A Beginner's Guide On Coffee Delights - What Is Mocha?

Coffee? That is a question we could never say no to. Chocolate? Yes, please. Sipping the best of both worlds? Is that heaven? Well, not exactly. The supreme mix between the bitter taste of coffee and the sweetness of chocolate exists. It goes under the name of mocha^[1], caffè mocha, mocha latte, or mochaccino.

While the name has its origins in Yemen, this type of caffeinated drink was supposedly born in Italy. Quite a twisted history, right?

If you are curious to know better what exactly is mocha or some of its history highlights, you are in the right place. We will also include some delicious recipes for you to try at home in today’s article. So, sit back, relax and get ready to daydream about some yummy mocha after reading.

What Is In A Cup Of Mocha?

In its most simplified version, caffe mocha is a mix of a shot of espresso, steamed milk, and chocolate. The right amount of each ingredient is the secret to a flawless consistency and rich flavor.

Of course, as most coffee specialties are so versatile, many variations have appeared. One can use dark or white chocolate to prepare a mocha. Or you can use drip coffee instead of an espresso, even add ice. It all comes down to what your personal preferences are.

For more on the specific proportions and ways to prepare a creamy and delicious mocha, read below.

A Sip Of Mocha History

Between the 15th and 18th centuries, the hotspot of the coffee trade was a port by the Red Sea named Mocha^[2]. Found on the territory of Yemen, this port was not where the Arabica beans were actually grown. But transports of coffee from the inland found their way to international shipping here. Becoming the main spot for exporting coffee, Mocha saved a place in history. What became known worldwide as the Mocha beans was coffee initially brought from this area. The Mocha coffee berries are small, and the brew obtained from them has a rather chocolaty aroma.

Now, skip a couple of decades and cross the seas to reach Turin, Italy. Drinking coffee was already popular, but creativity played a major role in innovation. The locals were enjoying a hot drink made of espresso, chocolate, and milk. The ingredients came served layered in a small glass, like the ones used to serve hot chocolate. Its name was bicchierino ^[3](meaning “small glass” in Italian).

As this drink made its way across the Atlantic, the name suffered several changes too. Known at first as “bicerin” (after the cafe^[4] where they invented it), the hot drink later became “caffe mocha.”

If we look back at the coffee trade of that period, Mocha beans were the most common ones used in making coffee. Since the bicerin^[5] had coffee as one of its main ingredients, it is likely that the drink came to borrow the name. Over time, the names of “caffe mocha” or “mochaccino” evolved into the shorter version of “mocha.”

The main difference between the 17th-century bicerin and modern-day mocha is the way of serving. The classic recipe involved keeping the ingredients in separate layers. The drinker could mix them or leave them layered to taste each one individually. Nowadays, what most coffee shops serve is a mix of espresso, chocolate syrup, and milk, all together.

What Ingredients Do You Need To Make A Mocha?

Making a classic version of mocha is pretty straightforward. You do not have to be a highly experienced barista to try to make one at home. Of course, the quality of your ingredients will influence the final result. The same applies to the equipment you use. Having an espresso machine increases your chances of getting the consistency you love.

Now, the list of ingredients may vary slightly, depending on the type of recipe you rely on. You can choose to use chocolate syrup, chocolate powder, or even chocolate shavings. Also, you have the freedom to use any type of milk that fits your preferences (including non-dairy). Just remember that the more fats your milk has, the creamier your mocha will be.

The standard list of ingredients for a mocha includes:

18g ground espresso (or 1 espresso pod), brewed
250 ml of milk (steamed)
1-2 tablespoons cocoa powder/chocolate syrup.

Optionally, you can add:

1 tablespoon heavy cream
whipped cream
1-2 teaspoons sugar.

If you want to experiment with some out-of-the-cup versions of mocha, scroll to the end of this article. We selected five variations of caffe mocha to stir your imagination and taste buds as well.

How To Make A Delicious Cup Of Mocha

You may feel slightly confused about the order of mixing these ingredients. And what if you wish to keep the layers separate, for a more appealing aesthetic?

Here is how the mocha ingredients should take their place in your mug of choice.

Start by pouring the chocolate syrup at the bottom of the mocha cup. If you are using chocolate shavings or powder instead, put these first in the mug.
Prepare your coffee of choice. Brew your shot of espresso or use a cup of hot drip coffee, whatever you have at hand. You can also use the instant espresso powder, for faster results, if you do not own an espresso maker.
Start pouring the hot coffee over the chocolate. Slowly stir to incorporate the two flavors and obtain a delicious mix.
Steam the milk until you get plenty of foam on the surface. This will give that silky soft touch to every sip you drink.
Incorporate the steamed milk into the chocolaty espresso mix. You can combine them all for a rich, uniform taste. Or, if you are in the mood to be creative, you can try to create a pattern on the surface of the blend too.
Decorate your mocha cup as you wish. You can use whipped cream, grate some extra chocolate on top, sprinkle some cocoa powder. Your mug, your taste, your choice.

5 Mouth-Watering Ideas For Homemade Mocha

Now you know the essence of mocha stands in the perfect balance between coffee and chocolate. And what better way to finish this read than a dash of coffeelicious inspo? Here are five mocha recipes to try at home. Try them all out and spoil your taste buds while getting your caffeine fix.

With real chocolate and ready in just 5 minutes, this No Machine Cafe Mocha is a delight. Even if you do not have an espresso maker at home, this recipe will get you making mochas more often.
If you feel a classical mocha is a bit too dark for your taste, look at the bright side. You can always try to use white chocolate instead. Take a look at this Homemade White Chocolate Mocha Recipe to get inspired.
Now, if you are a fan of enjoying the best of both worlds, how about a Tuxedo Mocha? Also known as a Zebra Mocha, the mix of black and white chocolate is a must-try for coffee lovers with a sweet tooth. Here is a mouth-watering Black and White Mocha Recipe.
With summer days right around the corner, adding a cool touch to any hot drink is always a great idea. So this Iced Mocha recipe will meet your expectations for both a tasty and refreshing drink.
If you are looking for mocha with a twist, we suggest you try a Whipped Mocha Dalgona Coffee. Rich, creamy and super-easy to make, this can easily compete with last year’s trends and win.

Your turn to get brewing and tasting. Whether layered or mixed, espresso, chocolate, and milk are a successful combination. So, the next time you crave a flavorsome hot (or cold) drink, how about you try a mocha?

^[1] https://www.lexico.com/definition/mocha

^[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mocha,_Yemen

^[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicerin

^[4] https://bicerin.it/en/history/

^[5] https://bicerin.it/en/the-bicerin/