How to Make the Perfect Chocolate Cherry Coffee: A Step-by-Step Recipe

If you love the combination of rich chocolate, tart cherries, and bold coffee, this Chocolate Cherry Coffee Recipe is the perfect treat. Whether you prefer an indulgent mocha-style drink or a refreshing iced version, this recipe is designed to bring out the best flavors.

This guide will cover:

  • What is Chocolate Cherry Coffee?

  • Health Benefits of Chocolate and Cherries in Coffee

  • The Best Chocolate Cherry Coffee Recipe

  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Chocolate Cherry Coffee?

Chocolate cherry coffee is a specialty coffee drink that combines espresso or brewed coffee with dark chocolate and cherry flavors to create a rich and complex beverage. It can be served hot, iced, or blended with milk for a creamy texture.

What is Chocolate Cherry Coffee?

This unique flavor profile is inspired by desserts like Black Forest Cake, which pairs chocolate and cherries beautifully. The deep chocolate notes complement the natural fruitiness of coffee, while cherries add a slight tartness that enhances the drink’s balance.

Health Benefits of Chocolate and Cherries in Coffee

Research from World Coffee Research and Barista Hustle highlights that both chocolate and cherries offer numerous health benefits when combined with coffee:

  • Rich in Antioxidants: Dark chocolate and cherries contain powerful antioxidants that reduce inflammation and promote heart health.

  • Mood-Boosting Properties: Chocolate is known to stimulate serotonin production, improving mood and relaxation.

  • Balanced Energy Boost: The natural caffeine in coffee combined with the slight sugar content in cherries provides a more stable and sustained energy boost.

  • Lower Acidity: The combination of chocolate and cherries helps neutralize coffee’s acidity, making it gentler on the stomach.

Chocolate Cherry Coffee Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 2 shots of espresso or 1 cup of brewed coffee (medium or dark roast)

  • 2 tablespoons dark chocolate syrup or melted dark chocolate

  • 3-4 fresh cherries (pitted and mashed) or 1 tbsp cherry syrup

  • ½ cup steamed milk (for a latte version) or almond milk for dairy-free

  • Whipped cream (optional, for garnish)

  • Dark chocolate shavings and a cherry (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Brew the Coffee: Use high-quality specialty coffee beans from Cầu Đất or Krong Năng for the best flavor.

  2. Prepare the Chocolate: Melt dark chocolate or use a pre-made dark chocolate syrup.

  3. Mash the Cherries: If using fresh cherries, pit and mash them into a smooth paste.

  4. Mix Ingredients: Stir the chocolate and cherry mixture into the brewed coffee or espresso.

  5. For a Latte Version: Steam the milk and pour it over the chocolate-cherry coffee base.

  6. For an Iced Version: Let the coffee cool, then serve over ice with a splash of milk.

  7. Garnish: Top with whipped cream, dark chocolate shavings, and a cherry for an elegant finish.

Chocolate Cherry Coffee Recipe

Tips for the Best Chocolate Cherry Coffee

  • Use Dark Chocolate: Dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) provides the richest flavor.

  • Fresh Cherries vs. Syrup: Fresh cherries offer a more natural taste, but high-quality cherry syrup is a great alternative.

  • Experiment with Coffee Beans: Medium-dark roast beans, like Bazan Coffee’s Specialty Arabica – Cầu Đất, work best for balance.

  • Add a Dash of Cinnamon: A small pinch of cinnamon enhances the chocolate and cherry notes beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use white chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes! White chocolate is a fantastic substitute that creates a sweeter, creamier, and more indulgent version of this drink. Unlike dark chocolate, which has deep, bitter cocoa notes, white chocolate is made from cocoa butter, sugar, and milk solids, giving it a rich, buttery taste.

  • Flavor Difference: Using white chocolate will result in a milder, dessert-like flavor rather than a bold chocolatey richness.

  • Best Pairings: White chocolate pairs exceptionally well with tart cherries, as the sweetness balances out the fruit’s acidity.

  • Pro Tip: If using white chocolate, reduce the added sugar in your recipe, as white chocolate is naturally sweeter.

Q: Can I use white chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Q: What type of cherries work best?

The best cherries to use depend on the flavor profile you prefer:

  • Sweet Cherries (e.g., Bing, Rainier, Black Cherries) – These are the best option if you want a naturally sweet and fruity coffee drink.

  • Tart Cherries (e.g., Montmorency, Morello) – These will give your drink a bold, tangy kick, balancing the richness of chocolate and coffee.

  • Frozen Cherries – Work well when fresh cherries are out of season. Just thaw them before use.

  • Dried Cherries – Soak in warm water or cherry juice for 10–15 minutes to soften before blending into the drink.

  • Cherry Syrup or Cherry Extract – If fresh cherries aren’t available, these provide an easy way to infuse cherry flavor without extra preparation.

Q: What type of cherries work best?

💡 Tip: If using fresh cherries, always pit and blend them thoroughly for a smooth texture.

Q: Can I make this drink vegan?

Absolutely! This recipe can be made 100% plant-based with a few simple swaps:

  • Milk Alternatives:

    • Oat milk – Best for a creamy, smooth texture similar to dairy milk.

    • Almond milk – Adds a subtle nutty flavor that pairs well with cherries.

    • Coconut milk – Provides extra richness with a tropical twist.

    • Soy milk – Works well for a high-protein, neutral-flavored option.

  • Chocolate Substitutes:

    • Use vegan dark chocolate or cacao powder instead of regular milk chocolate.

    • Check that your chocolate is dairy-free (some brands may contain milk solids).

  • Sweeteners:

    • Swap honey for maple syrup, agave, or coconut sugar for a vegan-friendly alternative.

Q: Can I make this drink vegan?

💡 Tip: Vegan dark chocolate tends to be more bitter than milk chocolate, so you may need to adjust the sweetness by adding a little extra sugar or sweetener.

Q: Can I make this drink iced?

Yes! An iced version of this cherry mocha is just as delicious and refreshing. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Brew your coffee as usual and let it cool to room temperature.

  2. Prepare the cherry-chocolate mixture as normal, ensuring the chocolate is fully melted and mixed.

  3. Fill a glass with ice cubes.

  4. Pour the cooled coffee over the ice, followed by the cherry-chocolate mixture.

  5. Stir well and top with whipped cream (optional).

Q: Can I make this drink iced?

💡 Tip: For an extra smooth iced mocha, blend everything together with ice for a cherry-chocolate frappé-style drink!

Q: Does this drink contain a lot of caffeine?

 The caffeine content varies based on the type of coffee or espresso used:

  • Standard Espresso (1 shot) → ~63mg caffeine

  • Double Espresso (2 shots) → ~126mg caffeine

  • Cold Brew (8 oz serving) → ~100–200mg caffeine, depending on strength

  • Drip Coffee (8 oz serving) → ~95mg caffeine

💡 Tip: If you want a low-caffeine version, try using decaf espresso or half-regular, half-decaf coffee.

Elevate Your Chocolate Cherry Coffee Experience with Bazan Coffee

At Bazan Coffee, we believe that the foundation of a truly indulgent chocolate cherry coffee starts with high-quality specialty coffee beans. The perfect blend should enhance the richness of chocolate, complement the fruity depth of cherries, and balance sweetness with a bold, aromatic coffee base.

Unlike mass-produced brands, Bazan Coffee focuses on quality and craftsmanship, carefully selecting and roasting beans to preserve their natural complexity. Whether you enjoy a deep, full-bodied espresso, a smooth and creamy chocolate cherry latte, or an iced variation, our premium Fine Robusta and high-altitude Arabica ensure a perfectly balanced coffee experience.

The New Revolution: Fine Robusta from Vietnam

For years, Robusta coffee has been overlooked, but Vietnam’s Fine Robusta is redefining specialty coffee. With its high-altitude cultivation, expert fermentation techniques, and naturally sweet complexity, Bazan Coffee’s Fine Robusta – Krong Nang delivers unparalleled body, deep caramelized sweetness, and a naturally creamy mouthfeel - making it a perfect base for chocolate cherry coffee.

The New Revolution: Fine Robusta from Vietnam

Why Choose Fine Robusta – Krong Nang for Chocolate Cherry Coffee?

  • Grown at 650m in Krong Nang, Dak Lak, where volcanic soil and ideal climate conditions enhance the bean’s richness.

  • 72-hour natural anaerobic fermentation, unlocking honey-like smoothness, and a thick crema.

  • Naturally low acidity, allowing the chocolate and cherry flavors to shine without being overpowered.

  • Higher caffeine content than Arabica, providing an intense yet balanced cup with lingering dark chocolate notes.

Why Choose Fine Robusta – Krong Nang for Chocolate Cherry Coffee?

If you love a bold, indulgent chocolate cherry coffee with caramelized depth and velvety smoothness, Fine Robusta – Krong Nang is your ideal choice.

Not Just Robusta – The Best of Both Worlds

For those who prefer a more balanced, aromatic chocolate cherry coffee, Bazan’s Special Vietnam Blend offers the perfect combination of smoothness and strength. By blending high-altitude Arabica with Fine Robusta, this unique coffee creates a harmonious espresso with natural sweetness - perfectly complementing chocolate and cherry flavors.

Special Vietnam Blend: A Perfect Harmony of Strength and Smoothness

  • A fusion of high-altitude Arabica’s bright acidity and Fine Robusta’s bold depth, creating a smooth yet complex espresso base.

  • Tasting notes of pineapple, floral aroma naturally enhancing the cherry and chocolate elements.

  • Versatile for various brewing methods, from espresso to French press, making it ideal for hot and iced chocolate cherry coffee variations.

Special Vietnam Blend: A Perfect Harmony of Strength and Smoothness

If you enjoy a chocolate cherry coffee with a balance of boldness, fruitiness, and smoothness, Special Vietnam Blend is the perfect choice.

For a More Refined and Elegant Chocolate Cherry Coffee: Specialty Arabica – Cau Dat

For those who love a lighter, more nuanced espresso base, Bazan Coffee’s Specialty Arabica – Cau Dat offers bright acidity, floral complexity, and delicate sweetness - enhancing the sophisticated notes of chocolate and cherry.

Why Choose Specialty Arabica – Cau Dat?

  • Grown at 1,550m in Cau Dat, Da Lat, one of Vietnam’s most prestigious high-altitude coffee regions.

  • Fully washed processing, ensuring a clean, bright cup with fruity notes.

  • Tasting notes of bell pepper, spices, and caramel, adding layers of complexity to chocolate cherry coffee.

Why Choose Specialty Arabica – Cau Dat?

If you prefer a refined, elegant chocolate cherry coffee with floral and spice undertones, Specialty Arabica – Cau Dat is your best option.

Which Coffee Should You Choose for Your Chocolate Cherry Coffee?

Your chocolate cherry coffee experience starts with premium beans. Whether you love the bold intensity of Fine Robusta, the balanced complexity of Special Vietnam Blend, or the refined elegance of Cau Dat Arabica, Bazan Coffee ensures every sip is a celebration of Vietnam’s finest coffee.

Shop Bazan Coffee today and craft the perfect chocolate cherry coffee with our premium selections! 

 

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