If you’re a fan of chocolate-covered cherries, you’ll love this week’s drink!
The iced mocha with cherry cold foam hit the Starbucks “not-so-secret menu” in their spring 2025 lineup.
Because the ever-evolving coffee chain constantly updates its menu, this drink is not offered year-round.
A look at the new spring menu this year shows no cherry-flavored premium drinks.
But with this post, you can enjoy this treat year-round, even without the help of Starbucks.
Ready? Let’s get to it!
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What is an Iced Mocha with Cherry Cold Foam?
The iced mocha with cherry cream cold foam is a dreamy, indulgent drink perfect for celebrating Valentine’s Day!
It’s a sweet treat that was originally one of Starbucks’ seasonal beverages, but thanks to this recipe, you can make it any time of year!
What’s in an Iced Mocha with Cherry Cold Foam?
This sweet lil treat comes together quickly with a few simple ingredients, most of which you already have in your kitchen.
Espresso
The base of this drink is a dreamy iced mocha, which I start by melting a decadent mocha sauce into the hot espresso.
You can use a square of Ghirardelli’s dark chocolate or their mocha sauce, depending on your preference or availability.
Sauces tend to clump to the bottom when mixed straight into cold beverages, so if you’re going to use a sauce, mix it with the hot component before combining with the cold.
You can also use rich chocolate syrup, which is thinner than sauce and mixes more thoroughly into cold drinks.
I also like using cocoa powder which adds a deep chocolate flavor without needing to melt the chocolate.
Add just a pinch of brown sugar and you’ve got just the right mix of chocolatey sweetness.
Milk
Use any type of milk you have at home for the mocha—dairy or plant-based. Both work well in this recipe.
I’m a huge fan of oat milk in coffee, but this drink tastes great with any milk.
Soy milk adds a nutty flavor, while almond milk gives a lighter taste. Both pair well with chocolate cherry flavors.
You can also use dairy milk—skim, 2%, or whole—based on your taste preference and what’s in your fridge.
For the cold foam, use heavy whipping cream with skim or 2% milk.
Skim froths better than 2%, but I usually have 2%, so I use that.
Cherry syrup
I highly recommend DaVinci cherry flavor syrup for this recipe.
The cherry flavor pairs exceptionally well with the mocha flavor syrup.
I’ve found that DaVinci syrups give the best flavor boost, and this one in particular has an attractive pink color I love.
Cherry crunch topping
The original Starbucks version has a cherry crunch topping to add a bit of sugary flavor.
There are a couple of ways to replicate this topping at home.
You can use cherry sparkling sugar.
These strawberry crunchies are also a nice option.
Iced Mocha with Cherry Cold Foam Recipe
Ingredients
- 1-2 shots espresso
- 1-2 tbsp chocolate sauce OR
- 1 square Ghirardelli dark chocolate OR
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder AND
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- ice
- 1 cup milk
- 3 tbsp heavy whipping cream
- 1 tbsp skim milk
- 1 tbsp cherry flavor syrup
Instructions
- Pull a shot of espresso. If using a dark chocolate square, break it into small chunks. Pour the hot espresso over the chocolate and stir until melted and fully combined. If using cocoa and sugar, simply add to the espresso and combine using a hand frother.
- Fill your favorite glass with ice, then add the mocha espresso and milk.
- Combine cream, skim milk, and cherry syrup and using a hand frother, froth to your liking. Pour over the iced mocha and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
What milk works best for cherry cold foam?
Skim milk combined with heavy whipping cream produces the best foam. But I will also commonly use 2%.
Can you make non-dairy cold foam?
Yes! Plant-based heavy whipping cream works great in these recipes, too.
Instead of skim milk, use plant-based milk. Oat milk is recommended for these recipes.
Is the iced mocha with cherry cold foam still available at Starbucks?
Unfortunately, this drink was a limited-time addition to the Starbucks drinks menu in spring 2025. But thanks to this recipe, you can make it yourself at home!
Do I need an espresso machine to make an iced mocha with cherry cold foam?
Nope! I love using either a French press or an Aeropress to make espresso, perfect for these types of recipes.
Can you top an iced mocha cherry cold foam with whipped cream?
Absolutely! Who am I to judge?!
Final Thoughts on the Iced Mocha with Cherry Cold Foam
The iced cherry mocha is a delicious coffee drink that’s quick to make at home and well-loved by coffee fans!
It’s a brand-new flavor combination that pairs with some of the more established cold foams, which are among the most popular beverages in coffee shops everywhere right now.
This iced mocha latte would also be tasty with white mocha instead of dark chocolate, so if you’re looking to mix it up a bit, give the white chocolate a try!
If you’re looking for more coffee inspiration, check out this variety of beverages from the cold foam family:
- How to Make a Blueberry Vanilla Cold Foam Latte
- Starbucks Raspberry Cream Cold Brew Recipe
- Simple Peppermint Chocolate Cream Cold Brew Recipes
Although not technically a cold foam drink, this copycat iced lavender oatmilk latte is also a uniquely tasty recipe.
And if you’re looking for more hot drinks, maybe this handful of others will satisfy your taste buds:
- How to Make a Delicious Cinnamon Mocha Latte
- Cozy Honey Cinnamon Latte with Oat Milk
- How to Make an Easy Nondairy Cinnamon Roll Latte
And if you love ice cream, don’t miss these affogatos!
- How to Craft the Perfect Mint Chocolate Affogato
- How to Make the Best Raspberry Dark Chocolate Affogato
Until next time, happy sipping!
