Mocha coffee – what is it and how to make it at home? The perfect homemade coffee with chocolate
Mocha coffee – also known simply as mocha – is one of those drinks that can win over even people who usually avoid intense espresso. It’s a harmonious blend of energising coffee and the velvety sweetness of chocolate – a timeless classic loved by coffee enthusiasts all over the world. If you’re wondering what is mocha coffee or looking for a reliable method for how to make mocha at home – you’re in the right place.
In this article, we’ll show you how to prepare coffee with chocolate step by step, discuss which ingredients matter most, explain how mocha differs from latte or cappuccino, and explore why its history begins… in a Yemeni port city.
If you want to choose the perfect beans for espresso, make sure to visit the Coffee category in our shop – there you’ll find everything you need to make your mocha coffee taste as good as in your favourite café. And if you enjoy homemade coffee recipes, check out our recent blog post: Coffee with cardamom – a recipe for an aromatic coffee with an oriental character.
Summary:
- What is mocha coffee?
- How to make mocha coffee at home? Step-by-step mocha recipe
- Mocha variations you need to try
- Chocolate for mocha coffee – which kind is best?
What is mocha coffee?
Mocha is a classic coffee drink made from three main components: espresso, steamed milk and chocolate – usually in the form of cocoa, chocolate syrup or melted chocolate. The result is a drink with a creamy texture, pleasant sweetness and a deep, chocolate‑coffee aroma. In everyday use, the terms “mocha” and “mocca” (or “mokka”) are often used interchangeably, so when someone asks what is mocha coffee, the answer is simple – it’s the same chocolate‑based coffee drink, with the only difference being the spelling.
The word mocha has a much richer background than it might seem. It comes from the historical port of Al‑Mukhā (Mokha) in Yemen, which from the 16th century was known for exporting high‑quality coffee beans with naturally occurring chocolate notes. Over time, the name began to refer not only to the beans themselves but also to the popular coffee with chocolate prepared by combining espresso, milk and cocoa or chocolate. Today, “mocha” is recognised internationally as the name of this drink.
💡 Fun fact: In traditional Yemeni coffees from the Mocha region, the naturally chocolate‑like flavour was not caused by added chocolate, but by the unique terroir and traditional processing methods.
It’s also worth noting that mocha coffee as we know it today – espresso mixed with milk and chocolate – did not originate in Yemen. Its roots lie much closer to European coffee culture. One of its predecessors was the Italian bicerin, a popular drink in 18th‑century Turin made from layers of hot chocolate, coffee and cream. Over time, similar drinks appeared, such as the Italian mochaccino or marocchino, before evolving – particularly in the United States – into the well‑known caffè mocha, where all ingredients are blended together and chocolate often comes in syrup form.
How is mocha different from latte and cappuccino?
Although all three drinks are based on espresso and milk, the proportions and overall character vary significantly. If you're wondering whether mocha is simply a mocha latte, or how it differs from cappuccino, here’s the explanation:
- ✔️ mocha – a distinctly chocolate‑forward drink, often sweeter, made by adding cocoa or chocolate syrup. Ideal if you enjoy a balance between sweetness and coffee aroma,
- ✔️ latte – primarily milky and delicate, with minimal foam. The mildest of the three,
- ✔️ cappuccino – noticeably more intense, with a stronger espresso presence and a thicker layer of foam.
In mocha coffee, the choice of chocolate plays an important role. Dark chocolate adds depth and a more refined profile, milk chocolate increases sweetness, while chocolate syrup ensures a smooth, velvety flavour.
Mocha coffee ingredients – espresso, milk and chocolate
There are many variations of this drink, but a classic mocha coffee consists of three basic ingredients:
- ✔️ espresso – the base that gives the drink its intensity and aroma. Choosing the right beans is essential, which is why we recommend speciality coffee from Coffee Broastery,
- ✔️ milk – responsible for the creamy texture. This can be dairy or plant‑based (oat and almond milk work particularly well),
- ✔️ chocolate – the heart of caffè mocha. It can be cocoa, chocolate syrup or real chocolate melted into hot espresso.
In a more dessert‑style version, mocha is often served with extras such as whipped cream, cocoa powder, chocolate shavings or a drizzle of caramel or vanilla syrup. These toppings aren’t essential but they enhance the flavour and make homemade mocha coffee truly special.
How to make mocha coffee at home? Step-by-step mocha recipe
Mocha coffee is one of those drinks that looks impressive, tastes like a dessert, and yet is incredibly easy to prepare. You don’t need a professional espresso machine or advanced accessories – just a good espresso (or strong brewed coffee), high‑quality chocolate or cocoa, and a few minutes of your time. If you're asking yourself: how to make mocha coffee? – the detailed instructions are right below.
It’s a great choice for slow mornings as well as afternoon breaks when you’re craving something sweet and aromatic – especially during colder days. Give it a try – we guarantee that homemade mocha coffee can taste even better than the café version!
Ingredients needed for homemade mocha coffee
Below you’ll find a list of ingredients for a classic mocha as well as optional toppings and a plant‑based alternative. Use good‑quality espresso and chocolate – these two elements influence the flavour more than anything else.
- 1 double espresso (about 40-50 ml) or 100 ml of strong brewed coffee from a moka pot or AeroPress,
- 150-180 ml of milk,
- 1-2 teaspoons of cocoa or 1-2 squares of good‑quality chocolate,
- 1-2 teaspoons of chocolate syrup (optional – for a more dessert‑like flavour),
- sugar or another sweetener – to taste,
- whipped cream – optional, to top the drink,
- toppings such as cocoa powder, chocolate shavings or cinnamon – according to preference.
🌿 Plant‑based version: Replace dairy milk with oat or almond milk, and use vegan chocolate. The drink will still be wonderfully creamy!
☕🍫 Preparing mocha coffee – recipe
- Brew the espresso.
This is the foundation of the drink. If you don’t have an espresso machine, use a moka pot or AeroPress – a strong, concentrated coffee will be the perfect base. - Combine the hot coffee with chocolate or cocoa.
In a mug or glass, mix freshly brewed espresso with cocoa, chocolate syrup or melted chocolate. If using chocolate squares, drop them directly into the hot coffee and stir until fully melted. - Steam or froth the milk.
Heat the milk to around 60-65°C and froth it using a steam wand, handheld frother or French press. Avoid overheating – milk loses its natural sweetness above 70°C. - Combine the ingredients.
Slowly pour the frothed milk into the chocolate espresso mixture, creating delicate layers or a smooth texture – whichever you prefer. - Add the finishing touches.
Top your drink with whipped cream, cocoa powder, chocolate shavings or cinnamon. This step is optional but gives the mocha a wonderfully dessert‑like character.
Barista tip: The ideal proportion is one part espresso (about 30 ml), one part chocolate (about 30 ml) and three parts milk (about 90 ml). For a more intense coffee flavour, reduce the amount of milk; for a more chocolate‑forward drink, increase the chocolate.
And that’s it – now you know how to make mocha coffee! The drink delights with its creamy texture and deep chocolate aroma. It’s a recipe you can easily adapt to your preferences – from the type of milk to the sweetness level and coffee intensity. Now you can move on to the next section and discover exciting mocha variations.
Mocha variations you need to try
Mocha is a wonderfully versatile drink – you can change its character depending on your mood, the season, your flavour preferences or the type of chocolate you choose. Although the classic version is made from espresso, milk and chocolate, there are many mocha variations that let you rediscover this drink in new ways. Sometimes it’s more dessert‑like, sometimes more coffee‑forward, and sometimes light and refreshing.
If you enjoy experimenting with coffee flavours or tailoring your drink to your sensory preferences, take a look at our blog article on flavour profiles: Coffee acidity and bitterness – how to choose the perfect beans for your taste. It will help you match your beans even more precisely to your favourite mocha coffee variation.
Here are the most interesting versions worth trying:
- Classic Mocha – espresso, milk and chocolate. The most universal and widely recognised version.
- White Mocha – uses white chocolate instead of cocoa or dark chocolate. Sweeter, creamy, with vanilla notes.
- Caramel Mocha – classic mocha with added caramel syrup. Often topped with extra caramel drizzle over whipped cream. Intensely dessert‑like and perfect for lovers of sweet drinks.
- Peppermint Mocha – chocolate combined with a hint of mint (usually mint syrup). Perfect for winter and festive seasons.
- Iced Mocha – chilled espresso, milk, ice and chocolate. A refreshing option for summer. Alternatively, a Frozen Mocha / Mocha Frappé blends cold espresso, chocolate, milk and ice into a thick, shake‑like beverage.
- Mexican Mocha / Spicy Mocha – a classic mocha with added chilli or cayenne pepper and cinnamon. Ideal for those who enjoy intense, warming flavours.
- Mocha with dairy alternatives – using oat, almond or coconut milk gives the drink a lightly nutty or more exotic character.
💡 Good to know: Many cafés offer seasonal mocha variations – warming, spiced versions in winter and lighter, iced versions with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream in summer. At home, you can recreate them by experimenting with your favourite spices and different types of chocolate and milk.
As you can see, mocha can be surprisingly diverse! In the next section, we’ll move on to the final – and very important – element: choosing the right chocolate for mocha coffee. It’s the ingredient that has the biggest impact on the flavour and personality of your drink.
Chocolate for mocha coffee – which type is best?
Although espresso and milk form the foundation of mocha, it’s the chocolate that defines the drink’s character. Its quality, form and intensity influence whether your mocha coffee will taste more dessert‑like, rich, creamy or slightly bitter. Choosing the right type of chocolate truly makes a difference – which is why it’s worth taking a moment to select it carefully.
Below you’ll find a comparison of the most popular options that will help you prepare the perfect mocha coffee, whether you prefer a sweeter drink or one with a more intense coffee flavour.
Which chocolate should you choose for mocha?
- ✔️ Dark chocolate (minimum 60-70% cocoa) – the best choice if you enjoy deep, intense flavours. It balances the milk’s sweetness and enhances the coffee’s aroma, giving the drink a refined profile and a classic caffè mocha character.
- ✔️ Milk chocolate – ideal for those who prefer a sweeter coffee with chocolate. It adds creaminess and a round sweetness, and works wonderfully in variations like Caramel Mocha or Iced Mocha.
- ✔️ White chocolate – technically not a traditional chocolate (as it contains no cocoa solids), but it creates an exceptionally sweet and silky version of the drink, perfect for fans of delicate flavours.
- ✔️ Chocolate bar vs chocolate syrup – a real chocolate bar provides depth and a richer chocolate note, while syrup dissolves faster and produces a smoother, more uniform flavour. It’s worth trying both to see which one suits your taste best.
📌 Practical buying tips:
- Choose chocolates with short ingredients lists – prioritising cocoa and cocoa butter over artificial flavourings.
- For mocha coffee, chocolates containing 60–70% cocoa work best – they are balanced and universal.
- If you prefer a thicker texture – use pieces of a chocolate bar instead of syrup.
- For plant‑based versions, dark chocolate or vegan milk chocolate is ideal.
- To enhance the flavour – add a pinch of cinnamon, vanilla or chilli while melting the chocolate.
Selecting the right chocolate and toppings can completely transform the drink – so don’t hesitate to experiment with different types and proportions. The best mocha coffee is the one that perfectly suits your taste. And if you want the finest result at home, choose high‑quality speciality coffee beans – they are the foundation of every excellent espresso‑and‑chocolate combination.
Thank you for preparing this delightful drink with us! Now all that’s left is to choose the coffee that will become the perfect base for your favourite mocha.
May your next mocha coffee be your best one yet!
FAQ – the most frequently asked questions about mocha coffee
1. How to make mocha coffee without an espresso machine?
It’s easier than you think! If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can prepare mocha coffee using:
- a moka pot,
- an AeroPress,
- a French press,
- or even high‑quality instant coffee.
Simply mix the hot coffee with cocoa or melted chocolate, froth the milk and combine the ingredients just like in the classic mocha recipe.
2. Which chocolate is best for mocha coffee?
Dark chocolate (60-70% cocoa) works best, as it balances the sweetness of the milk and emphasises the coffee’s natural notes. If you prefer sweeter drinks, choose milk chocolate or chocolate syrup. For a White Mocha, white chocolate is used, giving the drink a delicate vanilla sweetness.
3. What is the difference between mocha and mocha latte?
In practice, these names are often used interchangeably. “Mocha latte” simply highlights the milk‑based nature of the drink, but the ingredients remain the same: espresso, milk and chocolate. The distinction is mostly related to café naming traditions.
4. Can you make mocha coffee with plant‑based milk?
Absolutely. Oat, almond, soy and coconut milk froth particularly well. Many cafés today serve mocha coffee with plant‑based milk as a standard option.
5. Does mocha coffee contain caffeine?
Yes – mocha coffee contains caffeine because its base is espresso. The caffeine content depends on the amount of espresso (usually one or two shots), the type of beans and the brewing method. Mocha typically contains a similar level of caffeine to a latte or cappuccino, but tastes milder thanks to the chocolate.
6. Is mocha the same as mocca?
In everyday English, “mocha” is the standard spelling for the drink. Other versions such as “mocca”, “mochaccino” or “mochachino” may appear in different café menus, but they refer to the same chocolate‑based coffee drink.
7. Can you make mocha without milk?
Yes! You can prepare milk‑free mocha in two ways: using plant‑based milk (oat, almond or coconut), or omitting milk entirely and combining espresso only with hot chocolate or cocoa. This version is richer, thicker and more intensely chocolatey.
Recommended
Moka coffee pot 300ml
Hand coffee grinder
French Press 600ml
