La Colombe Strawberry Mocha is not just a beverage but a decadent treat that feels like a pause in the day—this is what we’re about to recreate. After much experimentation and sipping more cups of coffee than I’d care to admit (all in the name of research), I’ve finally nailed down a recipe that captures the essence of La Colombe’s hallmark creation.
Table of Contents
How to make La Colombe Strawberry Mocha
La Colombe Strawberry Mocha Draft Latte is a limited-edition ready-to-drink coffee beverage that combines subtly sweet strawberry flavors with the richness of café mocha. Crafted with natural strawberry flavoring, real Dutch cocoa, farm-fresh milk, and cold brew coffee, it offers a creamy, frothy texture reminiscent of a café latte.
Ingredients:
- Cold Brew Coffee: 1 cup (preferably a smooth, dark roast that mimics La Colombe’s rich flavor profile)
- Milk: ½ cup (for the creamy, frothy top; full fat or any plant-based milk works well)
- Strawberry Sauce: ¼ cup (homemade or store-bought)
- Chocolate Syrup: 3 tablespoons
- Whipped Cream: for garnish
- Fresh Strawberries: for garnish
- Ice Cubes
Homemade Strawberry Sauce (optional):
- Fresh or frozen strawberries: 1 cup
- Sugar: 2 tablespoons
- Water: 2 tablespoons
- Lemon Juice: A splash (to enhance the strawberries’ natural flavors)
Instructions:
Prepare Strawberry Sauce (if making homemade):
- Combine strawberries, sugar, and water in a small saucepan.
- Bring to a boil and then simmer for about 10 minutes until the strawberries are soft and the sauce has thickened.
- Add a splash of lemon juice, then puree the mixture until smooth. If desired, strain through a fine mesh for a smoother texture.
- Let it cool before using it in the mocha.
Prepare Coffee:
- Brew your coffee strong as it needs to hold up against the sweetness of the mocha and strawberry flavors. Let it cool to room temperature, or use a pre-made cold brew.
Mix Your Mocha:
- In a glass, layer the chocolate syrup at the bottom.
- Add ice cubes to the glass and pour the cold brew coffee over the ice.
- Stir in the strawberry sauce.
Froth the Milk:
- If you have a frother, use it to froth the milk until it’s light and creamy. If you don’t have a frother, shake the milk vigorously in a jar or use a whisk.
Assemble Your Drink:
- Slowly pour the frothed milk over the coffee mixture, allowing it to blend slightly but also keeping distinct layers.
- Garnish with whipped cream, a drizzle of strawberry sauce, and chocolate syrup.
- Top with fresh strawberry slices for a burst of freshness.
Tips for Perfecting Your Strawberry Mocha:
- Coffee Choice: Choose a bold and dark coffee to complement the sweet flavors of strawberry and chocolate.
- Balancing Flavors: Adjust the amount of strawberry and chocolate syrup based on your preference for sweetness and intensity. Start with less and add more as needed.
- Serving: Serve immediately after preparation to enjoy the dynamic contrast between the icy coffee and the creamy, frothy milk.
- Experiment: Don’t hesitate to experiment with other toppings, such as dark chocolate shavings or a sprinkle of cocoa powder.
What to serve with
Serving your homemade La Colombe Strawberry Mocha is an opportunity to enjoy a delightful beverage and elevate the entire experience with pairings that complement its rich and fruity profile.
Classic Pairings
- Chocolate Croissants: The buttery, flaky layers of a freshly baked chocolate croissant not only pair beautifully with the coffee base but also echo the chocolate notes of your La Colombe Strawberry Mocha, creating a harmonious marriage of flavors.
- Strawberry Shortcake: Embrace the strawberry theme fully with a light and airy strawberry shortcake. The sweetness of the strawberries and the softness of the cake provide a lovely contrast to the richness of the La Colombe Strawberry Mocha.
- Belgian Waffles: Serve your Strawberry Mocha with a side of Belgian waffles topped with whipped cream and fresh strawberries. The waffles’ slight crispness and the fresh fruit toppings will complement the drink’s creamy texture and fruity undertones.
Healthy Options
- Fruit Salad: A bowl of mixed berries, including strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries, offers a refreshing and healthy side that accents the strawberry flavor in your Mocha. The natural sugars and acidity of the fruits make them a perfect palate cleanser between sips.
- Nutty Granola Bars: Homemade or store-bought granola bars loaded with nuts offer a satisfying crunch and a wholesome balance to the sweetness of your beverage. Opt for bars with dark chocolate bits to maintain the mocha connection.
Indulgent Delights
- Dark Chocolate Truffles: Indulge in the luxurious combination of your Strawberry Mocha with rich dark chocolate truffles. The intense cocoa flavor complements the coffee while also amplifying the strawberry and chocolate notes in your drink.
- Cheesecake: A creamy slice of cheesecake, particularly if topped with a strawberry glaze or fresh strawberries, can be an elegant and indulgent pairing with your Strawberry Mocha. The richness of the cheesecake and the coffee’s depth create a flavorful synergy.
Savory Companions
- Bacon-Wrapped Dates: For a savory twist, offer bacon-wrapped dates alongside your Strawberry Mocha. The smoky-sweet combination with a hint of saltiness beautifully contrasts the sweet and fruity notes of your drink.
- Brie and Crackers: Creamy brie on a crisp cracker, perhaps with a touch of strawberry jam, can add a sophisticated and savory note that balances the sweetness of the Strawberry Mocha.
Ingredients Substitutes
Creating a homemade version of La Colombe’s Strawberry Mocha allows for personalization and adjustments according to your preferences or dietary needs.
Coffee Base
Original Ingredient: Espresso from La Colombe or a similar high-quality coffee.
Substitutes: If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can use strong brewed coffee as a base. A French press or AeroPress can produce a rich-flavored coffee that could work as an alternative. For a caffeine-free version, consider using decaffeinated espresso or coffee.
Chocolate
Original Ingredient: Mocha syrup or chocolate sauce.
Substitutes: If mocha syrup is not available, you can make your own by melting dark chocolate or using unsweetened cocoa powder mixed with a bit of sugar and hot water to form a syrup. For dietary restrictions, consider using a sugar-free chocolate syrup or a vegan chocolate option if dairy is a concern.
Strawberry Flavor
Original Ingredient: Strawberry syrup or puree.
Substitutes: In the absence of strawberry syrup, you could use muddled fresh strawberries or a homemade strawberry reduction made by simmering strawberries with a bit of sugar and water, then straining. For a sugar-free version, opt for a sugar-free strawberry syrup or naturally sweet strawberries without additional sweeteners.
Milk
Original Ingredient: Whole milk or two percent milk.
Substitutes: Non-dairy milks like almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk can be used for lactose-intolerant or vegans. Each will add its own unique flavor to the Strawberry Mocha. If you want to reduce fat content, skim or 1% milk are also options.
Whipped Cream
Original Ingredient: Traditional whipped cream.
Substitutes: Vegan whipped cream or coconut whipped cream can be used as a non-dairy topping. Alternatively, if you want to cut down on calories, you may opt to simply omit the whipped cream or use a light or sugar-free version.
Garnish
Original Ingredient: Fresh strawberry or chocolate shavings.
Substitutes: If fresh strawberries aren’t in season or available, consider using freeze-dried strawberries for a pop of color and concentrated flavor. Chocolate shavings can be substituted with a dusting of cocoa powder or a drizzle of chocolate syrup for that added chocolatey appearance.
Sweetener
Original Ingredient: Sugar or simple syrup.
Substitutes: For a lower-calorie drink, you might use stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit sweetener. Honey or maple syrup can serve as natural sweeteners though they will impart their flavors to the drink.
Final Thoughts
This homemade recipe brings you the joy and novelty of La Colombe Strawberry Mocha in the comfort of your home.
More Mocha Recipes:
- Mcdonald’s Peppermint Mocha Recipe
- Dunkin’ Iced Peppermint Mocha Recipe
- Dutch Bros Candy Cane Mocha Recipe
- Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino Recipe
- Copycat Dutch Bros Flapjack Mocha Recipe
Ingredients
- Cold Brew Coffee: 1 cup
- Milk: ½ cup
- Strawberry Sauce: ¼ cup
- Chocolate Syrup: 3 tablespoons
- Whipped Cream: for garnish
- Fresh Strawberries: for garnish
- Ice Cubes
Homemade Strawberry Sauce (optional):
- Fresh or frozen strawberries: 1 cup
- Sugar: 2 tablespoons
- Water: 2 tablespoons
- Lemon Juice: A splash
Instructions
Prepare Strawberry Sauce (if making homemade):
- Combine strawberries, sugar, and water in a small saucepan.
- Bring to a boil and then simmer for about 10 minutes until the strawberries are soft and the sauce has thickened.
- Add a splash of lemon juice, then puree the mixture until smooth. If desired, strain through a fine mesh for a smoother texture.
- Let it cool before using it in the mocha.
Prepare Coffee:
- Brew your coffee strong as it needs to hold up against the sweetness of the mocha and strawberry flavors. Let it cool to room temperature, or use a pre-made cold brew.
Mix Your Mocha:
- In a glass, layer the chocolate syrup at the bottom.
- Add ice cubes to the glass and pour the cold brew coffee over the ice.
- Stir in the strawberry sauce.
Froth the Milk:
- If you have a frother, use it to froth the milk until it's light and creamy. If you don't have a frother, shake the milk vigorously in a jar or use a whisk.
Assemble Your Drink:
- Slowly pour the frothed milk over the coffee mixture, allowing it to blend slightly but also keeping distinct layers.
- Garnish with whipped cream, a drizzle of strawberry sauce, and chocolate syrup.
- Top with fresh strawberry slices for a burst of freshness.
