Salted Caramel Mocha Milkshake Recipe | The Perfect Treat for Coffee Lovers
1. Introduction
Imagine sipping on a cold, creamy milkshake that perfectly balances rich coffee, sweet caramel, and just the right amount of saltiness. That’s the magic of this Salted Caramel Mocha Milkshake! This treat combines all the best flavors—espresso, chocolate, and caramel—into one indulgent, ice-cold drink that’s perfect for any time of the day.
Whether you’re in need of a quick pick-me-up, a cool dessert on a hot summer day, or a special treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, this Salted Caramel Mocha Milkshake is here to deliver. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create this delightful concoction in minutes, all while adding a personal touch with toppings and flavor tweaks.
In this post, I’ll walk you through how to make the perfect Salted Caramel Mocha Milkshake, from ingredients to step-by-step instructions. Plus, I’ll share a few tips on how to make it even more customizable for your preferences. Ready to treat yourself? Let’s dive in!
2. Ingredients Breakdown
The beauty of this Salted Caramel Mocha Milkshake is that it’s made with easy-to-find ingredients that deliver a perfect balance of sweetness and rich flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
Main Ingredients:
- Coffee (1/2 cup brewed, or 1 shot of espresso)
Coffee is the base of this drink, and it brings that essential bold, slightly bitter flavor that balances the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate. If you’re not a coffee fan, you can substitute this with decaf coffee or even a strong brewed tea. - Vanilla ice cream (2 cups)
Ice cream is what gives this milkshake its rich, creamy texture. I recommend vanilla ice cream because it complements the caramel and mocha flavors perfectly. You can swap it out with a dairy-free version for a vegan milkshake. - Milk (1/2 cup, any kind)
Milk adds the creaminess and helps blend everything together. Whole milk gives the richest texture, but feel free to use almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk for a dairy-free version. - Caramel sauce (2 tablespoons)
This sweet, buttery caramel sauce adds the signature flavor to the milkshake. You can either use store-bought caramel sauce or make your own. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, there are plenty of low-sugar or sugar-free caramel options available. - Cocoa powder (1 tablespoon)
The cocoa powder adds the “mocha” element to this milkshake. You could also use chocolate syrup if that’s what you have on hand, but the cocoa powder gives a more intense, rich chocolate flavor. - Sea salt (a pinch)
The sea salt is what makes this drink special—it brings out the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate, balancing the flavors perfectly. You can adjust the amount depending on how salty you like it, but don’t skip it!
Optional Toppings:
- Whipped cream
A cloud of whipped cream on top is the ultimate finishing touch for this milkshake, adding lightness and sweetness. You can also try flavored whipped cream for an extra twist! - Chocolate shavings or chocolate chips
To enhance the chocolatey goodness, chocolate shavings or chips can be sprinkled on top for some extra texture and visual appeal. - Additional caramel drizzle
If you’re a caramel lover, feel free to add more caramel drizzle on top to make the milkshake even more indulgent.
Substitutions and Dietary Preferences:
- Dairy-Free Version: Use dairy-free vanilla ice cream and plant-based milk (such as almond milk or coconut milk).
- Sugar-Free Version: Swap out regular caramel sauce for sugar-free caramel syrup and use sugar-free chocolate syrup if preferred.
- Vegan Version: Use vegan whipped cream and non-dairy ice cream to make this milkshake fully vegan.
- Decaf: For those avoiding caffeine, simply use decaf coffee or decaf espresso.
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this Salted Caramel Mocha Milkshake is quick and easy. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be sipping on a creamy, indulgent treat in no time!
Step 1: Brew Your Coffee
Start by brewing your coffee or espresso. If you’re using a coffee maker, brew about 1/2 cup of coffee (or use a shot of espresso). Let it cool for a few minutes, as you don’t want it to melt the ice cream immediately.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in a Blender
In a blender, add the coffee, vanilla ice cream, milk, caramel sauce, and cocoa powder. Blend everything together until smooth and creamy. If you want a thicker milkshake, add a bit more ice cream or blend it longer.
Step 3: Taste and Adjust
After blending, taste your milkshake. If you’d like it sweeter, you can add a bit more caramel sauce or a small amount of sugar. If it’s too thick, add more milk to reach your desired consistency. If you like it extra chocolaty, add more cocoa powder or chocolate syrup.
Step 4: Add a Pinch of Sea Salt
For the perfect balance of sweet and salty, add a pinch of sea salt into the blender and give it a quick stir. This little step really elevates the flavors and brings out the richness of the caramel and chocolate.
Step 5: Serve in a Glass
Pour the milkshake into your favorite glass. If you want to make it look extra special, you can drizzle some caramel sauce around the inside of the glass before pouring in the milkshake. This adds a decorative touch and extra caramel flavor.
Step 6: Add Toppings
Top your milkshake with whipped cream, a chocolate drizzle, and any other toppings you love, like chocolate shavings or chocolate chips. You can also sprinkle a little more sea salt on top to enhance the sweet-salty combo.
Step 7: Serve Immediately
Serve your Salted Caramel Mocha Milkshake immediately while it’s nice and cold. Use a straw or a spoon to enjoy all the creamy goodness!
4. Tips and Variations
Expert Tips for the Best Milkshake:
- Blending Tips: Blend on high for a smooth, velvety texture. If you prefer a thicker consistency, add more ice cream or frozen banana slices.
- Chill Your Glass: For an extra cold milkshake, chill your glass in the freezer for a few minutes before pouring in the milkshake.
- Make It Spicy: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to the milkshake for a spicy twist that pairs well with the caramel.
- Frozen Coffee Ice Cubes: Freeze leftover coffee in an ice cube tray, and use them as ice cubes for a stronger coffee flavor that won’t water down your drink.
Variations:
- Mocha Milkshake: For a stronger chocolate flavor, add chocolate syrup or chocolate chips in the blender along with the cocoa powder.
- Salted Caramel Milkshake: If you want to skip the coffee, simply make a salted caramel milkshake with just the caramel sauce, vanilla ice cream, and milk.
- Nutty Version: Add crushed pecans or almonds on top for a nutty texture that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the caramel.
5. Serving Suggestions
While this Salted Caramel Mocha Milkshake is indulgent enough to stand on its own, here are a few ideas for pairing it with sides or garnishes:
- Sides: Serve it with a light snack like popcorn, fruit salad, or soft pretzels to balance out the sweetness.
- Garnishes: Add extra caramel drizzle, whipped cream, and chocolate shavings for a stunning presentation.
- Drinks: Pair it with a hot latte, iced tea, or sparkling water to round out your indulgent treat.
- Themed Nights: Make this milkshake the star of a movie night or a coffeehouse-themed evening with friends.
6. Storage and Reheating Instructions
While this Salted Caramel Mocha Milkshake is best enjoyed fresh, here’s how to handle leftovers:
- In the fridge: If you have leftovers, store the milkshake in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 day. Keep in mind that the texture might change once it’s chilled.
- Reheating: If you want to enjoy it warm (think dessert milkshake), gently warm it in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, but the texture will be thinner.
7. Recipe Notes
- Prep Ahead: You can prepare the coffee and milkshake base ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge.
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: For the best flavor, use high-quality caramel sauce and premium ice cream.
8. Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
| Calories | 320 |
| Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Sugar | 30g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Sodium | 180mg |
| Cholesterol | 50mg |
| Calcium | 120mg |
| Iron | 1mg |
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
9. Recipe Card Summary
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American, Coffeehouse
Servings: 2
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup brewed coffee or 1 shot espresso
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tbsp caramel sauce
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- Pinch of sea salt
- Optional toppings: whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, chocolate chips, cilantro
Instructions:
- Brew coffee or espresso and set aside.
- Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
- Taste and adjust the sweetness or consistency as needed.
- Pour into glasses and top with optional toppings.
- Serve immediately.
Notes: Best served fresh, but can be prepped ahead.
Nutrition: 320 calories per serving
10. Final Thoughts or CONCLUSION
This Salted Caramel Mocha Milkshake is a delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a comforting drink on a cold day or a special dessert for a party, this milkshake has you covered. Don’t forget to add your own flair with toppings and customizations to make it your own. Enjoy every creamy, indulgent sip and let me know in the comments how yours turned out!