What Is Mocha? - HomeGrounds

WHAT IS MOCHA COFFEE? GET TO KNOW THE CHOCOLATE COFFEE DRINK

There is something truly special about the pairing of chocolate and coffee.

The mocha is one of the most popular coffee shop drinks, and I certainly understand why! Blending espresso, chocolate, and frothed milk, it’s a sweet, creamy, and comforting concoction. It’s the perfect gateway to espresso drinks, especially for anyone who already loves hot chocolate.

In this article, I’ll tell you all about the mocha, including its history, how it compares to similar cafe drinks, and how to make one at home.

What Is A Mocha?

A traditional mocha, also known as a caffè mocha or mocha latte, is an espresso-based drink that is essentially a chocolate latte. It keeps the espresso-to-steamed milk ratio of a traditional latte but adds chocolate – usually in the form of chocolate sauce or chocolate syrup but sometimes chocolate shavings or chocolate powder.

It can be served like a latte, decorated only with a swirl of latte art. Or it can be garnished more decadently, topped with whipped cream, shaved chocolate, and cocoa powder.

History Of The Mocha: Where Did The Name Mocha Come From?

The original mocha drink didn’t contain chocolate at all. It was simply coffee brewed using Mocha beans – Yemeni coffee beans exported via the Arabian port of Mocha.

Mocha is one of the oldest varieties of Arabica coffee and is said to have a naturally chocolatey flavor and full body. However, that is the only link between the specific coffee bean grown in Mocha and the modern drink.

The first iteration of a chocolate espresso-based beverage is attributed to a barista in Turin, Italy, in the 18th century. It was a layered drink made from cream, chocolate, and espresso, and it was called the bicerin after the cafe where it originated (1).

The coffee beverage soon spread around Europe and to North America. A Betty Crocker recipe was the first to refer to a caffè mocha in the late 19th century. Today, the mocha flavor refers to any coffee-and-chocolate item, including things like mocha ice cream or mocha cake.

What’s The Difference Between A Mocha And A Latte?

The difference between a mocha and a latte is the inclusion of chocolate. A traditional caffè latte consists of one part espresso to two parts steamed milk with a thin layer of milk foam, though modern cafes often prepare much larger, milkier versions. A classic mocha maintains the same proportions of espresso and milk but adds half to one part chocolate sauce.

Both the mocha and latte are typically served in tall glasses and often decorated with latte art. The mocha is the more likely of the two to feature elaborate toppings, like shaved chocolate and whipped cream.

What Is A Mochaccino Coffee?

A mochaccino (sometimes spelled mocaccino) is a chocolate cappuccino, whereas the mocha is a chocolate latte. Compared to a mocha, a mochaccino has less steamed milk and more milk foam. It’s a lighter and airier drink with stronger coffee and chocolate flavors.

What Does A Mocha Taste Like?

It’s difficult to describe the exact flavor of a mocha. It tastes like chocolatey coffee, but this description doesn’t do it justice. A well-made mocha is so much more. The bitterness of the espresso shot combined with the sweetness of the chocolate and the creaminess of the milk makes for a silky smooth and surprisingly balanced beverage. It shouldn’t be overpoweringly sweet.

How To Make A Mocha Coffee At Home

Making a mocha at home is a piece of cake, provided you have an espresso machine with a steam wand and know how to use it.

My best tip is to buy the highest-quality chocolate sauce or syrup you can afford, either milk chocolate or dark chocolate. It really makes a difference!

Mocha Ingredients

• 18 grams finely ground coffee beans
• 6 ounces whole milk
• 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup
• Whipped cream (optional)
• Cocoa powder (optional)
• Special equipment: Espresso machine with steam wand, milk steaming pitcher

AT A GLANCE

TIME

5 minutes

YIELD

One 10-ounce mocha

Step 1: Prepare The Chocolate Espresso

Pour the chocolate syrup into a pre-warmed serving glass. Use the 18 grams of coffee to pull a double shot of espresso. Combine the espresso and chocolate, swirling gently to mix.

Pro tip: You can use any coffee type for a mocha, but my preference is a dark roast. It has a bold coffee flavor and enough bitter notes to stand up against the sweetness of the chocolate and dairy.

Step 2: Froth The Milk

Add cold milk to a steaming pitcher and use the steam wand on the espresso machine to steam the milk. You want the milk to be approximately 150 ℉ and have a silky texture like wet paint. A thermometer is useful for checking the temperature if you’re new to frothing milk.

Pro tip: Whole milk is traditional for most espresso-based drinks, but you can substitute 1% or 2% for a lower-fat version. Or try chocolate milk for a stronger chocolate flavor.

Step 3: Combine The Milk And Espresso

Pour the milk into the espresso-chocolate mix. Pour it from a few inches above the glass in a circular pattern to mix everything. Taper off into latte art at the surface if you want.

Step 4: Add Toppings If Desired

You can top your mocha with whipped cream, cocoa powder, and/or shaved chocolate.

Once you’ve mastered the mocha, you might be interested in these other chocolate-and-coffee drinks:

• Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino Recipe
• Toasted White Chocolate Mocha Recipe
• Iced Mocha Recipe
• Starbucks Peppermint Mocha
• Marocchino Coffee Recipe

Final Thoughts

A mocha is made by mixing coffee, chocolate, and milk, and if you’ve ever tried the popular drink, you know that it’s more than the sum of its parts. The combination of coffee and chocolate perfectly balances bitter and sweet notes for a creamy coffee drink that goes down like a warm hug on a cold day.

FAQs

Can a mocha be vegan?

Yes, a mocha can be vegan. Ensure you’re using a vegan chocolate sauce – or make your own – and swap the whole milk for a plant-based alternative. My preference is oat milk, and make sure you look for one labeled “Barista” to ensure it will froth properly.

Can a mocha be decaf?

You can make a decaf version of a mocha using decaffeinated coffee beans, but it won’t be entirely caffeine-free because chocolate has caffeine, and even decaf beans have some caffeine (2). For a totally caffeine-free drink, try making a white mocha using white chocolate and a coffee alternative like chicory.

What is a mocha at Starbucks?

A mocha at Starbucks is on the menu as a caffe mocha. It is made using shots of their Signature Espresso, pumps of mocha sauce, and steamed 2% milk. It’s served topped with sweetened vanilla whipped cream. The Grande size has 370 calories, 35 g of sugar, 15 g of fat, and approximately 175 mg of caffeine (3).

Will a mocha keep me awake?

Yes, a mocha will keep you awake. It has a higher caffeine content than the average espresso drink because chocolate is another caffeine source. The precise caffeine amount varies depending on the type of coffee and chocolate sauce, but expect between 150 and 200 mg of caffeine per serving.

References

1. Caffe Al Bicerin. (n.d.). History. Retrieved from https://bicerin.it/en/history/
2. Todd, CL. (2019, August 29). Turns Out Decaf Coffee Has Caffeine, Which Feels Like a Betrayal. Retrieved from https://www.self.com/story/caffeine-in-decaf-coffee
3. Starbucks. (2025). Caffe Mocha. Retrieved from https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/408/hot/nutrition