☕ Creamy, bold, and just the right balance of sweet and salty.
Let’s talk mocha macchiato…
This is one of my favorite treats to make when I want to feel fancy without leaving the house.
You’ve got the deep, rich coffee, the chocolatey sweetness, and that magical sea salt foam on top—it’s like a coffee shop drink, but better.
It takes less than 10 minutes, and you don’t need a fancy espresso machine.
Perfect for slow mornings, afternoon pick-me-ups, or impressing a friend with something extra special.
🍫 What You’ll Need
- ½ cup milk (whole or 2%)
- ½ cup strong brewed coffee or 2 shots of espresso
- 1 tbsp chocolate syrup (plus extra for drizzle)
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 tsp sugar
- ⅛ tsp sea salt (preferably flaky)
💖 Why I Love This Recipe
I first made this mocha macchiato on a rainy afternoon when I was craving something comforting but not too sweet. I was hooked after the first sip. It hits all the right notes—creamy, bold, and that sea salt foam? Just wow.
- You can make it in 10 minutes.
- It tastes like a $6 coffee shop drink (but way cheaper).
- You can tweak it exactly how you like.
- That sea salt foam adds a gourmet touch—without any fuss.
🧪 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Emulsion: The sea salt foam is made by whipping cream and sugar, which traps air and creates a light foam. The fat in cream holds that structure beautifully.
- Salt balance: A little flaky sea salt brings out the chocolate and balances the sweetness, enhancing all the flavors.
- Layering: Pouring espresso over milk gives that classic macchiato look and feel—dark and light layers you can swirl together.
👩🍳 Tools You’ll Need
- Small saucepan
- Handheld milk frother or whisk
- Glass mug or coffee cup
- Measuring spoons
- Spoon for layering
🔄 Substitutions & Variations
- Use oat milk or almond milk for dairy-free.
- Swap chocolate syrup with caramel sauce.
- Add a dash of vanilla to the milk for extra flavor.
- Use instant espresso powder if you don’t have brewed coffee.
🕒 Make Ahead Tips
- Brew extra espresso or coffee and store in the fridge for quick drinks later.
- Whip the sea salt foam and keep it in a sealed jar for 24 hours—just give it a quick shake before using.
👣 Instructions
1. Warm the milk with chocolate syrup
How: In a small saucepan, heat ½ cup milk with 1 tbsp chocolate syrup over medium heat until warm and steamy (but not boiling).
2. Pour into mug
Pour the chocolate milk mixture into your favorite glass mug.
3. Add espresso or coffee
Carefully pour ½ cup strong brewed coffee or 2 shots of espresso over the chocolate milk
4. Make sea salt foam
In a small bowl or cup, whisk or froth 2 tbsp heavy cream, 1 tsp sugar, and ⅛ tsp sea salt until thick and foamy.
5. Top with sea salt foam and drizzle
Spoon the foam on top of the mocha macchiato. Add a drizzle of chocolate syrup and a tiny pinch of sea salt.
🧊 Leftovers & Storage
- Best enjoyed fresh!
- If you need to, store leftover coffee and milk mixture in the fridge and reheat gently.
- Foam can be kept in a sealed container for up to 24 hours.
🍽️ What to Serve With
- A buttery croissant or almond biscotti
- A slice of banana bread
- Morning yogurt parfaits
⏱️ Servings & Time
Makes: 1 serving
Total Time: 10 minutes
📊 Macros (approximate)
- Calories: 190
- Protein: 3g
- Carbs: 15g
- Fat: 12g
- Sugar: 13g
🍽️ Meal Plan Ideas
- Breakfast: Pair with toast and eggs for a lighter start.
- Brunch: Serve with muffins or pancakes.
- Afternoon Treat: Enjoy with a cozy book or quick walk break.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- Overheating the milk: This can make it taste scorched—just heat until steamy.
- Too much salt: A little goes a long way, especially on the foam.
- Not frothing enough: The foam should be thick, not runny. Use cold cream for best results.
❓ FAQ
Can I use instant coffee?
Yes! Mix 1 tsp instant coffee with 2 oz hot water.
Do I need a frother?
Not at all—a small whisk or even a mason jar with a lid can work.
Can I skip the foam?
You can, but the sea salt foam really makes this special.
❤️ Wrap-Up
This mocha macchiato with sea salt foam is a simple way to bring a little joy to your day. It feels fancy but comes together in minutes, and that salty-sweet balance? Chef’s kiss. Give it a try and let me know what you think in the comments—I’d love to hear how yours turned out or if you made your own twist!
Would you like a printable recipe card to go with it?