Recipes· 1 min read
Caffè Mocha
Espresso meets chocolate and steamed milk — a cozy, bittersweet latte for cocoa lovers.
House Blend Cafe· 2026-08-20
We're a seasonal shop, open Saturdays only.
You'll find us at the counter on Saturdays, from just after Labor Day through the Saturday before Christmas, 10 AM to 2 PM. The rest of the year we're closed. Order ahead and we'll have it waiting, or see hours and location.
A caffè mocha is a latte that's been to chocolate school. It adds cocoa or chocolate sauce to the usual espresso-and-steamed-milk formula, creating a drink that sits comfortably between coffee and dessert. The best mochas use real chocolate, not just sugary syrup, so the cocoa's bitterness can stand up to the espresso.
Ingredients
- 2 shots of espresso
- 1–2 tbsp chocolate sauce (or 1 tbsp cocoa powder + 1 tsp sugar)
- 8 oz whole milk
- Optional: whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa
Step-by-step
- Add the chocolate sauce to the bottom of a 12 oz cup.
- Pull two shots of espresso directly over the chocolate and stir until smooth and fully combined.
- Steam the milk to glossy microfoam.
- Pour the milk into the chocolate-espresso mixture, blending as you pour.
- Top with whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa if you're going all in.
Tips for the best cup
- Use a dark chocolate sauce (60% cacao or higher) so the drink isn't cloying.
- Stir the espresso and chocolate together while the espresso is hot — it blends far better than cold.
- A medium-dark roast with chocolate and nut notes complements the cocoa.
Key takeaways
- A mocha is a latte with chocolate added to the espresso base.
- Use real chocolate, not just syrup, for depth.
- Stir the chocolate into the hot espresso before adding milk.
#mocha#chocolate#latte#espresso#hot drinks
