Chocolate, coffee and… cayenne pepper? Trust us, it works!
Add in some spices to a classic mocha for a kickin’ Spicy Mocha.
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A couple years ago one autumn, Starbucks introduced a Chile Mocha alongside the classic Pumpkin Spice Latte. While the PSL now makes a recurring annual reappearance, the Chile Mocha has not…
If you didn’t have a chance to try it at Starbucks, you can now.
Starbucks was inspired to create their spicy mocha by a few Mexican drinks and settled with ancho chile and cayenne pepper.
In my version, I mixed ground cinnamon and cayenne pepper with my freshly ground coffee beans, brewed it, then added dark chocolate sauce and steamed oat milk.
We’ve also made an Iced Cayenne Pepper Coffee over the summer so we’re fans of adding a little spice to coffee.
Here’s how you can make a Spicy Mocha.
Spicy Mocha Ingredients
- ¼ cup espresso (or ½ cup coffee)
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 tbsp dark chocolate sauce
- 1 cup milk
Tips for Making a Spicy Mocha
Coffee
I used a stove top moka pot to make espresso. I wanted to use a concentrated coffee so I could taste the coffee through the chocolate and spice.
To make espresso, you’ll need an espresso machine. However, one of my favorite methods to make espresso like coffee is with a moka pot.
It’s very easy to use. If you’d also like to make espresso for this spicy mocha, check out our guide to making espresso without an espresso machine.
Ground Cinnamon & Cayenne Pepper
I used ground cinnamon and cayenne pepper from my local Trader Joe’s.
You can find these in your local grocery store too or online on Amazon (Ground Cinnamon, Cayenne Pepper.)
The key to infusing the flavors into coffee isn’t by simply stirring in the spices into the coffee. In fact, you’ll find it won’t dissolve well.
The solution? We’ll add the spices into the coffee grounds before brewing. This will work no matter which brewing method you choose. Just mix the spices into the coffee grounds.
For the moka pot, as you’ll see I used, I grinded the coffee beans, placed it in the moka pot basket, then measured out both the ground cinnamon and cayenne pepper and just mixed it right inside the moka pot.
Dark Chocolate Sauce
I used Torani Dark Chocolate Sauce.
I recommend using a dark chocolate sauce. And if you can, get one from Torani. I like their sauces for my coffee drinks because they mix well in both hot or cold coffee. I’ve also used it to make cold foam for my cold brew coffee and to drizzle on top of pancakes. It’s really versatile.
Milk
I went the dairy free route and chose oat milk.
Feel free to use your preferred milk of choice.
I frothed the oat milk in my milk frother before pouring it into the espresso to keep the mocha warm. With a milk frother, you’ll also end up with a thick layer of milk foam that you can scoop on top of the mocha.
I find oat milk froths just as well as regular milk.
How to Make Spicy Mocha
- Grind coffee beans. Mix the ground cinnamon and cayenne pepper to the coffee grounds.
- Brew coffee using your preferred method. I used a moka pot.
- Pour coffee into a mug. Add chocolate sauce.
- Steam milk in a milk frother and add it to the espresso.
- Top with milk foam and a dash of cayenne pepper.
In pictures…
Step 1
Grind coffee beans. Or use preground coffee and mix in ground cinnamon and cayenne pepper.
Step 2
Brew coffee using your preferred method. I used a stove top moka pot.
Step 3
Once brewed, pour coffee into a mug. Mix in chocolate sauce.
Step 4
Steam milk in a milk frother and add it to the espresso.
Step 5
Top the mocha with milk foam and a dash of cayenne pepper.
More Mocha Recipes You May Like
- What is a Mocha? And How to Make It at Home!
- Mocha Smoothie: Start Your Day With Coffee and Breakfast in One
- Mocha Pancakes: A Coffee and Chocolate Breakfast
Spicy Mocha Recipe
Spicy Mocha
Chocolate, coffee and… cayenne pepper? Trust us, it works! Add in some spices to a classic mocha for a kickin’ Spicy Mocha.
Materials
- ¼ cup espresso (or ½ cup coffee)
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 tbsp dark chocolate sauce
- 1 cup milk
Instructions
1. Grind coffee beans. Mix the ground cinnamon and cayenne pepper to the coffee grounds.
2. Brew coffee using your preferred method. I used a moka pot.
3. Pour coffee into a mug. Add chocolate sauce.
4. Steam milk in a milk frother and add it to the espresso.
5. Top with milk foam and a dash of cayenne pepper.
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