Dairy-Free Mocha Latte (Iced or Warm)

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This dairy-free mocha latte recipe is so delicious you will feel like you are drinking a high-end latte from a fancy coffee shop, but in the comfort of your own home and for a fraction of the price! It’s healthy (paleo, vegan, with no refined sugar) and easy to make either in the blender or with a milk frother.

front view of a glass mug with Dairy-Free Mocha Latte

I created an iced mocha latte recipe that is so amazing you will feel like you are drinking a high-end latte from a fancy coffee shop, but in the comfort of your own home and for a fraction of the price! Make your own cinnamon chip scones or mocha scones for a cozy breakfast.

To be honest, I’m usually a straight-up, black coffee drinker (maybe with a touch of this healthy coffee creamer added). But every now and then I get a craving for a mocha latte. So I made it my mission to create a dairy-free latte that is healthy, low in sugar, easy to make and delicious, and this Mocha Latte is totally a winner folks.

overhead view of hands holding a mug of Dairy-Free Mocha Latte

Mocha Latte Recipe: Ingredients and Substitutions 

Let’s chat a bit about the ingredients used in this homemade latte recipe, and some possible substitutions!

  • Brewed Coffee. If you want to add an even extra boost of caffeine to this treat, feel free to use a shot of espresso. Just be sure to chill it for an iced version. If you want to make this decaf, simply used brewed decaf coffee! Cold-brewed coffee is also a great choice!
  • Cocoa Powder. The higher quality ingredients used, the better this mocha latte recipe will taste. It only takes 1 TBS of cocoa powder to impart a perfectly chocolate flavor, so why not use the good stuff.
  • Honey. The recipe calls for a 1/2 to 1 TBS honey. I prefer my homemade latte less sweet, so I used 1/2 TBS. If you like your latte recipes on the sweeter side, then use a full 1 TBS. For a vegan version, use pure maple syrup.
overhead view of the ingredients to make a Dairy-Free Mocha Latte Recipe

How to make a Mocha Latte at home

Here are a few notes about making this recipe in the blender or with a milk frother.

  • Blend the coconut milk. I recommend tossing the entire can of coconut milk (solid and liquid portions) for 15-20 seconds in the standard Vitamix container first. This ensures there will not be any lumps when it’s poured into the Aer Disc Container to make the mocha latte!
  • Brew the coffee. Use your favorite coffee beans and brew them using your favorite method. I make mine in the french press. Feel free to use your favorite coffee or espresso!

To make an Iced Mocha Latte: Chill the ingredients first

  • For this iced vegan mocha (which is absolutely perfect for summer), it’s important to chill the ingredients overnight. Transfer the blended coconut milk and brewed coffee into glass jars with lids, and store them in the refrigerator overnight!
    • Blend for as short a time as possible. For an iced vegan latte it’s important to blend as little as possible, because blending increases the temperature of the liquid. 30 seconds is a sufficient amount of time to blend the coffee and coconut milk together to create a great foam. Blending for 10-15 seconds to combine the final ingredients into the coffee/coconut milk mixture was perfect!

To make a warm Mocha Latte: Do not chill ingredients

  • If you are more interested in a warm dairy-free latte, there is no need to chill the ingredients overnight!
    • Blend longer. To heat up the dairy-free latte, you will need to blend for about 2 minutes.
collage of six photos showing how to make a Dairy-Free Mocha Latte

How to froth milk at home

I understand the Aer container is a unique piece of kitchen equipment that not many people have, so you can also use a milk frother to make this.

In the Aer Container

The beauty of the Vitamix Aer Disc Container is that it does the milk-frothing for you! The proof is in the pudding, look at that foam (as I mentioned before).

With a milk frother

I use my milk frother all the time. It’s easy to use one instead of the Vitamix. I recommend whisking or blending the ingredients (coffee, honey, vanilla and cocoa powder) together first, frothing the milk, then pouring the frothed milk into the the mixed ingredients! You can still make it hot or cold, just chose the correct function on the frother.

Front view of hands holding a glass mug filled with Dairy-Free Mocha Latte garnished with cocoa powder and star anise

How to serve a Mocha Latte

  1. For an iced latte, pour the finished product into cups or mugs filled with ice cubes.
  2. For a warm mocha latte, pour the finished latte into your favorite mugs!

I also recommend pairing it with your favorite breakfast, like our favorite cinnamon rolls, my go-to healthy breakfast bars or these paleo zucchini muffins!

Front view of a glass mug filled with Dairy-Free Mocha Latte garnished with cocoa powder and star anise

Recipe FAQs

What kind of milk do you use to make a dairy-free latte?

Canned Coconut Milk. To achieve the best foam, I recommend using full-fat, canned coconut milk or cream. Lite coconut milk can also be used.

Is almond milk good for lattes?

It’s not the best. I think fat is a key component in a truly amazing mocha latte. So I’d stick with coconut milk for this mocha latte recipe!

What is the ratio of espresso to milk in a latte? 

In this recipe I used a 1:1 ratio of coffee to coconut milk. Feel free to adjust the ratio to your liking if you so desire! If using real espresso the ratio is more like 1:4 espresso : milk.

Overhead side view of a Dairy-Free Mocha Latte made in the Vitamix Aer Container

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Dairy-Free Mocha Latte

Laura
This dairy-free mocha latte recipe is so delicious you will feel like you are drinking a high-end latte from a fancy coffee shop, but in the comfort of your own home and for a fraction of the price! It's healthy (paleo, vegan, with no refined sugar) and easy to make either in the blender or with a milk frother.
5 from 6 votes
Course Breakfast, Drinks
Cuisine American
Servings 2 Servings
Calories 132.1
Prep Time5 minutes
Total Time5 minutes

Ingredients 
 

Instructions 

  • Put coconut milk and coffee into the Aer Disc Container on your Vitamix blender.
  • Blend staring at the lowest setting and increasing to high. Blend for 30 seconds on high speed.
  • Stop blending and add honey, cocoa powder and vanilla.

To make an Iced Mocha Latte:

  • Blend starting on low speed and increasing to high for 15 seconds, or until ingredients are combined.
  • Pour over ice and enjoy

To make a warm Mocha Latte:

  • Do not chill ingredients.
  • After adding cocoa powder and honey, blend for 2-4 minutes or until the mixture becomes warm.

Video

Notes

*Note: I recommend putting the can of coconut milk in the blender for 15-30 seconds before putting it in a container to chill overnight. This will ensure a uniform, smooth consistency and incorporate the solid and liquid portions of the coconut milk!

Make it with a milk frother

I use my milk frother all the time. It’s easy to use one instead of the Vitamix. I recommend whisking or blending the ingredients (coffee, honey, vanilla and cocoa powder) together first, frothing the milk, then pouring the frothed milk into the the mixed ingredients! You can still make it hot or cold, just chose the correct function on the frother.

Ingredient Substitutions 

  • Brewed Coffee. If you want to add an even extra boost of caffeine to this treat, feel free to use a shot of espresso. Just be sure to chill it for an iced version. If you want to make this decaf, simply used brewed decaf coffee! Cold-brewed coffee is also a great choice!
  • Cocoa Powder. The higher quality ingredients used, the better this mocha latte recipe will taste. It only takes 1 TBS of cocoa powder to impart a perfectly chocolate flavor, so why not use the good stuff.
  • Honey. The recipe calls for a 1/2 to 1 TBS honey. I prefer my homemade latte less sweet, so I used 1/2 TBS. If you like your latte recipes on the sweeter side, then use a full 1 TBS. For a vegan version, use pure maple syrup.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 132.1kcal | Carbohydrates: 12.3g | Protein: 0.7g | Fat: 8.4g | Saturated Fat: 6.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 3.6mg | Potassium: 106.2mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 10.8g | Calcium: 47mg | Iron: 0.4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you enjoy this recipe? Have a question? Leave a comment below!

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5 from 6 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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8 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    This recipe is amazing. I made the mocha latte ingredients without the coffee and kept it in my refrigerator in a jar and scooped a spoonful into my coffee and it was awesome. We have a lot in common. I’m a chemist at Argonne labs in Chicago and I often say things that I wish I hadn’t said. On the brighter side, sometimes I say things that mention God and He rewards me. I work with lots of international students who have never heard the word God. Would love to be able to leave the area but I’m near retirement so maybe I will. Keep blogging and adding new recipes!

    1. Hey Judith! Thank you for stopping by to report your success with this recipe! I used to job around Argonne all the time and took my students on field trips there! 🙂 I miss living near there so much, but can’t complain about our mountains here in UT!

  2. So impressed with your pictures and all that foam! Have you tried making this without the Aer Disk Container? I have a Vitamix but don’t have that attachment. Also, I agree with you…I love mochas but they are always way too sweet so this is perfect! 🙂