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A red mug of hot chocolate topped with steamed milk on a wooden background surrounded by spilled coffee beans.
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5 from 2 votes

Hot Chocolate Bomb Homemade Mocha Coffee

Hot chocolate bombs are all the rage right now, but a cup of hot cocoa to me is not complete without espresso. This chocolatey drink helps you bring out your inner child while also providing the perfect caffeine boost.
Prep Time5 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert, Drinks
Cuisine: American, Southern
Keyword: hot chocolate bomb, hot chocolate bomb coffee, hot chocolate mocha, hot chocolate mocha coffee
Author: Kari

Equipment

  • an espresso machine
  • a milk frother
  • a large mug
  • a small saucepan

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces espresso about 15g beans and 2 shots brewed espresso
  • 1 hot chocolate bomb
  • 1 cup whole milk or alternative milk

Optional

  • whipped cream
  • 2 ounces Bailey's Irish Cream

Instructions

  • First, gather your ingredients - coffee beans, milk, and a hot chocolate ball. You want to work quickly so the espresso and milk stay warm enough to melt the chocolate. (The best way to do this if you don't care about watching the "bomb" explode it to make the espresso right into a mug with the hot chocolate bomb in it to start melting the chocolate right away.)
  • If you want to get the full effect of the exploding cocoa ball, place a hot chocolate bomb in a large mug.
    1 hot chocolate bomb
  • Next, make two shots of espresso (about 2 ounces of coffee) or heat a shot glass (or two) worth of Bailey's Irish Cream. (For detailed instructions on how I make espresso, see the notes above.)
    2 ounces espresso
  • Now, steam the milk right away - save the cleanup for later. Steam the milk warmer than you would normally do for a latte to help melt the chocolate. (If you are making this for kids (decaf) or someone who might accidentally burn themself, let it cool before serving it to them.)
    1 cup whole milk
  • Now, pour the espresso over the chocolate ball, then the milk immediately after - trying to save a little foam if you can to top it off.
  • Then stir until the chocolate is dissolved. Top with leftover foam or some whipped cream.
    whipped cream

Video

Notes

(For detailed instructions on how I make espresso, see the notes above.)
Serving Size
This drink uses two shots of espresso and one cup of milk. Use your biggest mug to avoid spilling!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make a hot chocolate bomb?
I made a separate post with links to my favorite Hot Chocolate Bomb Recipes.
What is a hot chocolate bomb?
A hot chocolate bomb is a ball of chocolate filled with hot cocoa mix and marshmallows that melts as warm milk is poured over it.
What is the best kind of coffee to use for making espresso?
We prefer to use a single-origin coffee with a lighter roast - darker roasted coffees (like Starbucks) can have a strong, burnt taste. The lighter roast allows all of the different flavors in the coffee to come through - fruity, chocolatey, etc.
How do you make a vegan or dairy-free mocha?
You can make your mocha dairy-free by using a dairy-free hot chocolate ball and my personal favorite dairy-free milk for coffee -- coconut cream. It must be heated before adding to coffee, however, or it will curdle. You can also use Nutpods as well - peppermint mocha is the best! (But always be sure to heat them before mixing them with hot coffee.) This recipe has instructions on making dairy-free hot chocolate bombs as well.
Storage/Shelf Life/Reheating
If your hot chocolate gets cold - it happens - just reheat it in the microwave. If it has been out for several hours, it should be dumped out because the milk will not be safe to drink anymore.
Tips
  • Make your espresso fresh if you can. It will taste so good!
  • Use your biggest mug to avoid spilling when you stir the chocolate. Then top with foam or whipped cream.
  • Make a nighttime drink out of this using decaf espresso and/or Bailey's Irish Cream.
  • Add a drop or two of peppermint extract to make a perfect peppermint mocha. (Or use Peppermint Mocha Nutpods in place of milk!)
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