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This easy Starbucks mocha sauce copycat recipe is perfect for both hot drinks and cold drinks. With just 4 pantry staples, you can make the same rich chocolate syrup Starbucks uses, without corn syrup! Use it in lattes, Frappuccinos, or drizzle over ice cream and baked goods.
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!
Let’s Chit Chat!
I have been obsessed with making my own Starbucks mocha sauce at home for YEARS!! It’s so much fun experimenting with chocolate syrups and latte in my own kitchen. I love knowing exactly what’s going into my drinks, saving a few bucks, and still getting that rich, chocolatey flavor we all love 🙂
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! Do you like your mocha extra sweet, or do you keep it on the bitter side? Drop a comment below, I read every single one and love swapping coffee tips with you all! And if you’re feeling adventurous, try drizzling it over ice cream or pancakes, trust me, it’s a game changer!
Why you need to make this Starbucks mocha sauce recipe!
- Tastes just like the Starbucks mocha sauce
- It is an easy recipe that can be made with just 4 pantry staples (sugar, cocoa, water, salt)
- This recipe will allow you to recreate your favorite Starbucks mocha drinks at home!
- 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.
- Made with simple ingredients and no corn syrup!
Table of Contents
- This is the best Starbucks mocha sauce recipe.
- Why you need to make this Starbucks mocha sauce recipe!
- Thick bittersweet sauce with just 4 ingredient
- How to make starbucks® mocha sauce copycat recipe
- Recipe Tips
- Frequently asked questions – FAQ
- Starbucks mocha sauce / chocolate sauce for coffee Recipe
- Shop this recipe
- If you enjoyed this Starbucks mocha sauce recipe make sure to pin it for later!
Thick bittersweet sauce with just 4 ingredient
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 to make Starbucks mocha syrup at home. 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.
Recipe Tips
- Use good quality cocoa powder- It makes all the difference in flavor.
- If your sauce is too runny, refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes. It thickens as it cools.
- Want a richer mocha? Add a pinch of espresso powder to chocolate mixture.
- Storage tip – Keep in a squeeze bottle for easy drizzling on coffee, pancakes, or desserts.
- Experiment with different milks for unique flavors. Oat milk makes it creamy and slightly nutty.
Frequently asked questions – FAQ
How to store this chocolate sauce for coffee
You can store this in a mason jar in the refrigerator 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.
Want a more versatile homemade mocha syrup (not Starbucks-specific)? Try my mocha coffee syrup recipe.
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
- Starbucks skinny mocha
- Cold mocha drinks
- Cookie Crumble frappuccino
- Starbucks java chip frappuccino
- Starbucks 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 tbsp 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.
What is Starbucks mocha sauce made of?
Starbucks mocha sauce is made with sugar, water, cocoa powder, and natural flavors to create a rich, sweet chocolate base for coffee drinks. My homemade version uses simple pantry ingredients like cocoa powder, sugar, and vanilla extract.
Is Starbucks mocha sauce the same as chocolate syrup?
Not exactly. Starbucks mocha sauce is thicker and sweeter than regular chocolate syrup, and it’s designed specifically for mixing into coffee drinks. Chocolate syrup can work in a pinch, but the flavor and consistency won’t be the same.
Can I buy Starbucks Mocha Sauce in stores?
Starbucks doesn’t usually sell their mocha sauce in grocery stores, but you can sometimes find it online in limited quantities. The good news is you can easily made a homemade Starbucks mocha sauce at home with just a few ingredients!
Starbucks mocha sauce / chocolate sauce for coffee
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp salt
Instructions
- Add the water, sugar, salt, and cocoa powder to a medium saucepan and place on medium heat.1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/3 cup cocoa powder, 1/8 tsp 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.1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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If you enjoyed this Starbucks mocha sauce recipe make sure to pin it for later!
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!
That’s amazing to hear! I’m thrilled that you’ve found the mocha sauce recipe to be such a hit.
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!
I am so glad to hear that Tara!
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.
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 🙂
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?
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! ☕🍫💕
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!
Ooo that sounds so good! I definitely gotta try that!
Thanks, for your research, knowledge and well presented information. I enjoy knowing what I’m eating, both out and at home.
Thank you so much!
Could you add peppermint extract to make this a peppermint mocha sauce as well? If so, could you recommend an amount? I loved the pumpkin spice syrup so was hoping I could find another “festive” sauce as we move towards December. Thank you for these great recipes!
Yes, peppermint extract works beautifully here! Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract after removing the sauce from heat, along with the vanilla. Start with the smaller amount, taste, and adjust as needed. peppermint can get strong quickly.
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.
I love hearing from a pro! It’s awesome when a recipe leaves room for personalization. Thank you for sharing!
Is refrigeration necessary for this or can it sit out? t
This is pretty amazing!! Thank you for sharing!!
Yes! It’s best kept when it’s refrigerated 🙂
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!
Does it really only have a shelf life of one week refrigerated?
Yes!
How many tbsp is a serving?
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.
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!