This iced mocha is a simple homemade version of the McDonald’s McCafé classic — cold brew, milk, and chocolate syrup all shaken up into one creamy, caffeinated drink. It’s quick, no-fuss, and budget-friendly. Good for hot afternoons, tired mornings, or anytime you need a boost that tastes like dessert.
Jump to RecipeQuick Summary
- Prep time: 5 mins
- Cook time: 0 mins
- Flavor: chocolatey, cold, smooth
- Great for: heat waves, mood swings, caffeine fixes
Why I Like This Recipe
Honestly? I didn’t even want to cook. I just needed something cold and strong and not water. This iced mocha hit all the right notes — sweet, rich, and weirdly calming. Been keeping a bottle of cold brew in the fridge ever since.
Ingredients
In the Glass:
- Ice cubes (a lot)
- ¼–⅓ glass of cold brewed coffee (adjust to taste)
- ⅔–¾ glass of milk (2%, oat, almond — whatever’s around)
For the Flavor:
- 1–2 tbsp chocolate syrup (Hershey’s works)
- 1–2 tsp sugar (optional)
For the Topping (optional):
- Whipped cream
- Extra chocolate syrup (for that drizzle moment)
How To Make McCafe Iced Mocha
- Fill the glass: Start with ice — like, really fill it. This is an iced mocha.
- Add the coffee: Pour in cold brew or chilled leftover coffee. ¼ of the glass for a chill vibe, up to ⅓ if you’re exhausted.
- Pour in the milk: Top it up with milk of choice. Leave some room if you’re going big on whipped cream.
- Mix in the good stuff: Add chocolate syrup and sugar (if using). Stir hard so it all blends — don’t leave syrup sitting at the bottom like a sad surprise.
- Finish it off: Whipped cream on top, drizzle of chocolate, and maybe a straw if you’re being fancy.

Tips for Success
- Cold brew tastes best, but any chilled coffee works.
- Mix thoroughly or the syrup won’t fully blend.
- Add espresso instead of coffee if you want a stronger kick.
- Freeze leftover coffee in ice cubes — no more watered-down drinks.
- Want it richer? Add a splash of half-and-half or heavy cream.
Storage and Reheating
- Drink Fresh: Best enjoyed right after making. The ice melts fast, and the texture changes.
- To Prep Ahead: Keep chocolate syrup in the fridge and cold brew ready. Assemble in under a minute when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use instant coffee?
Sure. Just make it strong and chill it first. It won’t taste exactly the same but still solid. - What kind of chocolate syrup should I use?
Hershey’s, store-brand, or homemade. As long as it’s sweet and chocolatey, you’re good. - Can I skip the sugar?
Yep. The syrup adds sweetness already — sugar’s just extra if you like it sweet-sweet. - What’s the best milk for this?
Oat milk for creamy, almond milk for lighter, 2% if you want that café-style taste. - Can I make a blended version?
Totally. Toss everything in a blender with some ice and go for it. Makes a good frozen mocha.
Common Mistakes and How to Dodge Them
- Not chilling your coffee first: Hot coffee + ice = watery disaster. Always let it cool.
- Too little syrup: Be generous. Under-chocolating your mocha is just sad.
- Using regular milk and expecting foam: Nope. If you want froth, go with oat or froth the milk separately before adding.
- Not stirring enough: You’ll sip straight milk or straight syrup if it’s not mixed well. Stir like your mocha depends on it (because it does).
- Overfilling with ice then forgetting space for milk: Classic move. Leave a little room unless you want to play iced mocha Jenga.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 260 kcal
Total Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 25mg
Sodium: 90mg
Potassium: 340mg
Total Carbohydrate: 35g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 29g
Protein: 6g
You Might Also Like:
- Strawberry Banana Smoothie – Easy McDonald’s Copycat
- McCafe Caramel Cappuccino – Easy McDonald’s Copycat
- Shamrock Shake – Easy McDonald’s Copycat
- Iced Coffee – Easy McDonald’s Copycat
McCafe Iced Mocha – Easy McDonald’s Copycat
Course: DrinksCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: No-Cook1
servings5
minutes260
kcalCold, creamy, and chocolatey — this iced mocha is a quick homemade fix that tastes like a treat without needing a café run.
Ingredients
Ice cubes
¼–⅓ glass of cold brew or chilled coffee
⅔–¾ glass of milk
1–2 tbsp chocolate syrup
1–2 tsp sugar (optional)
Whipped cream + chocolate drizzle (optional)
Directions
- Fill glass with ice.
- Add cold brew to ¼–⅓ of the glass.
- Top with milk, leaving space if adding cream.
- Add syrup and sugar, stir well.
- Top with whipped cream and drizzle, sip fresh.
Notes
- Chill your coffee ahead of time.
- Adjust syrup to taste.
- Oat milk adds creaminess.
- For a frozen mocha, blend with ice.