How to Make a Mocha

Looking to treat yourself to a delicious coffee creation? A mocha is the ideal combination of coffee and chocolate, bringing together the boldness of espresso with a touch of sweetness. And the best part? You don’t have to visit a coffee shop to enjoy one—you can easily make a mocha at home! Let’s guide you through each step so you can brew a mocha that tastes just as good as your favourite café’s.

What Exactly is a Mocha?

A mocha, or "mocha latte," is a coffee drink that mixes espresso, steamed milk, and chocolate, usually topped with whipped cream or a dusting of cocoa powder. It’s the perfect choice when you want the best of both worlds: the depth and richness of coffee combined with the comforting sweetness of chocolate. A mocha is versatile, too—great for a morning treat or an afternoon pick-me-up!

Getting Started: What You’ll Need

To whip up your homemade mocha, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:

• Espresso or strong coffee: The base of your mocha. If you don’t have an espresso machine, don’t worry—a strong coffee made with a French Press, AeroPress, or Moka Pot will do the trick.
• Chocolate syrup or cocoa powder: Your choice of chocolate will give the mocha its signature flavour. The syrup is easier to blend, while cocoa powder provides a deeper chocolate taste.
• Steamed milk: Any milk will work—dairy or non-dairy—so feel free to use your favourite.
• Whipped cream (optional): Adds a creamy, luxurious finish to your drink.
• Cocoa powder or chocolate shavings: For that final flourish on top.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Mocha

Let’s dive into the steps to create your delicious mocha at home:

1. Brew Your Espresso or Strong Coffee

Start with a shot or two of freshly brewed espresso. If you’re using a different brewing method, like a French Press or AeroPress, make sure the coffee is strong and concentrated enough to stand up to the chocolate and milk.

2. Add the Chocolate

While your coffee is hot, add 1-2 tablespoons of chocolate syrup or cocoa powder directly to the espresso. Stir well until the chocolate is completely dissolved. This is where your mocha gets its signature chocolatey goodness!

RISE Tip: Experiment with different types of chocolate—like dark, milk, or white—to find your favourite flavour combination. You can also try flavoured syrups if you fancy something different.

3. Steam Your Milk

Next, steam your milk until it reaches a frothy, creamy consistency. If you don’t have a steam wand or frother, heat your milk in a saucepan over medium heat and whisk vigorously until frothy. You want a nice balance of hot milk and foam to create a smooth texture.

4. Combine Everything Together

Pour the steamed milk into your coffee and chocolate mixture, holding back some foam with a spoon. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients. You’ll see the mocha start to take shape—a beautifully rich coffee with a layer of milk foam on top.

5. Top with Whipped Cream

For the classic mocha finish, add a generous swirl of whipped cream on top. This step is optional, but it adds a delicious creamy texture to the drink.

6. Garnish for the Final Touch

Sprinkle a little cocoa powder or add chocolate shavings on top of the whipped cream for an extra hit of chocolate flavour. You can also try a dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of chocolate syrup if you like.

Customise Your Mocha

One of the best things about making a mocha at home is that you can tailor it to suit your taste. Here are a few ideas to customise your drink:

• Try Different Flavoured Syrups: Add a dash of vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut syrup for a unique twist.
• Use Non-Dairy Milk: Oat milk, almond milk, or soy milk all work well and add their own subtle flavours.
• Make It a "Skinny" Mocha: Use skim milk or a milk alternative and reduce the chocolate syrup for a lighter version.
• Add Spices: A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even chilli powder can add a kick to your mocha.

Our Favourite Mocha Tips

• Fresh Beans Are Key: Always start with fresh, high-quality beans to ensure the best flavour. Check out our selection of speciality coffees in your RISE box—they’re perfect for creating any coffee drink, including a mocha!
• Experiment and Enjoy: Don’t be afraid to play around with different flavours and ratios until you find your perfect mocha. Coffee is all about enjoying the process and discovering new tastes.

There you have it—a simple and delicious way to make a mocha at home! With just a few ingredients and some easy steps, you can create a café-quality drink that’s perfect for any time of day. So grab your favourite RISE coffee, get brewing, and enjoy your homemade mocha.