We all love coffee. Not only because it has a delicious taste, but also because it is quite versatile and goes with almost everything.
You can enjoy it in its purest state through an espresso. But if you feel like giving it an extra touch, you can add milk, vanilla flavor or even liquor. And since all of the above is possible, there is a special ingredient that we cannot leave out: chocolate.
That is why this time we will show you how to make a variety of the traditional cappuccino: the mocha. Let’s dive in!
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What is a mocha?
Among the many recipes that we can make with coffee, there is a very particular one called caffè mocha. It is a variation of the traditional cappuccino and was also born in Italy. Like this one, it also has a layer of espresso, another of steamed or foamed milk, and the extra touch is the chocolate. This is usually added as syrup or cocoa powder.
The term mocha can refer to several things, so here we will clarify the differences.
In this context, we must not confuse this type of beverage with the coffee that is made in a Moka pot or Italian coffee maker. For this drink, the base is espresso, so it’s made in an espresso machine.
On the other hand, there is also an arabica coffee variety called Mocha, which in fact is characterized by chocolate notes. On this blog, we refer to the coffee recipe.
Ingredients for a mocha
Actually, it’s a very simple preparation. You will need:
- A cup of espresso. If you are not sure how it is made, we show you on our espresso brewing guide.
- 120 ml (4 fl oz) of foamed milk.
- Cocoa powder or chocolate syrup.
Mocha is served in the same cup as the cappuccino. It is usually one of 150 to 175 ml (5 to 5.9 fl oz). However, if you don’t have that specific cup, don’t worry, you can use a similar one you have at home.
How to make a mocha?
The base of mocha is the cappuccino, so it’s a really simple process. Also, the key is to always try to get the best quality ingredients. So if you’re not sure which are the best brands, check out our recommendations for coffees of the world and Colombian coffee.
There are two ways to make this beverage depending on the type of chocolate you use. Let’s see what they are!
Cocoa powder:
- Add the cocoa powder to the cappuccino cup and then a little water. Stir very well.
- Brew espresso and serve it in the cup with the cocoa. Stir them well.
- Slowly add the foamed milk.
- And done! You can enjoy it now. If you want you can add a little cocoa on top of the milk layer.
Chocolate syrup:
- Brew espresso and serve it in the cappuccino cup.
- Add a layer of chocolate syrup on top of the espresso. You can also sprinkle the syrup on the sides of the cup. It depends on your taste and how much chocolate you want.
- Slowly add the foamed milk.
- You can also decorate the cup with a little cocoa on top.
- And you’re ready to enjoy!
Tips to have a good mocha
The coffee:
Although you can use ground coffee to make the espresso, we’ve always said that coffee tastes much better when it’s freshly ground. It has a more pronounced flavor and aroma and gives a special touch to the drink.
If you want to take the time to grind it yourself, but don’t have the proper tool yet, you can check our selection of the best grinders.
Milk:
Milk is an important point of the preparation, especially of the cappuccino. The idea is to use soft, frothy milk. There are several ways to make it that way. You can use a milk frother. Today they are an excellent option due to their speed and great results.
On the other hand, you can froth the milk manually. Just put the milk in an airtight container and shake it hard. It can be for about 30 seconds or more, depending on the desired texture. Another option is to froth the milk in the mixer for a few minutes.
For both manual options, you should heat the milk after foaming and then add it to the coffee.
The type of milk also depends on your tastes. You can use whole milk, lactose-free milk, skim milk, etc.
Definitely, coffee and chocolate make an amazing and delicious combination. For us, they are the perfect duo that you should try at least once in your life. Not only does the mocha taste great, but it is also very quick and easy to make.
So, we hope that you dare to make it at home following this simple guide.
