Lee's Coffee Mocha (iced/hot) Recipe

Prepare espresso or brewed coffee

Pull two shots of espresso (about 60 ml total). If you don't have an espresso machine, brew 120 ml of very strong drip or French press coffee using double the usual grounds, then set aside while you prepare the rest.

Combine the unsweetened cocoa powder and granulated sugar in a small heatproof bowl. Add 30 ml hot water and whisk vigorously until the cocoa is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth and syrupy. This creates a chocolate concentrate that prevents grainy texture and blends evenly into milk and coffee.

In a small saucepan, combine the whole milk, half-and-half (if using), and the additional sugar (or simple syrup). Warm over medium-low heat until just below simmering (do not boil) while stirring to dissolve sugar, about 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

If you prefer a frothy top for the hot version, either froth the warmed milk with a milk frother for 15–30 seconds or vigorously whisk to produce light foam. For an iced version, chill the milk briefly or use cold milk and skip warming.

In a pre-warmed mug, add the chocolate mixture. Pour the hot espresso (or strong brewed coffee) over the chocolate and stir until fully combined and smooth.

Pour the warmed milk into the coffee-chocolate mixture while holding back foam with a spoon; then spoon foam on top if desired. Taste and adjust sweetness with up to 1 tbs additional sugar or simple syrup to taste.

Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream and chocolate shavings or a light dusting of cocoa powder if desired. Serve immediately.

Fill a tall glass with ice cubes (about 1 cup). Add the chocolate mixture to the glass.

Pour the cooled or room-temperature espresso/strong coffee over the chocolate and stir until combined.

Add cold milk (and half-and-half if using) over the coffee-chocolate mixture. Stir again to combine. Taste and sweeten with additional simple syrup or sugar if desired (simple syrup blends more easily in cold drinks).

Top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings if you like. Serve with a straw.