the natural café companion for a cinnamon mocha latte. They are perfect for dipping and their intense chocolate flavor reinforces the mocha's cocoa depth while the cinnamon in the latte adds a warming counterpoint.
Cinnamon Roll
A warm, spiraled cinnamon roll alongside a cinnamon mocha latte creates an indulgent, warming double-cinnamon combination that is deeply satisfying on a cold morning. The sweet icing and coffee bitterness balance each other perfectly.
Dark Chocolate Truffles
High-quality dark chocolate truffles complement the mocha's chocolate notes while providing an intense cocoa counterpoint that makes the coffee taste deeper and more complex. A truly indulgent pairing for chocolate lovers.
Banana Walnut Muffin
Dense, sweet banana walnut muffins pair naturally with a mocha latte — the banana's sweetness echoes coffee's natural fruit notes while the walnut's earthy crunch contrasts with the smooth, creamy drink.
Prep in advance for effortless serving
Make Chocolate-Cinnamon Syrup
Combine cocoa powder, sugar, water, and ground cinnamon in a saucepan and simmer until syrupy. Cool and refrigerate for up to two weeks. Adding a tablespoon of this syrup to hot milk and coffee produces an instant, consistently excellent mocha.
Brew Strong Coffee Ahead
Brew a double-strength pot of coffee and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Use this cold brew or chilled coffee concentrate for both hot and iced mocha lattes without any brewing time at serving time.
Pre-Portion Spices
Measure out cinnamon, cocoa powder, and sugar into individual small containers the night before. This preparation eliminates morning measuring and makes a weekday cinnamon mocha latte assembly nearly instant.
Freeze Coffee Ice Cubes
Freeze leftover brewed coffee in ice cube trays. These coffee cubes create an iced mocha latte that stays cold without becoming watery — each melting cube contributes more coffee flavor rather than diluting the drink.
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