Caffè Mocha

The Caffè Mocha is a luxurious and popular espresso-based drink that combines the boldness of coffee with the sweetness of chocolate. It consists of a shot of espresso mixed with chocolate powder or syrup, followed by steamed milk and a layer of microfoam. Often served in a tall glass and crowned with whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa, it serves as a perfect bridge between a coffee break and a dessert.
Caffè Mocha

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Caffè Mocha is a classic coffee drink, beloved worldwide as a staple in coffee shops. It's essentially a chocolate-flavored variant of a Caffè Latte, making it a comforting and indulgent choice for coffee lovers. This beverage is firmly categorized within the non-alcoholic coffee drink family.

Serving

This is a hot, non-alcoholic drink typically served in a large pre-warmed latte glass or mug to maintain its temperature. The serving size is generous, making for a substantial and satisfying beverage.
Serving size
Approximately 300-360 ml (10-12 oz)
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Hot
Glass type
Latte Glass or large Mug
Glass treatment
Pre-warmed

Backstory

The drink's name is a tribute to the city of Mocha, Yemen, a historic center of the coffee trade. Coffee beans from this region were renowned for their naturally chocolatey flavor notes. This characteristic inspired the modern creation of mixing coffee and chocolate, which evolved into the beloved Caffè Mocha we know today, popularized by American coffee culture.
Origin
While its name is inspired by Yemen, the modern Caffè Mocha is widely considered an American invention that rose to prominence in the late 20th century. It is a variation of the Caffè Latte that gained immense popularity with the global expansion of coffeehouse chains.

Caffè Mocha

Caffè Mocha, its original Italian name, is widely known simply as Mocha. It's often called a Mocha Latte to emphasize its similarity to a Caffè Latte, or sometimes Mochaccino, a portmanteau of "mocha" and "cappuccino," highlighting the rich coffee and chocolate combination.
Original name
Caffè Mocha
Alternative names
  • Mocha Latte
  • Mochaccino

Characteristics overview

The Caffè Mocha boasts a rich, creamy texture and a harmonious balance of sweet chocolate and bitter espresso flavors. Its inviting aroma of coffee and cocoa makes it a comforting, warming drink perfect for any season.
Flavor
Chocolatey, rich, sweet, roasted coffee, creamy, smooth
Aroma
Coffee, chocolate, roasted, sweet
Taste balance
Sweet, bitter
Aftertaste
Lingering, sweet, chocolatey, smooth
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Light brown, opaque, often topped with white whipped cream
Texture
Creamy, rich, smooth, velvety
Seasonality
Warming, comforting, all-season, especially popular in autumn and winter

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor profile is dominated by sweetness and creaminess, balanced by a pleasant bitterness from the coffee and chocolate. It is a non-alcoholic, non-carbonated beverage with a rich and intense taste.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

The core of a Caffè Mocha requires just three ingredients: espresso, milk, and chocolate. Optional whipped cream is often added for extra indulgence.
  • Espresso60 ml / 2 oz
    A double shot of freshly brewed espresso works best.
  • Chocolate Syrup or Powder30 ml / 1 oz (or 2 tablespoons)
    Use high-quality dark chocolate syrup or unsweetened cocoa powder mixed with sugar.
  • Milk240 ml / 8 oz
    Whole milk provides the creamiest texture, but oat or almond milk are great dairy-free alternatives.
  • Whipped CreamTo top(optional)
    For garnish. Coconut or soy-based whipped cream can be used for a vegan version.

Ice type

  • None

Mixing equipments

An espresso machine with a steam wand is ideal for making a café-quality mocha. A separate milk frother can also be used if a steam wand is unavailable.
  • Espresso machine for brewing coffee and steaming milk
  • Milk frothing pitcher

Instructions

The process involves dissolving chocolate into freshly brewed espresso, then pouring in steamed milk. The drink is typically finished with whipped cream and a chocolate garnish.
1. Prepare the base: Brew a double shot of espresso directly into your serving mug or latte glass.
2. Add chocolate: Pour the chocolate syrup or add the chocolate powder into the hot espresso. Stir thoroughly until the chocolate is completely dissolved.
3. Steam the milk: Steam the milk using a steam wand until it reaches about 65°C (150°F) and has a velvety microfoam texture. Avoid overheating.
4. Combine: Gently pour the steamed milk into the espresso and chocolate mixture. Hold back the foam with a spoon initially, then top the drink with the remaining foam.
5. Garnish and serve: Top with a swirl of whipped cream and garnish with a dusting of cocoa powder or chocolate shavings. Serve immediately.

Garnishing

A Caffè Mocha is traditionally finished with a decadent topping of whipped cream. A sprinkle of cocoa powder or chocolate shavings adds a final touch of elegance and flavor.
  • A generous swirl of whipped cream on top.
  • A light dusting of cocoa powder or chocolate shavings over the whipped cream.

Dietary Information

This drink contains caffeine and, in its classic form, dairy. However, it can easily be made dairy-free and vegan by substituting with plant-based milk, chocolate, and whipped cream.
✕ Contains alcohol
✕ Caffeine-free
✕ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

A Caffè Mocha is a moderately high-calorie drink, primarily due to its significant sugar and carbohydrate content from the chocolate and milk. The nutritional values can vary greatly depending on the type of milk, amount of chocolate, and use of whipped cream.
Calories
Averagely 290-400 kcal / 1213-1674 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 35-45 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 30-40 g
Sugar level

Occasions

A Caffè Mocha is versatile, perfect for kickstarting a morning, as a comforting afternoon pick-me-up, or as a liquid dessert after a meal. Its warming nature makes it especially popular during colder months.
  • Morning Boost
  • Afternoon Treat
  • Dessert Drink
  • Cozy Winter Day

Pairing suggestions

The rich chocolate and coffee notes of a Mocha pair wonderfully with a variety of baked goods. Classic pairings include crunchy biscotti for dipping, flaky croissants, and decadent chocolate desserts that complement its flavor profile.
  • Biscotti
  • Croissants or pastries
  • Brownies or chocolate cake
  • Shortbread cookies

Caffè Mocha: The Perfect Harmony of Coffee and Chocolate

The Caffè Mocha is a globally cherished coffeehouse classic that offers the perfect marriage of bold espresso and rich chocolate. Its creamy texture and sweet flavor are balanced by the pleasant bitterness of coffee, creating a drink that is both a comforting beverage and a delightful treat. Easy to customize with different chocolates, syrups, and milks, the Mocha can be tailored to any preference, making it a versatile and consistently satisfying choice.