Easy Matcha Mocha Recipe
Can’t decide between matcha and coffee? A matcha mocha gives you both—plus chocolate.
This drink combines the earthy taste of matcha, the boldness of espresso and the richness of cocoa, all balanced with creamy milk. It sounds like a lot of flavours in one glass, but when the ratios are right, they work surprisingly well together.
It is smooth, slightly bitter, chocolatey and caffeinated, making it a fun alternative to both a regular matcha latte and a classic mocha.
What Is a Matcha Mocha?
A matcha mocha combines four main elements:
- Matcha
- Espresso
- Chocolate
- Milk
A traditional mocha usually contains espresso, chocolate and milk. This version adds matcha into the mix, creating a drink with more depth and a slightly earthy finish.
The espresso brings roasted, bitter notes, while the chocolate adds richness and sweetness. Matcha adds its characteristic vegetal flavour and a different layer of bitterness.
Together, they create a drink that is bold but still creamy and balanced.
Why Matcha, Espresso and Chocolate Work Together
Matcha, coffee and cocoa all have naturally bitter notes, but each tastes different.
Matcha is earthy and grassy, espresso is roasted and intense, while cocoa is deep and chocolatey. Milk and sweetener help soften these flavours and bring everything together.
Chocolate is especially useful because it acts as a bridge between the espresso and matcha. It rounds out the stronger flavours without completely covering them.
The result is a drink that tastes more complex than a standard latte but still feels familiar.
Easy Iced Matcha Mocha Recipe
Ingredients
For one glass:
- 1–2 tsp matcha powder
- 30–40 ml warm water
- 1 shot espresso
- 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder or syrup
- 1–2 tsp sweetener, or to taste
- 150–180 ml milk
- Ice
You can adjust the amount of matcha, espresso and cocoa depending on how strong you want each flavour to be.
Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Milk
Add cocoa powder and sweetener to your glass.
Pour in a small amount of milk and mix until the cocoa is mostly dissolved. Add the remaining milk and stir again.
Fill the glass with ice.
Step 2: Add the Espresso
Prepare one shot of espresso and pour it into the chocolate milk.
Give it a quick stir so the coffee and chocolate combine.
At this stage, you already have the base of a classic iced mocha.
Step 3: Prepare the Matcha
Sift the matcha powder into a small bowl or cup to prevent clumps.
Add around 30–40 ml of warm water and whisk until smooth and lightly frothy.
Avoid using boiling water, as very hot water can make matcha taste more bitter.
A bamboo whisk works well, but a handheld milk frother is also an easy option.
Step 4: Put It All Together
Slowly pour the prepared matcha over the espresso-chocolate milk.
If you want a layered look, pour the matcha gently over the ice before stirring.
Once you're ready to drink it, mix everything together so the matcha, espresso and chocolate fully combine.
Prefer It Hot?
You can make the same drink hot.
Mix the cocoa and sweetener with warm milk, then add your espresso.
Prepare the matcha separately and pour it into the mocha mixture.
For a creamier café-style finish, froth the milk before combining everything.
How to Adjust the Flavour
The best part about making a matcha mocha at home is being able to control which flavour stands out.
For more matcha:
Increase the matcha to around 2 teaspoons.
For a stronger coffee flavour:
Use a double shot of espresso.
For more chocolate:
Add slightly more cocoa powder or chocolate sauce.
For a sweeter drink:
Add sugar, honey, maple syrup or your preferred sweetener.
For a creamier drink:
Use full-cream milk or oat milk.
If all three main flavours feel too intense, increase the amount of milk slightly.
Matcha Mocha vs Matcha Latte
A matcha latte is much simpler, usually containing only matcha, milk and sweetener.
A matcha mocha adds both espresso and chocolate, making it stronger, richer and more complex.
If a matcha latte is light and earthy, a matcha mocha sits closer to a café-style dessert drink while still keeping the distinct taste of matcha.
Matcha Mocha vs Regular Mocha
A regular mocha combines espresso, chocolate and milk.
The matcha mocha keeps those same elements but adds matcha, which gives the drink another layer of bitterness and earthiness.
It is a good option for anyone who enjoys both coffee and matcha and does not want to choose between them.
Your Matcha and Coffee Fix in One Glass
Matcha, espresso and chocolate might not sound like the most obvious combination, but together they create a drink that is rich, creamy and full of flavour.
You get the roasted kick of espresso, the earthiness of matcha and the comforting sweetness of chocolate—all in one glass.
So the next time you're deciding between a matcha latte and a mocha, try combining them instead.