Homemade Dunkin’ Toxic Espresso Recipe

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This Dunkin’ Toxic Espresso drink, inspired by the bittersweet sting of “toxic exes,” is the perfect indulgence for this season of love (or lack thereof). Combining bold espresso, decadent mocha, and fruity raspberry flavors, topped with smooth chocolate cold foam, its flavor profile is as complex and dramatic as the most unforgettable relationship.

How to make Dunkin’ Toxic Espresso

Dunkin’ Toxic Espresso (officially called the Toxic Ex-Presso Cloud Latte) isn’t some scary or hazardous brew — it’s just a fun, limited-edition espresso drink from Dunkin’ launched as part of their 2026 Valentine’s Day menu.

Ingredients

To mimic Dunkin’ Toxic Espresso, here’s what you’ll need:

For the Latte Base:

• 1 shot of espresso (or 2 if you like a stronger coffee taste)
• 1 cup of steamed milk (regular or substitute—almond, oat, or coconut go well)
• 1 tablespoon mocha syrup (store-bought or homemade*)
• 1 teaspoon raspberry syrup (you can also use raspberry jam diluted with a little warm water)

For the Chocolate Cold Foam:

• 3 tablespoons heavy cream (or plant-based whipping cream for dairy-free)
• 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon milk (regular or non-dairy)

Optional Garnishes:

• Chocolate shavings
• Edible glitter or colored sprinkles for a festive touch

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Espresso Base

1. Brew 1–2 shots of espresso using your coffee machine, moka pot, or aeropress.
2. In a separate container, heat and steam 1 cup of milk until frothy. If you don’t have a frother, warming the milk and whisking vigorously works too!
3. Combine the milk and espresso in your favorite mug.

Step 2: Mix the Sweet and Tangy Notes

1. Stir 1 tablespoon of mocha syrup into the latte base.
2. Add 1 teaspoon of raspberry syrup. Adjust the quantities slightly based on your preferred sweetness. Stir well, ensuring the flavors are fully blended.

Step 3: Make the Chocolate Cold Foam

1. In a small bowl or milk frother, whip together 3 tablespoons of heavy cream, 1 teaspoon cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon powdered sugar, and 1 tablespoon milk until thick and frothy.
2. Spoon or gently pour the cold foam over your drink. The creamy foam will add depth and texture.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve Like a Pro

1. Finish the drink with chocolate shavings or edible glitter for extra flair.
2. Sit back and enjoy your homemade version of Dunkin’s Toxic Espresso, sipping slowly as all the flavors unfold beautifully.

Tips for the Perfect Toxic Espresso

• Balance the Flavors: The drink should have a complex bittersweet profile, so don’t overdo it with raspberry syrup—it can overpower the coffee and chocolate.
• Espresso Matters: Use freshly brewed espresso for bold coffee flavor. If you don’t have espresso, strong coffee, or cold brew concentrate, they can work in a pinch.
• Cold Foam Hack: If you don’t have a frother, shake the foam ingredients vigorously in a clean jar or use an electric whisk.
• Get Creative: Add a pinch of salt to the chocolate foam or drizzle raspberry syrup over the foam for a beautiful presentation.
• Serve It Right: Use a transparent glass or mug to show off the layers—it’s Instagram-worthy!

What to serve with

The Dunkin’ Toxic Espresso is all about indulgence, with its rich espresso, bittersweet chocolate, and tangy raspberry flavors topped with decadent chocolate cold foam.

1. Chocolate Raspberry Tarts: Mini tarts filled with rich chocolate ganache and topped with fresh raspberries pair beautifully with the mocha and raspberry notes in the drink. The tartness of the raspberries balances the sweetness of the drink.

2. Dark Chocolate Biscotti: Biscotti complements espresso perfectly due to its crunchy texture. Choose dark chocolate biscotti to emphasize the chocolate notes in the drink, or pick almond or hazelnut varieties to add nutty undertones.

3. Raspberry Macarons: The delicate raspberry-flavored filling echoes the fruity notes in the Toxic Espresso, while the almond shells add a light crunch.

4. Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: These romantic treats are perfect for Valentine’s Day and align with the indulgent chocolate-and-fruit theme. Sprinkle some edible glitter or crushed candy hearts for added festive vibes.

Ingredients Substitutes

Not everyone has access to every ingredient when making a drink as creative as Dunkin’ Toxic Espresso.

1. Espresso

Espresso is the heart of this drink, providing the rich coffee flavor. However, if you don’t have an espresso maker or prefer a milder coffee, here’s what you can use:

• Substitute with Strong Brewed Coffee: Use 1/4 cup of strong, dark-roast coffee. Aim for a bold flavor to mimic espresso, but don’t add too much liquid since it will dilute the latte’s creaminess.
• Cold Brew Concentrate: Mix 1/4 cup of cold brew concentrate with a few spoonfuls of hot water for a similar robust flavor. This is especially useful if you’re skipping the steamed milk for an iced version.
• Instant Espresso Powder: Dissolve 1–2 teaspoons in hot water. This is quick, easy, and still delivers a bold flavor.

2. Steamed Milk

Steamed milk is a key component of this latte. While regular dairy milk is traditional, you can easily substitute it for non-dairy options or tweak it to suit your preferences.

• Oat Milk: Creamy and neutral with a slight natural sweetness, oat milk is an excellent alternative to whole milk.
• Almond Milk: A lighter alternative with a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the mocha and raspberry notes.
• Coconut Milk: Adds a subtle tropical flavor and a creamy texture.
• Soy Milk: Another rich and creamy option that works well in espresso-based drinks.
• Low-Fat Milk: If you’re counting calories, opt for 2% or skim milk instead of whole milk, though it will be less creamy.

3. Mocha Syrup

Mocha syrup combines chocolate and subtle coffee flavors, but if you don’t have it on hand, make your own or use one of these substitutes:

• Homemade Mocha Syrup: Mix 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, 1 tablespoon sugar, and a little hot water until it forms a smooth syrup. For extra richness, add a splash of vanilla extract or melted chocolate.
• Chocolate Syrup: If you have chocolate syrup at home (like Hershey’s), it works perfectly. Use 1 ½ teaspoons as an alternative.
• Melted Chocolate Chips: Melt dark or semi-sweet chocolate into your espresso for a rich, chocolatey kick.

4. Raspberry Syrup

The tart raspberry flavor is what makes this drink stand out, but specialized syrups may not always be in your pantry. Here are some great alternatives:

• Raspberry Jam or Jelly: Stir 1 teaspoon of raspberry jam or jelly into the espresso or mix it with a splash of warm water to create a syrupy consistency.
• Fresh Raspberry Reduction (DIY Raspberry Syrup): Simmer 1 cup of fresh or frozen raspberries with 2–3 tablespoons of sugar and 2 tablespoons of water until thickened. Strain out seeds for a smooth syrup.
• Mixed Berry Syrup: If another berry syrup (like strawberry or blackberry) is easier to find, it can be an interesting twist to the drink while still keeping the fruity profile.
• Grenadine Syrup: While typically pomegranate-flavored, grenadine is similar in sweetness and can work as a raspberry syrup substitute in a pinch.

Final Thoughts

Making Dunkin’ Toxic Espresso isn’t just about following a recipe—it’s about customizing it to your taste and lifestyle.

More Dunkin’ Recipes:

• Dunkin’ Donuts Brownie Batter Coffee Creamer Recipe