Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons (about 10 g) unsweetened cocoa powder, for the mocha sauce
- 2 tablespoons (about 25 g) granulated sugar, for the mocha sauce
- 2 tablespoons (30 mL) very hot water, for the mocha sauce
- 4 freshly brewed espresso shots (about 4 fl oz / 120 mL total; two per drink)
- 1 1/2 cups (360 mL) very cold 2% dairy milk, divided between the drinks
- 1 1/2 cups ice cubes, divided or enough for two 12- to 16-ounce glasses
- 1/4 cup (60 mL) very cold heavy whipping cream, for the marshmallow foam
- 2 tablespoons (30 mL) cold 2% dairy milk, for the marshmallow foam
- 2 tablespoons marshmallow crème / fluff (about 13 g total, check your jar)
- 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, for the marshmallow foam
- 2 crispy vanilla wafer cookies (about 12 g total), freshly crushed for topping
- Optional: a pinch of salt in the mocha sauce (not included in nutrition)
- Optional: 4 mini marshmallows or 1 teaspoon chocolate shavings for both drinks (not included in nutrition)
Instructions
- Whisk cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and 2 tablespoons very hot water in a heatproof bowl for 30–45 seconds until a smooth, glossy cocoa sauce forms. Add a teaspoon more hot water only if the paste remains too stiff.
- Brew four single espresso shots (about 120 mL total). Slowly stir the espresso into the cocoa sauce until completely dissolved. Let cool for about 1–2 minutes while preparing the foam.
- In a cold mixing bowl, mash together 2 tablespoons marshmallow crème, 2 tablespoons cold milk, and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla. Pour in the 1/4 cup very cold heavy cream.
- Whip with a hand mixer on medium-low for approximately 45–75 seconds, stopping when the foam is aerated and softly spoonable but still flows slowly. Do not whip to stiff peaks.
- Divide approximately 1 1/2 cups of ice between two tall glasses. Divide the warm-to-cool espresso chocolate mixture evenly. Add 3/4 cup cold 2% milk to each glass, stirring gently to blend.
- Spoon half the marshmallow cold foam over each mocha. Crush one vanilla wafer over each serving right before drinking. Add optional mini marshmallows or shaved chocolate only if desired.
- Serve immediately while iced, the foam is airy, and the cookie crumbs remain crisp.
Notes
- Starbucks announced the Snowcap Marshmallow Mocha on November 9, 2026, for a planned U.S. launch December 1, 2026. The public description confirms espresso, mocha sauce, milk, melted-marshmallow-flavored cold foam and cookie topping, but not exact company amounts. This is independently formulated, not an official Starbucks recipe.
- The cold foam must be loose and spoonable. If overwhipped, loosen with 1 teaspoon cold milk. If too runny, chill briefly and whip in short bursts.
- Use commercial marshmallow crème (not plain mini marshmallows) for the 15-minute formula. Some crème products contain egg whites. Optional mini marshmallows may contain gelatin.
- Nutrition assumes 2% dairy milk, unsweetened cocoa, 25 g sugar, heavy cream, about 13 g marshmallow crème for the full batch, approximately 12 g of plain vanilla wafer cookies, and 4 espresso shots; divide by two. Values are estimates, not Starbucks nutrition. Optional garnishes and substitutions are excluded.
- Contains MILK and likely WHEAT from vanilla wafers; may contain EGG from marshmallow crème and SOY from chocolate/cookie products. Always check labels before allergy claims. Not vegan, gluten-free, or dairy-free.
- Strong coffee can be used if espresso is unavailable, but may dilute the beverage more and differs in caffeine and taste. Coffee naturally contains caffeine.
- Serve immediately. Keep cream and milk refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or lower, and do not leave dairy drinks unrefrigerated beyond 2 hours (1 hour above 90°F). Refrigerate the unwhipped foam mixture briefly if preparing ahead.
- This makes two approximately 12- to 16-fl-oz iced drinks depending on ice. Preparation time of about 15 minutes assumes espresso equipment or prepared strong coffee is available.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Whisking, Espresso Brewing and Cold Frothing
- Cuisine: American-inspired café drink
- Diet: Contains dairy and wheat; marshmallow crème may contain egg; not vegan, gluten-free or dairy-free by default