Caffe Mocha is one of my favorite coffee drinks. It’s a perfect marriage of rich hot chocolate and robust espresso.
Contents
Simple Caffe Mocha recipe
Caffe Mocha, also called mocaccino, mochachino, or mochaccino is a delightful fusion of espresso, steamed milk, and chocolate. It’s the perfect marriage of bitter coffee and sweet, velvety chocolate.

This rich and satisfying beverage balances the bitterness of coffee with the sweetness of chocolate.
You can enjoy this drink with chocolate-based desserts like chocolate cakes, brownies, or chocolate chip cookies. Fruity desserts like orange or strawberry treats are also a great match. Sweet pastries, muffins, or croissants work wonderfully too. For a cozy breakfast pairing, try your mocha with pancakes or waffles or sweet and savory crepes.
Like Cappuccino, I used simple and basic equipment to make the Mocha drink. To make it even easier, I chose instant espresso powder to make espresso, instead of a coffee machine. Here’s how to make Caffe Mocha:

Classic Mocha
Nutrition
Ingredients
- 2 tsp instant espresso powder e.g., Cafe Bustelo or Nescafe
- 1 cup hot water
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp sugar adjust to taste
- 1 cup milk
- Whipped cream optional
- Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder for garnish optional
Instructions
- In a glass, dissolve 2 teaspoons of instant espresso powder in 1 cup of hot water to make espresso.
- Add cocoa powder and sugar to the glass. Adjust the sugar quantity according to your sweetness preference. Stir well until the cocoa and sugar are fully dissolved.
- In a saucepan, heat the milk until it’s hot but not boiling. You can also use a microwave for this step.
- Pour the hot milk into the coffee-cocoa mixture. Stir thoroughly to combine all the ingredients.
- If you like, top your mocha with whipped cream and garnish with chocolate shavings or a sprinkle of cocoa powder.
Notes
How to pair
To enhance the flavor of this drink, you can pair Caffe Mocha with these foods:
- Chocolate-based desserts, like chocolate cakes, brownies, or chocolate chip cookies, are the great choice. The coffee enhances the chocolate flavors.
- Fruity desserts are a lighter option. Mochas complement fruity flavors like orange or strawberry desserts.
- Mochas go well with sweet pastries, muffins, or croissants, balancing their richness.
- It can also be enjoyed with breakfast foods like pancakes or waffles, especially those topped with sweet syrups.
- Sweet and savory crepes offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors
mocha variations
This drink has inspired numerous variations that cater to diverse palates, from classic recipes to innovative twists.
- White Mocha Coffee is creamier and less bitter. This version replaces dark chocolate with white chocolate. You can even add ice to make the Iced White Chocolate Mocha.
- Iced Mocha Coffee is perfect for warmer days. The combination of cold milk, ice, chocolate, and espresso makes it a refreshing treat.
- Peppermint Mocha combines the warmth of chocolate and coffee with the cool, refreshing kick of peppermint. It’s perfect for the holiday season.
- Spiced Caffe Mocha adds cinnamon, nutmeg, or a dash of chili powder. The warmth of spices complements the rich chocolate and coffee notes.
- Coconut Mocha Coffee adds the sweet, nutty flavor of coconut to the mix. You can use coconut milk or coconut-flavored syrup.
- Hazelnut Mocha Coffee includes the subtle sweetness of hazelnut. It’s an interesting version for those who enjoy a hint of nuttiness in their coffee.