Chocolate Cracking Iced Latte (Print Version)

A chilled latte topped with a rich cracking chocolate layer for a refreshing indulgence.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Coffee

01 - 2 shots (2 fl oz) freshly brewed espresso

→ Dairy

02 - 1 cup (8 fl oz) whole milk or plant-based alternative

→ Chocolate Layer

03 - 2.8 oz dark or milk chocolate, chopped
04 - 1 tsp coconut oil (optional, for enhanced texture)

→ Sweetener (optional)

05 - 1 to 2 tsp simple syrup or sugar, to taste

→ Ice

06 - 2 cups ice cubes

# How-To Steps:

01 - Prepare 2 shots of espresso and allow to cool slightly.
02 - In a microwave-safe bowl or over a double boiler, melt chocolate together with coconut oil until smooth and glossy.
03 - Fill two tall glasses with ice cubes.
04 - Pour ½ cup cold milk into each glass and add sweetener if desired.
05 - Slowly pour one shot of espresso into each glass over the milk and ice.
06 - Gently spoon or drizzle melted chocolate onto each drink to form a thin solid layer on top.
07 - Serve immediately. Crack the chocolate layer with a spoon or straw and stir before drinking.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • That satisfying crack when your spoon breaks through the chocolate shell feels like you're doing something a little rebellious with your coffee.
  • Ready in 15 minutes, no fussy techniques—just espresso, milk, ice, and melted chocolate doing what they were meant to do together.
  • The chocolate layer keeps the drink tasting rich and coffee-forward instead of diluted, which is the whole point of iced espresso.
02 -
  • If your chocolate cracks into a million pieces instead of one satisfying shell, you either poured it too hot or used chocolate that was too thin—next time, let it cool a few more seconds before pouring, or add that coconut oil for more stability.
  • The order of assembly matters: milk first, then espresso, then chocolate, or the layers won't behave the way you want them to.
03 -
  • Use a tall glass, not a short one—the ratio of layers matters, and a wider, shallower glass collapses those beautiful visual effects into something less appealing.
  • If you're making these for guests, pre-chill your glasses in the freezer for five minutes before serving—it keeps everything colder and gives you a few extra seconds before the ice starts melting.
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