This easy Starbucks mocha sauce recipe is perfect for both hot drinks and cold drinks. It is made to reassemble the Starbucks sauce except that it doesn’t use any corn syrup just a handful of other ingredients to bring the natural flavors of the chocolate out. This will help you recreate your favorite coffee drinks at home for a lot less money too!
Since you are here, check out this white mocha sauce, this cold brew mocha drink, as well as this chocolate cream cold brew starbucks copycat recipe.
Having a staple chocolate syrup is a must in every home especially if you are a coffee lover too. It is a great way to start enjoying the drinks you make at home even more while saving up on some money that you would’ve spent at coffee shops otherwise.
Now that I have my own espresso machine, I have been experimenting a lot more with homemade chocolate sauces, syrups, and other things that cake bring those cafe flavors to my drinks without me having to step a foot outside, and let me tell you it’s so rewarding!
This is the best Starbucks mocha sauce recipe.
Yes, going to a coffee shop is fun but sometimes it can be such a hassle especially if you don’t have the time to drive by there or just want to save a little extra money during these tough times. So in an effort to make delicious chocolate syrup, I started working on this one. Also, it is only fair to mention that this recipe has nothing to do with Hershey’s syrup. This one is a bittersweet chocolate sauce that goes so well with an espresso drink or anything that has to do with coffee!
Why you need to make this Starbucks mocha sacue recipe!
- It is an easy recipe that can be made with ingredients you already have in your pantry or can get at your nearest grocery stores
- This recipe will allow you to recreate your favorite Starbucks coffee recipe in no time.
- You’ll be able to skip the drive-through lanes and save extra time.
- It has a rich flavor of chocolate that will go so well with coffee.
- This will recipe will put any store-bought sauces to shame.
Ingredients for this thick bittersweet sauce
Here are the ingredients you will need to make this Starbucks mocha sauce. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the full detailed ingredient measurements.
- granulated sugar- White sugar is used to sweeten our rich chocolate syrup.
- cocoa powder- This will give it the perfect chocolate flavor. Just make sure to use good-quality cocoa powder to give this sauce the best flavor.
- water
- vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
How to make starbucks® mocha sauce copycat recipe
This is how you can make this sauce. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the full detailed instructions!
- In a small saucepan, add the cocoa powder, sugar, pinch of salt, and water and whisk to combine.
- Bring to a simmer while whisking constantly.
- Once the sugar dissolves allow the sauce to simmer for a bit longer.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge once cooled.
- This sauce will get a thick consistency as it chills.
Frequently asked questions – FAQ
How to store this chocolate sauce for coffee
You can store this in a mason jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. I like to also place it in a squeeze bottle that has a cap for easy usage as well.
To store this for longer, you can pour about 2-3 tablespoons in an ice cube tray ad freeze until solid. Transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Pop an ice cube in hot coffee to melt it and enjoy a delicious mocha drink in no time.
What drinks can I make with this Starbucks mocha sauce?
Here are some popular drinks that you can make with this homemade chocolate sauce for your coffee.
- Starbucks’ skinny mocha
- Hot chocolate
- Cold mocha drinks
- Cookie Crumble frappuccino
- Java chip frappuccino
- Peppermint mocha latte
- Chocolate milk
Help, my syrup is so thin. What can I do to fix it?
It is normal for the chocolate sauce to be on the runny side at first. As you place it in the fridge you’ll notice that it will develop a thicker consistency.
How much caffeine does this Starbucks mocha sauce have?
This chocolate mocha sauce doesn’t have any caffeine in it per se, allowing you to control how much caffeine levels you want in your drink by how much-iced coffee, hot coffee, or shots of espresso you decide to mix in there.
How can I make the Starbucks Caffè Mocha with this recipe?
To make that at home, all you need is
- 1 oz espresso
- 1 cup milk of choice, I like whole milk but feel free to use dairy-free milk like soy milk, coconut milk, oat milk, or even almond milk.
- 3 tablespoon mocha sauce
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate shavings.
To make it, stir the mocha sauce and the coffee at the bottom of the glass.
Top the drink with the frother milk mixture, top with whipped cream, and shaved chocolate, and enjoy!
What to use this chocolate sauce with?
You can use this recipe in a few ways to satisfy that sweet tooth. Some of my favorite ways are:
- Adding it to your morning coffee
- Using it for ice cream sundaes if you don’t love a chocolate sauce that it too sweet.
- Mix it into regular coffee (this can either be cold brew coffee or hot coffee)
- Add some to your hot milk for a warm and cozy chocolate milk.
- Drizzle some on top of vanilla ice cream for a decadent and rich dessert.
Starbucks version of mocha syrup
Starbucks mocha sauce / chocolate sauce for coffee
Ingredients
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Add the water, sugar, salt, and cocoa powder to a medium saucepan and place on medium heat.½ cup water, ½ cup granulated sugar, ⅓ cup cocoa powder, ⅛ teaspoon salt
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring often. Once the sugar has dissolved fully, allow the mixture to simmer for an extra 2 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat, add the vanilla extract, mix, and allow it to cool down fully before using it in your drinks.½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Notes
Nutrition
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Laura
OMG you nailed this!!!! I used sugar substitute because I’m diabetic and you can’t tell at all. This literally tastes exactly like a Starbucks mocha when I add my espresso and a little bit of cream. Thank you so much for this recipe!!!!!
Chahinez
ahhh that is nice to hear! I am glad it tastes good even with the sugar substitute swap.
Grace
This was so perfect! I’ve been making mocha lattes with it every day some making it! I totally recommend using dark cocoa powder! Just finished making anger catch and I think the next batch I’ll add a tich of raspberry extract 🙂
Chahinez
Let me know how the raspberry extract works out, I am curious 🙂
Holly
I love this recipe! I recently was diagnosed with alpha gal, so I’m allergic to a LOT of things now, which is what made me decide to make my own mochas, and brought me to this recipe. I will say that I’ve noticed the last few batches I’ve made had quite a few “clumps” in it, which mine either never had them before or I didn’t notice them before. I tried whisking it even. Are there supposed to be clumps or am I doing something wrong? Thanks!
Chahinez
The clumping is from the cocoa powder not being sifted into the pot. Try passing the cocoa powder through a fine-mesh sieve before putting it into the saucepan. That should do the trick. Let me know how it goes!
Kalin
Mix the cocoa powder and sugar first, then the liquids. This will allow the sugar crystals to break up the cocoa powder.
Debbie Schaeffer
So excited I found this easy recipe – thank you! At the end of the recipe you said it lasts one week in fridge. In the section above “How to Store this Chocolate Sauce” it says two weeks. How long has it lasted for you? Happy New Year!
Chahinez
For me personally, it has lasted multiple weeks. But I never want anyone who makes my recipes to eat expired food so one week is always safest to advise. Happy New Year to you as well!
Sophia
I love using this mocha sauce to make my peppermint mochas! I would recommend using a Dutch-proccessed cocoa powder; I use the Ghirardelli one. Also, does anyone know what the serving size is for this sauce?
Chahinez
Hi! So each serving would be just a little less than 1/4 cup, about 3 and a half tablespoons.
Krysti
Such a great recipe! I love having my own fresh chocolate sauce to make mochas at home. Delish!
Chahinez
Isn’t it great!!
Meg
This is my favorite recipe. I was looking for a cheap and easy alternative to frequently going to Dunkin and Starbies and this is definitely the ticket. I double the recipe and make it once a month keeping it in the fridge and adding a quick squeeze to may latte every morning. Thanks so much for sharing this recipe for without it I would be terribly under caffeinated and far more broke.
Chahinez
HAHAHA honestly I would be too if I didn’t make these myself! I hear you.
Jennifer
Is the recipe for one cup of mocha or multiple?
Chahinez
Multiple
Marketa Husova
I can finally stop buying mochas from coffee shops!!! This is the best recipe!
Chahinez
Yay! this is a great way to save a few bucks and make the drink your own!
Kaylyn Titherington
Chahinez, I can’t believe I’ve never left a comment about this recipe. It took me so long to find a good mocha sauce recipe (your recipe). I found it almost a year ago, and it’s the one I keep going back to. It’s so good! Thank you!
Chahinez
That’s amazing to hear! I’m thrilled that you’ve found the mocha sauce recipe to be such a hit.
Tara
Delicious and wonderfully complementary to my coffee too! 😉
I quite like the way your recipe is laid out with the ingredients also listed in the directions. No scrolling up and down is very much appreciated.
Thank you!
Chahinez
I am so glad to hear that Tara!
Tristin
This recipe is great. I’m so glad it doesn’t taste like Hershey’s syrup. I have made this several times now, usually a double batch because my daughter steals it for her pancakes. To me it is best with dark coco powder but regular is great too. I can’t wait to try your white chocolate version. Thanks for sharing.
Chahinez
I personally love dark cocoa powder! Not too many people know about it but it’s a fantastic switch up from regular, I completely agree. If you liked this one, you’ll definitely enjoy the white chocolate one 🙂
Sara H
I love this recipe. I have made it sooo many times and it never disappoints. Wondering though, is there a way I can substitute the sugar with honey, for a healthier-ish version?
Chahinez
So happy you love the recipe! 😊 You can definitely substitute the sugar with honey, but keep in mind it will slightly change the flavor and consistency. Since honey is sweeter and more liquid than sugar, I’d recommend using about ¾ of the amount of sugar called for and reducing any added liquid slightly. Let me know how it turns out! ☕🍫💕
Addy
Delicious!! I add it to iced milk with a splash of coffee for an iced mocha 🤤. My favourite is adding a splash of mint extract at the same time as the vanilla!
Chahinez
Ooo that sounds so good! I definitely gotta try that!
Mitch
Thanks, for your research, knowledge and well presented information. I enjoy knowing what I’m eating, both out and at home.
Chahinez
Thank you so much!
Jeremy Ottens
As a coffee professional, I must say, this is one of the best recipes I’ve had, depending on the cocoa used. The addition of salt sets it off (must add). I used cane sugar. I tasted before and after adding the vanilla and I think it’s optional, though most people will prefer adding it. I like a darker more bitter chocolate sometimes so next time I make it I may cut the vanilla or reduce it.
Chahinez
I love hearing from a pro! It’s awesome when a recipe leaves room for personalization. Thank you for sharing!
Derrick McReynolds
Is refrigeration necessary for this or can it sit out? t
This is pretty amazing!! Thank you for sharing!!
Chahinez
Yes! It’s best kept when it’s refrigerated 🙂
Alice
Absolutely delicious! I’ve made hot lattes, iced lattes, and cold brews with this syrup. Very money saving too, especially considering how much $$$ I spend on premade syrups and getting coffee from shops. Thank you for this!
Rich
Does it really only have a shelf life of one week refrigerated?
Chahinez
Yes!
Alice
How many tbsp is a serving?
Steve E
I’m wondering how many Tbsp per serving as well? I guess the inventor of this recipe wants us to experiment. Will 3 Tbsp in a Vitamix blender with coffee and ice be enough? I dunno. I will experiment when I make the sauce.
Chahinez
That will depend on how much milk, coffee, and ice you add to your drink. The sweetness level will depend on your preference. I add about 3-4 tablespoons per 1 cup latte!