Elevate your coffee routine with this indulgent Salted Caramel Mocha—a luxurious blend of bold espresso, rich cocoa, and caramel sweetness crowned with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This drink beautifully balances sweet, salty, and chocolatey flavors, offering a café-style experience at home. With minimal ingredients and easy assembly, you get a cozy, gourmet treat in just minutes.

Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Coffee
- 2 shots espresso
- 1 Tbsp salted caramel sauce
- 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup (8 oz) milk of choice (dairy or plant-based)
Topping
- Whipped cream
- 1 Tbsp salted caramel sauce
- 1 tsp chocolate shavings
Directions
1. Prepare Cup and Espresso
- Optional: Dip the rim of your serving cup into salted caramel sauce for a caramel-coated edge.
- Brew 2 shots of espresso and pour into the cup.
2. Mix Flavor Base
- Stir in 1 Tbsp salted caramel sauce and 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder until fully dissolved.
3. Add Milk
- Froth or heat 1 cup of your chosen milk to your preferred temperature and texture.
- Pour the milk over the espresso mixture.
4. Add Toppings
- Top the drink with whipped cream.
- Drizzle an additional Tbsp of caramel sauce over the cream and sprinkle with chocolate shavings.
5. Serve
- Enjoy your Salted Caramel Mocha warm and fresh!
Servings and Timing
- Makes: 1 Salted Caramel Mocha
- Prep Time: ~3 minutes (excluding homemade caramel preparation)
- Total Time: ~5 minutes
Variations
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based milk (oat, almond, soy) and dairy-free whipped cream.
- Extra Salted Caramel: Add another Tbsp of caramel to the drink or apply it to the cup rim.
- Iced Version: Combine the espresso, caramel, and cocoa with cold milk and ice; top with whipped cream and drizzle.
- Spiced Addition: Sprinkle a dash of cinnamon or sea salt on top for added flavor depth.
Storage/Reheating
- Leftover Milk: Keep any frothed milk refrigerated and reheat gently before using again.
- Caramel Sauce: Homemade or store-bought caramel stays fresh in the fridge for up to 2 weeks—warm gently to pour.
- Mocha: Best enjoyed immediately—reheat carefully if needed, but toppings are best fresh.

FAQs
1. Can I use instant espresso or strong brewed coffee?
Yes—substitute with 2 Tbsp instant espresso mixed in hot water or a double shot of strong drip coffee.
2. Which milk is best?
Whole milk creates the richest foam and texture, but oat or almond milk work well too for a dairy-free version.
3. How sweet is this drink?
Moderately sweet from the caramel and cocoa. Adjust caramel and sugar to taste.
4. Can I skip the whipped cream?
Yes, but whipped cream makes it creamy and dessert-like—highly recommended!
5. How to make an iced version?
Combine the espresso, caramel, and cocoa in a shaker with ice, then pour into a glass, top with milk, whipped cream, and toppings.
6. Can I double the recipe for two servings?
Absolutely—double each ingredient and prepare simultaneously.
7. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes—use your favorite brand or homemade sauce for the best flavor.
8. Does it contain alcohol?
No—this is a coffee-based drink without any alcohol content.
9. How long can I store the caramel sauce?
Store in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks; warm before using.
10. Is this drink low-calorie?
No—it’s quite rich and indulgent. To lighten it, use low-fat milk, less caramel, and skip whipped cream.
Conclusion
This Salted Caramel Mocha is the perfect homemade treat when you’re craving a decadent coffee experience. With the sweet-salty combination and creamy topping, it brings a coffeehouse feel to your morning—or any time you need a cozy, flavorful pick-me-up. Enjoy every sip!
Print
Salted Caramel Mocha Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
An indulgent Salted Caramel Mocha featuring bold espresso, rich cocoa, and sweet-salty caramel, topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings for a cozy, café-style treat at home.
Ingredients
2 shots espresso
1 Tbsp salted caramel sauce
1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup (8 oz) milk of choice
Whipped cream
1 Tbsp salted caramel sauce (for topping)
1 tsp chocolate shavings
Instructions
- Optional: Coat the rim of your serving cup with caramel sauce.
- Brew 2 shots of espresso and pour into the cup.
- Stir in caramel sauce and cocoa powder until dissolved.
- Froth or heat milk, then pour over the espresso mixture.
- Top with whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel, and chocolate shavings. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use plant-based milk and dairy-free whipped cream for a vegan version.
- Add extra caramel for a sweeter drink.
- For an iced version, use cold milk and ice; top as desired.
- Add cinnamon or sea salt for flavor complexity.
- Caramel sauce keeps for 2 weeks refrigerated—reheat gently before use.
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blended
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg