top of page
Mokafe - Coffee Beans Store

Mocha Coffee Recipe: The Perfect Way to Start Your Day

Updated: Aug 19, 2023

I have shared many easy coffee recipes on the site in the past, including black coffee and lattes. This mocha coffee recipe might be the easiest of them all.


Recipe Contents:

How to make Mocha Coffee?


How to make Mocha Coffee

What happens when two superstars join forces? The answer is obvious, a super hit. The same can be said of the food and beverage industry. One of the many such masterpieces is Mocha Coffee. It is the harmonious union of Coffee and Chocolate, where each balances the other in the perfect marriage of flavors, and the result is pure magic! Like two long-lost lovers finally united, the chocolate tones down Coffee's bitterness without overpowering its flavors.


What is Coffee Mocha?


Think of a mocha coffee as a variation of a chocolate-flavored latte. It's a wonderful blend of Coffee, chocolate, and milk that hits all the right notes. This classic concoction is perfect for those moments when you need a delightful pick-me-up and a touch of sweetness.


The Genesis of Mocha drink


The birth story of the beloved mocha Coffee is a tale that spans continents and centuries. Contrary to popular belief, the first mocha coffee didn't originate in 18th-century Mocha, Yemen. Instead, the name "mocha" is a nod to the Yemeni port of Mokha, which played a vital role in the coffee trade from the 15th to the 17th century. The coffee beans cultivated in the Mocha region were renowned for their distinctively rich and chocolatey flavor.


Interestingly, the genesis of the mocha Coffee we know today traces back to Italy during the 17th century. The arrival of chocolate in Italy in the 16th century laid the Foundation for an intriguing amalgamation that resulted in a beverage known as "Bavareisa," combining chocolate, Coffee, and cream. Over time, this creation transformed into the "Bicerin," a cherished coffee drink in Turin, Italy. The "Bicerin," typically served in a dainty glass, is an exquisite blend of espresso, chocolate, and cream.


The name Mocha was believed to be bestowed upon the Bicerin due to the delightful chocolatey undertones reminiscent of Yemeni Coffee.


The evolution continued, and the modern-day Coffee, Mocha that we adore is an adaptation of the Bicerin. This contemporary version combines espresso, chocolate syrup, and steamed milk to create a velvety masterpiece.


TRIVIA:


Intriguing historical tidbits provide a deeper understanding of the Coffee Mocha's journey through time:

  • The Italian traveler Pietro della Valle's writings from 1615 offers the first recorded mention of mocha Coffee during his travels to Yemen.

  • During the 17th century, mocha Coffee ranked among the most precious and expensive coffees worldwide, a luxury reserved for the privileged few.

  • The 18th century marked the broader availability of mocha Coffee, captivating Europe and America with its allure.

  • In the 19th century, mocha coffee transformed, often being blended with milk and sugar, to become a favored breakfast treat.

  • Today, mocha coffee remains an irresistible global sensation, cherished as both a comforting dessert and an energizing snack.

Mocha and the Modern Palate


Mocha has delicately evolved to cater to the contemporary palate in a world of ever-evolving tastes and trends. Artisanal coffeehouses and innovative chocolatiers are experimenting with mocha-infused treats, from decadent pastries to luscious ice creams. The intermingling of Coffee and chocolate has also found its way into the mixology scene, inspiring concoctions that thrill both coffee connoisseurs and cocktail enthusiasts.


Step-By-Step Mocha Coffee Recipe


A step-by-step recipe of mocha Coffee to make a delicious mocha drink

Ingredients:

  • 1 shot - espresso (or 1/2 cup of strong brewed Coffee)

  • 1 cup - milk (dairy or plant-based)

  • 2 tablespoons - cocoa powder or chocolate syrup

  • Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder for garnish

Step 1: Brew the Espresso


Make an espresso shot using an espresso machine or a stovetop moka pot. If you don't have an espresso machine, you can use 1/2 cup of strong brewed Coffee instead.


Step 2: Warm the Milk


Heat some milk over medium heat in a small saucepan until it's hot but not boiling. You can also microwave the milk until it's warm.


Step 3: Add Cocoa and Sweetener


Add 2 tablespoons of dark cocoa powder or chocolate syrup to the hot espresso or brewed Coffee and mix until everything is well combined.


Step 4: Froth the Milk


If you have a milk frother, use it to froth the milk until it's creamy and has a velvety texture. Alternatively, you can vigorously whisk the hot milk to create a foam until it becomes airy and frothy.


Step 5: Combine Espresso and Milk


Pour the hot cocoa-flavored espresso into your coffee mug, followed by the frothed milk on top. Gently stir to combine the Coffee and milk mixture.


Step 6: Garnish (Optional)


Top your mocha coffee with whipped cream for extra creaminess and sprinkle some chocolate shavings or cocoa powder as a finishing touch.


Step 7: Enjoy!


Your coffee mocha is now ready to be enjoyed! Sip and savor the delightful combination of rich Coffee and chocolate flavors.


Note:


Feel free to customize your mocha drink according to your taste preferences. You can adjust the milk-to-coffee ratio. If you like it stronger, add an extra shot of espresso. If you prefer a sweeter drink, adjust the sugar accordingly. You can also experiment with different types of milk, such as almond, oat, or coconut milk, for a unique twist on the classic Mocha. Enjoy your homemade Mocha Coffee!


While the basics are easy, mastering the intricacies that transform a good mocha into an absolute masterpiece requires a dash of insider knowledge. Here, we reveal two game-changing tactics that will catapult your coffee mocha from ordinary to extraordinary:


1. The foundation of an ideal coffee Mocha recipe - High-Quality Coffee


The cornerstone of a remarkable mocha lies in the quality of the Coffee you choose. Your mocha drink's very essence hinges on this crucial element, so don't compromise. Opt for a premium specialty coffee like MOKAFÉ crafted through meticulous drying /natural processes. These techniques preserve the Coffee's inherent aroma and flavor, ensuring each sip envelops you in a symphony of delight.


And here's a secret: seek out Coffee derived from Arabica beans. These beans boast a distinctively lighter and fruitier profile, setting them apart from the crowd and lending your Mocha drink a touch of sophistication. Our range of Yemeni Coffee is just the right thing to whip up the most flavorful mocha chocolate coffee.


2. The right balance in mocha recipe coffee - Dark Chocolate


A coffee mocha is a dance of contrasts, a harmonious blend between robust Coffee and velvety chocolate. But the magic happens when you mix dark chocolate into your recipe of mocha coffee. When the sweetness threatens to overpower, dark chocolate rides to the rescue. Its subtle bitterness intertwines with the sweetness, creating the perfect equilibrium that deepens the flavor profile.


And there's a secret here, too: real chocolate takes your Mocha to even greater heights. Real chocolate adds richness and decadence, turning your drink into a velvety elixir, an ode to cocoa enthusiasts.


The Nutritional Content Of Coffee Mocha


The nutritional content of a mocha can vary based on the specific recipe and ingredients used. Here's an approximate value for a standard mocha made with typical ingredients:


Calories: A typical 16-ounce (473 ml) mocha drink made with whole milk and whipped cream can have around 330-400 calories or more. If made with skim milk and no whipped cream, it might be closer to 200-250 calories.


Fat: A mocha coffee can have around 10-15 grams of fat or more, depending on the type of milk and any added whipped cream.


Carbohydrates: Mochas generally contain about 40-60 grams of carbohydrates due to the sugar content in the chocolate and any added syrups.


Protein: A mocha might have around 8-10 grams of protein, primarily from milk.


Caffeine: The caffeine content can vary, but a mocha typically contains the amount of caffeine found in the number of espresso shots used in its preparation, which is roughly 63-126 mg per shot.


It's important to note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as serving size, type of milk, chocolate quality, and any additional ingredients or customizations.


Here are some of the questions that people are always looking for about mocha coffee


Is Mocha coffee just chocolate?


Mocha coffee combines espresso, chocolate, and milk, while regular coffee is made from coffee beans and water.


What is the difference between a mocha and a latte?


A mocha includes chocolate and espresso, while a latte is made with espresso and steamed milk.


What is the difference between mocha and regular coffee?


Mocha has chocolate and espresso, while regular coffee is brewed from coffee beans.


Is mocha strong coffee?


Mocha can be strong due to espresso, but its strength varies based on preparation.


How much caffeine is in mocha?


Mocha's caffeine content depends on espresso shots, generally around 63-126 mg.


Is mocha sweeter than coffee?


Mocha is often sweeter due to chocolate, compared to the bitterness of regular coffee.


What does mocha taste like?


Mocha offers a rich blend of chocolate and coffee flavors.


Which tastes better, mocha or latte?


Taste preference varies; some enjoy mocha's chocolate infusion, while others prefer the latte's creaminess.


Does mocha make you awake?


Mocha's caffeine can help with wakefulness, but its effects vary from person to person.


Which is healthier, mocha or latte?


Neither is significantly healthier; it depends on individual preferences and ingredient choices.


Conclusion

Now that you have the ideal recipe of mocha coffee and the little tips and tricks, remember that mastery takes practice and experimentation. Quality coffee and good dark chocolate open doors to a world of flavor you might not have imagined possible. With these basic steps, the essence of your coffee mocha transforms from a mere drink to a sensory masterpiece. So, go ahead and create a mocha drink with this newfound knowledge and our specialty coffees from MOKAFÉ.


Related

 

About The Author: Alvaro Rosales Merida


Alvaro Rosales Merida - Coffee Expert

From Law to Lattes, his childhood passion drove Alvaro, a former law student tethered to a desk for years, to embark on a journey of flavor and purpose. Hailing from Guatemala City, he traded the courtroom for a cozy corner by co-founding his Bistro Bar in 2013. Amidst the hustle of kitchen clinks and table talks, Alvaro's love affair with coffee deepened. He immersed himself in the world of beans, learning from baristas, friends, and local producers. In 2020, Alvaro brought a bakery to life in his hometown combining his two loves: coffee and community. A bold move to the dream city NYC in 2020 with his specialty coffee project, he champions the cause of transparency, fair trade, and support for his country's small coffee producers.

 

Recent Posts

See All
bottom of page