Sweet, strong, creamy, and completely different in a good way.
This might sound a little crazy if you’ve never had black garlic in something sweet. But believe me, once you do, it will be your secret weapon for flavor.
The black garlic gives it a sweet, balsamic-like flavor that makes dark chocolate and espresso taste even deeper and smoother.
It’s like a mocha and a fancy truffle had a baby that was cold and creamy. A great way to get your summer coffee fix that feels like a treat.
👨🍳 Makes: 2 servings⏱ Time it takes: 10 minutes
Quick Science: Why This Recipe Works
Because it ferments slowly, black garlic is naturally sweet and sour. It goes perfectly with bitter espresso and rich chocolate.
When you melt the chocolate first, it mixes smoothly into the drink without any grainy bits.
You don’t need a fancy machine to get that classic frappe texture; just mix it with ice.
Why I Love This Recipe
I made this on a whim one summer when I had some black garlic left over from a fancy cheese board. I threw it into a mocha and… wow. It’s not just different; it’s better. Rich, smooth, and a little mysterious.
This is why I keep coming back:
- A sweet and strong taste that isn’t too sweet
- Simple to make but tastes fancy
- A great way to use black garlic
- People talk about it! (Really, someone always asks what’s in it)
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup of milk (whole or oat milk works well)
- ½ cup of brewed espresso (or strong coffee)
- 3 tablespoons of melted dark chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon of black garlic paste
- 2 tablespoons of sugar or maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups of ice
- Optional: whipped cream
- Optional: chocolate shavings
Things You Will Need
- Blender
- Bowl that can go in the microwave (for melting chocolate)
- Spoon or spatula
- Long glasses
- Optional: a piping bag for whipped cream
Tips for Getting Ready
- Make your espresso and chocolate ahead of time. Let them cool down and put them in the fridge.
- You can mix everything together (except the ice) ahead of time and put it in the fridge. When you’re ready, just add the ice and mix it again.
How to do it
- Step 1: Melt the chocolate. Put 3 tablespoons of dark chocolate chips in a bowl that can go in the microwave and heat them for 20 to 30 seconds at a time. Mix until smooth.
- Step 2: Make the espresso and let it cool. Make ½ cup of espresso or strong coffee. Let it cool down to room temperature or put it in the fridge for five minutes.
- Step 3: Put everything in the blender
- 1 cup of milk
- ½ cup of cooled espresso
- Chocolate that has melted
- 1 tablespoon of black garlic paste
- 2 tablespoons of sugar or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups of ice
- Step 4: Mix until smooth. Blend on low for 10 seconds, then on high for 30 seconds, or until the mixture is smooth and frothy.
- Step 5: Pour it out and top it off. Pour into glasses that have been chilled. If you want to make it look even better, add whipped cream and chocolate shavings on top.
Helpful tips
- Espresso should be at room temperature. The ice will melt too quickly and make the coffee watery.
- Cool off your glasses. It helps keep the frappe thick and cold.
- Start mixing on low, then on high. This stops the ice from breaking up.
- Don’t forget to melt the chocolate. If you add solid chips, they won’t mix well.
- Black garlic paste is better than whole cloves. Better mix-in, smoother texture.
Mistakes that happen a lot
- Using hot coffee: It melts the ice and makes the texture bad.
- Not melting the chocolate makes your drink grainy.
- Using whole black garlic cloves: They are too big and hard to mix.
- Too much blending makes it watery instead of creamy.
Changes and substitutions
- No espresso? Use strong instant coffee or cold brew.
- No paste made from black garlic? Add a little water and mash a few cloves.
- No dairy? Use coconut whipped cream and oat milk.
- Want it to taste better? For natural sweetness and body, add a banana.
Food that is left over and how to store it
This one tastes best when it’s fresh, but:
- You can keep the blended mix in the fridge for up to a day.
- Just blend it again with some ice cubes if it separates.
- Don’t keep it with whipped cream; add that just before serving.
What to Serve With
- Scones with chocolate chips
- Biscotti with toasted almonds
- Cheese board with savory flavors (yes, it works!)
- A piece of dark chocolate to go with it
Ideas for Meal Plans
- Avocado toast or a yogurt parfait for breakfast
- A handful of trail mix is a great way to pick me up in the afternoon.
- Brunch spread next to croissants or a frittata with cheese
Frequently Asked Questions
How does black garlic taste? It tastes like a mix of balsamic vinegar and molasses. It’s sweet and a little sour.
Is it possible to make this decaf? Yes, you can use strong decaf coffee or decaf espresso.
Do I need a powerful blender? Not really, but a good one will make the finish smoother.
Can I skip the sugar? Yes! Instead, use more maple syrup or a banana that is ripe.
Let’s finish it up
There you go! This is your new favorite way to make a mocha frappe. Sweet, strong, a little mysterious, and something you want to eat. I’d love to hear how it turned out if you make it! Please leave a comment below with your thoughts or questions. And don’t be shocked when you start wanting black garlic in all of your coffee drinks. 😉