Coffee Shop Delight at Home: Mastering the Salted Caramel Mocha

Learn how to make the perfect Salted Caramel Mocha right in your own kitchen. Discover the key components of this beloved coffee shop delight and learn how to master it with our delicious recipe. From perfectly brewed espresso to a heavenly blend of caramel and chocolate flavors, you’ll be sipping on a perfectly crafted beverage in no time.

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We all know the feeling of walking into a cozy coffee shop and ordering our favorite drink. Whether it’s a classic latte, a pumpkin spice latte, or a salted caramel mocha, the warmth and comfort of a delicious coffee beverage can make any day brighter.

One of the most popular coffee beverages is the salted caramel mocha, which combines the richness of coffee with the sweetness of caramel and the saltiness of sea salt.

While this drink may seem complicated to master, with the right ingredients and techniques, it’s possible to create a delicious salted caramel mocha from the comfort of your own home.

Whether you’re a seasoned home barista or just starting out, this guide will help you create a coffee shop-worthy salted caramel mocha that will impress even the most discerning coffee lover.

So grab your favorite mug and get ready to enjoy this delicious beverage at home!

Making Coffee Drinks at Home

I’ve taken to making my own ‘fancy’ coffee drinks at home.

Not only do I save a lot of money, but I also have complete control over the ingredients.

While the recipe is written to be served hot, you can adapt it easily to an iced coffee beverage or even a ‘frappe.’

Espresso: The Base of Coffeehouse Drinks

Espresso is a type of coffee that has a distinctive taste and aroma.

It is created by pushing hot water through finely-ground coffee beans with high pressure, resulting in a small but potent shot of coffee.

If you are making espresso at home, it is recommended to use freshly roasted beans that are specially labeled for espresso. This will ensure that you get the best possible taste and extraction from your coffee.

When selecting beans, look for those with a dark roast profile and notes of chocolate, caramel, or nuts. These flavors will help create a well-balanced espresso experience that is sure to impress your taste buds.

My personal favorite for espresso is Lavazza Super Crema. As a medium roast, it is a little less ‘bitter’ and packs more caffeine.

If I want to make a decaf drink, I usually turn to Kicking Horse whole beans.

Brewing Your Espresso

If you’re fortunate to have an espresso machine, use it to brew a rich and concentrated shot of espresso as the base for your coffeehouse-style creations.

I had an espresso machine when I first published this recipe as a last-minute Mother’s Day gift idea in 2013. It has since died and I now use an AeroPress to make espresso for my coffee drinks. (If you are curious how to use it, read my AeroPress review.)

If especially strong coffee isn’t your speed, then use regularly brewed coffee instead. (My boys go for a super shortcut using instant coffee! Not my personal preference, but it will do in an extreme pinch.) 

Customizing the Mocha Base

Originally, I used the Starbucks Hot Cocoa to make the mocha base. You can find it on Amazon just about year-round, but the best pricing is when Costco has a large container for sale.

While this is still a tasty option, I have played around with alternatives so that the calorie count and sugar are kept in check.

Option 1: NuNaturals Cocoa Syrup and Cacao Powder

Use a serving (1/4 tsp.) of NuNaturals Cocoa Syrup plus up to 1 Tbsp. of Cacao Powder. This one requires a bit of stirring, often even after you start drinking.

Option 2: Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides in Chocolate

Add a scoop of Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides in Chocolate. The serving size on the container is 2 scoops, but I find it almost too rich.

Creating Delicious Caramel Flavors

The easiest way to add caramel to your drink is by purchasing caramel syrup.

A low-cost option is the caramel syrup sold in the grocery store as an ice cream topping.

There are companies with pump dispenser systems like you’ll find at your favorite coffee shop.

Or, there are flavored syrups for both regular and low-calorie options. You can find small containers at the grocery store and larger ones at the warehouse stores.

For those who have the time, you can make your own caramel syrup.

If you are busy and want to watch your calories, Sweet Drops comes in a few basic flavors for coffee, including Caramel. It isn’t as rich of a flavor, but it does a good job.

Mastering the Art of Milk in Your Coffeehouse Drink

The milk component plays a significant role in the creation of a satisfying coffeehouse beverage. It not only contributes to the creaminess and texture of the drink, but also adds a touch of indulgence.

While whole milk is a popular choice, exploring alternative options like almond or oat milk can elevate your salted caramel mocha to new heights.

It is important to find the appropriate milk that blends well with the espresso and caramel flavors to achieve the ideal balance of richness and taste. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different types of milk until you find the perfect match.

Additionally, frothing the milk can add an extra bit of charm to your drink, transforming it into a true coffeehouse masterpiece. (Read our review of a milk frother.)

Typically, I do half-and-half with some 2% milk for mine. I have tested regular milk alternatives, both store-bought and homemade, and have found the foam is lacking.

For extra flavor, I’ll add a small squirt of Sweet Drops Vanilla to the milk.

Barista blends should help you achieve a sturdier foam.

A big upside of a good foam layer is I do not always feel the need to add whipped cream.

But, who are we kidding? Whipped cream is one of the best parts of this drink!

Do you enjoy a Salted Carmel Mocha from the coffeehouse?
What other coffeehouse drinks do you like?

More Coffee-Focused Content to Enjoy

Coffee is a staple in my house.

I’ve shared how to make different drinks.

Also, I have showcased reviews of coffee brands and other products to make it a great experience.

Review of the Aerobie AeroPress
Review of McCafé Coffee
Review of Rogers Family Coffee brand

Coffee-Infused Recipes Using International Delight Light Iced Coffee
Craft Awesome Mochas at Home
Brown Sugar Latte