The Brazilian Way to Make Iced Coffee Taste 10x Better
Though we contend all seasons are iced coffee seasons, we can't argue with the idea that summer is the cold beverage's time to really shine. This summer, we've been on a quest to try different iced coffee drinks and fun tips to mix up our caffeine game. So far we've added vanilla, stirred in a fudge pop and blended it on the road. Those were all fun options, but we recently saw another version that we immediately knew we had to try.
If you're looking for a bold new way to get your afternoon caffeine fix, look no further than the mocha cola. This combo of chocolate milk, Coca-Cola and brewed coffee is a Brazilian delight and it's all over the internet right now. We grabbed the three simple ingredients and gave it a try at our house. Here's how it went.
Related: This is Why Starbucks Iced Coffee Suddenly 'Tastes Different'
What is Brazilian Mocha Cola?
Even though it's tough to find the exact origins of the mocha cola, it's safe to say that it's a pretty adventurous drink, made from three ingredients: cola, coffee or espresso and chocolate milk. It's said that this drink is a cooling alternative to hot coffee on those hot Brazilian days and offers a bit more of a boost over a regular glass of iced java.
Related: Here’s What Happens to Your Body if You Put Half-and-Half in Your Coffee Every Day
How do you make the Brazilian Mocha Cola?
Courtesy of Jessica Wrubel
Start by filling a pint glass with ice (I used a 16-ounce glass). Add one shot of espresso or about 1/3 cup of cooled brewed coffee to your glass. Add in 1/3 cup of chocolate milk (non-dairy, regular, homemade or whatever you've got on hand). Stir, then top with 2/3 cup cola of your choice.
What I Thought About Brazilian Mocha Cola
Courtesy of Jessica Wrubel
I grew up drinking two things: seltzer and chocolate milk. And occasionally, because it was a thing in the Northeast, the two ingredients were combined to make a delicious drink called an egg cream (which, funnily enough, contains neither eggs nor cream). So when this recipe landed in my inbox, I knew I needed to try it out because it seemed like a bigger, badder version of an egg cream. And boy, was I right. The combination of the rich chocolate milk and slightly bitter, strong coffee was balanced out by the sweetness and fizz of the Coca-Cola. Plus, who doesn't love a good chocolate/coffee mashup? I can see why this one is so popular in Brazil.
My only hangup was the proportions. I wanted a touch more mocha flavor in mine, so I added in another heavy splash of chocolate milk (but you do you). Any more and you lose the effervescence of the Coke, which is a key component of this drink. The combo may sound odd, but give it a shot. It's a delicious summer sendoff.
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