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    Home » Recipes » Drinks

    McDonalds Caramel Mocha Copycat

    Published: Dec 5, 2023 · Modified: Feb 20, 2025 by Karin and Ken · This post may contain affiliate links. Leave a Comment

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    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    If you love the rich, creamy chocolate and caramel flavors of the famous McDonald's caramel mocha, then this recipe was made for you! This copycat McDonald's caramel mocha has everything we love about the original but it's even better and you can make it at home.

    Closeup shot mug full of McDonalds caramel mocha copycat topped with whipped cream.

    I absolutely love the caramel mocha from McDonald's. I get one every time I hit the drive-through. Rather than wait until I'm out and about, I decided to put my cooking skills to use and make my own delicious version at home.

    This was inspired by my copycat Starbucks Mexican hot chocolate recipe! I knew if I could pull that off I could certainly make this caramel mocha. This rich, chocolate and caramel treat pairs well with my tasty Oreo biscotti, so give it a try! Or for more Caramel recipes, check out our Caramel Desserts.

    Why You Will Love This Recipe

    • Simple Recipe! You won't believe how easy it is. It only takes a handful of ingredients to make and it's perfect for beginners!
    • Budget-Friendly Alternative. Making it at home will save you money on both the drink and gas to drive your car since you don't need to leave the house to get one.
    • Amazing Flavor. It's even better than the original!

    Ingredients

    This delicious recipe only takes a handful of ingredients and you probably already have almost all of them in your kitchen right now. Anything you don't have can be found easily at your local grocery store.

    The ingredients you need to make this recipe are listed here but you can find the exact amounts in the recipe card at the end of the post.

    Overhead shot of individual caramel mocha ingredients in containers on table.
    • Whole Milk: For richer flavor use whole milk but for a lower fat version you can use 1 or 2 percent milk instead.
    • Cream: I used a light cream which is about 18% fat. You can also use heavy whipping cream (35%) or half and half (10%) instead.
    • Cocoa Powder: For the chocolate flavor. You can also use chocolate sauce, dark hot chocolate mix, or chocolate syrup instead but these may add additional sweetness.
    • Hot Strong Coffee: Or espresso works perfectly too!
    • Caramel Syrup: An easy way to add caramel flavor. Toffee nut syrup is another option.
    • Sea Salt: Enhances the chocolate flavor. Use sea salt for topping to make a salted caramel mocha.
    • Whipped Cream: For extra creaminess on top!

    Substitutions and Variations

    Don't have the correct ingredients on hand? Or want to change something up? Here are some helpful tips for you to change this copycat McDonalds caramel mocha.

    • Caramel Mocha Frappe: Enjoy it chilled and blend it with ice!
    • Salted Caramel Mocha: Use your favorite salted caramel syrup in place of the regular caramel sauce.
    • Iced Caramel Mocha: Enjoy it chilled over ice!
    • Swap the Drizzle: Serve with a drizzle of chocolate syrup in place of the caramel.
    • Add a Hint of Spice. Add a touch of cayenne to make a Mexican hot chocolate version of this drink.

    How to Make a McDonald's Caramel Mocha

    It only takes a few simple steps and a few minutes to make this incredibly easy recipe. You'll have a delicious drink to enjoy in no time!

    The recipe highlights are right here, but you can find the exact instructions in the recipe card at the end of the post.

    1. Combine the milk, cream, and cocoa powder in a saucepan.
    2. Bring it to a slow boil over medium heat.
    Overhead shot of cocoa mixture in a pot to make Mcdonald's mocha coffee.
    Overhead shot of heated cocoa mixture in pot.
    1. Add the coffee, caramel syrup, and sea salt to the pot and mix well.
    2. Serve it up in a cup and top with whipped cream and enjoy!
    Overhead shot of caramel mocha in pot.
    Mug full of McDonalds caramel mocha copycat topped with whipped cream.

    ⭐️ Hint: It's important to bring the milk mixture to a low boil. A hard boil will ruin it as well as make a mess!

    If you love recipes like this, you may also enjoy this spiked dalgona coffee or this delicious Coffee Milkshake.

    Mug of McDonalds caramel mocha copycat with another mug of caramel mocha in background.

    What to Serve with Caramel Mocha

    • Your favorite biscotti, rhubarb muffin, or a piece of sweet onion sage bread.
    • Enjoy one with a hearty breakfast with a Sour Dough Breakfast Sandwich or a Breakfast Croissant Sandwich.
    • An afternoon drink with your favorite cookies such as Cinnamon Roll Cookies, Oreo Cheesecake Cookies, or Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies.

    Tips

    • Store any leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the coffee in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
    • Heat milk slowly and do not boil over high heat. This will ruin the milk and may boil over making a big mess.
    • Be sure your coffee is nice and strong so it cuts through the sweetness of the mocha.
    • Add the whipped cream just before serving so it doesn't melt too much.

    FAQ

    Do you have questions about this delicious caramel mocha? Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about this copycat McDonalds caramel mocha.

    What is a mocha?

    A mocha is a variation of a latte made with espresso or strong coffee, chocolate powder or syrup, and milk or cream.

    Why did my cocoa and milk curdle?

    If you bring your mixture to a hard boil, it can curdle.

    What foods pair well with mocha?

    Savory items like your favorite breakfast foods are nice with a mocha to start the day. You can also serve your mocha with fresh fruit, chocolate-based desserts, and your favorite cookies.

    Closeup shot of mug of McDonalds caramel mocha copycat topped with whipped cream.

    More Drink Recipes

    Do you like making homemade drinks at home? Here are some recipes you may also like to try

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      Grape Ape Shot
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      Watermelon Vodka Cocktail
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      Creamy Berry Smoothie
    • Chocolate cake shot in a glass with whipped cream and lemon.
      Chocolate Cake Shot

    Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.

    A glass mug of a McDonald's caramel mocha copycat on the table topped with whipped cream.

    McDonalds Caramel Mocha Copycat

    Karin and Ken
    If you love the rich, creamy chocolate and caramel flavors of the famous McDonald's caramel mocha, then this recipe was made for you! This copycat McDonald's caramel mocha has everything we love about the original but it's even better and you can make it at home.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 10 minutes mins
    Total Time 15 minutes mins
    Course Drinks
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6
    Calories 165 kcal

    Equipment

    • large saucepan
    • whisk
    • Mugs for Serving

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup whole milk
    • ¾ cup cream I used 18%
    • ⅓ cup cocoa powder
    • 4 ½ cups strong coffee hot
    • ⅓ cup caramel syrup
    • ½ teaspoon sea salt

    Garnish Options

    • Whipped Cream Caramel Sauce, Ice Cream, Sea Salt
    • Optional: top with Butterscotch caramel ice cream caramel drizzle, sea salt
    Get Recipe Ingredients

    Instructions
     

    • On medium heat, take a large pan and whisk together whole milk, cream, and cocoa powder until there are no lumps, and it starts to come to a slow boil.
    • Lower the heat and add in coffee, caramel syrup, and sea salt until combined.
    • Serve as is or topped with any garnish listed above. Use sea salt for topping to make as a Salted Caramel Mocha.

    Notes

    • Store any leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the coffee in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
    • Heat milk slowly and do not boil over high heat. This will ruin the milk and may boil over making a big mess.
    • Be sure your coffee is nice and strong so it cuts through the sweetness of the mocha.
    • Add the whipped cream just before serving so it doesn't melt too much.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 165kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 3gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 38mgSodium: 265mgPotassium: 257mgFiber: 2gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 515IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 86mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword caramel mocha, copycat caramel mocha, mcdonald's caramel mocha
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    We are the kitchen divas: Karin and my partner in life, Ken.

    We have been attached at the heart and hip since the first day we met, and we love to create new dishes to keep things interesting. Variety is definitely the spice of life!

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