Name: Easy Salted Caramel Mocha Recipe at Home
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 2 shots (2 oz) espresso or 1/2 cup strong coffee; 1 cup whole milk or milk of choice; 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup; 2 tablespoons caramel sauce (divided); 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt; whipped cream (optional); extra caramel sauce for drizzling

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You know what makes my mornings feel special? A homemade salted caramel mocha. I used to spend way too much money at coffee shops until I learned how easy this is to make.

The coffee tastes bold and rich. The chocolate adds sweetness. And that little pinch of salt? It makes everything taste amazing.

My friends always ask me to make this when they visit. It’s way better than the café version, trust me. Plus, you probably have most of these things in your kitchen right now.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Good news! You don’t need fancy ingredients for this drink. Just grab a few basics and check the recipe card for exact amounts.

Espresso or strong coffee: Fresh brew gives you that bold taste you’re craving every morning.
Caramel sauce: Grab your favorite jar from the store or make your own if you’re feeling fancy.
Chocolate syrup or cocoa powder: This is what makes it a mocha instead of just regular coffee.
Milk: Whatever you have works great. I’ve tried them all and they’re all good.
Sea salt: The flaky kind is best. It adds the perfect salty kick to balance everything.
Whipped cream: Totally optional, but come on. You deserve it. Treat yourself today.
Vanilla extract: Just a tiny splash makes everything taste more delicious and rounded.

How to Make Salted Caramel Mocha

Okay, so here’s the fun part. This comes together super fast, and it’s honestly so easy.

Step 1: Brew the espresso. Make 2 shots of espresso or brew 1/2 cup of really strong coffee however you like.

Step 2: Heat the milk mixture. Grab your saucepan and warm 1 cup milk, 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup, and 1 tablespoon caramel sauce for 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Whisk until smooth. Keep whisking the whole time so nothing sticks. You want everything mixed together and nice and hot.

Step 4: Froth the milk. Now use your frother for about 30 seconds. The milk should look creamy and have pretty foam on top.

Step 5: Combine ingredients. Pour your hot espresso in a mug. Add 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract and give it a quick stir.

Step 6: Add the milk. Pour that amazing chocolate-caramel milk right over your espresso. Hold the foam back at first with your spoon.

Step 7: Top and garnish. Pile on the whipped cream. Drizzle 1 tablespoon caramel sauce on top. Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt flakes.

Tips for the Best Salted Caramel Mocha

Let me share what I’ve learned from making this about a hundred times now.

Use quality espresso: Good coffee beans make such a difference. You’ll taste it right away, I promise.
Don’t overheat milk: Keep it under 160°F. Too hot, and it tastes weird and loses that sweetness.
Layer strategically: Pour slowly, and you get those cool layers. Makes for great photos too, honestly.
Salt matters: Get the flaky sea salt. Table salt just isn’t the same at all, believe me.
Make caramel ahead: I batch-make caramel sauce and keep it in my fridge for two weeks straight.

Variations and Substitutions

Want to mix things up? Here’s what works great when you want something a little different today.

Dairy-free option: Oat milk is my favorite non-dairy choice. Coconut milk works great, too.
Sugar-free version: Use sugar-free syrups if you’re watching your sugar. Still tastes really good.
White chocolate twist: Swap in white chocolate sauce instead. It’s sweeter and super creamy.
Iced version: Pour everything over ice on hot days. Refreshing and still totally delicious.
Extra caramel: Double up on that caramel drizzle. More is more, right? Go for it.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make salted caramel mocha without an espresso machine?

Yeah, totally! Just brew really strong coffee. French press works great. Even instant espresso powder does the job.

How do I store leftover salted caramel mocha?

Put it in the fridge in a sealed container. It keeps for 2 days. Just warm it up again.

Can I make this drink ahead of time?

You can prep the espresso and syrups early. But froth the milk fresh right before you drink it.

What’s the best milk for frothing?

Whole milk froths like a dream. But those barista oat milks? They’re amazing too. Try both and see.

How do I make homemade caramel sauce?

Melt sugar until it turns golden. Add butter and cream. Let it bubble until it gets thick. Done.

Can I use cocoa powder instead of chocolate syrup?

Sure thing! Mix 1 tablespoon cocoa powder with 1 tablespoon sugar into your warm milk. Works perfectly.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Make it with decaf coffee. Or skip the coffee and just make hot chocolate instead for the kids.