What is a Mocha? A Guide to the Popular Coffee Drink

Everyone loves a fresh cup of coffee, but sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming remembering all the different coffee drink varieties and flavors at a coffee shop. Anyone can order a vanilla latte, a decaf Americano, or even a flat white without hesitation, but not many people think about the contents of a mocha coffee drink. At the same time, mocha coffee is such a popular drink that people often ask for mocha ice cream if they're looking for a simple sweet treat beyond a coffee shop.

While some baristas already know the exact drink specifications when ordered by a patron, we've defined what goes into a mocha and answered some popular questions about mocha flavors to help avoid any extra confusion for new restaurants, coffee shops, and the coffee curious. Alongside these mocha definitions, you'll also learn about the origins of mocha coffee, popular mocha drink orders, and the differences between mocha and other coffee drinks like a regular latte and cappuccino so you can order the drink from your cafe POS system without breaking a sweat.

What is a mocha?

A mocha beverage, otherwise known as a caffè mocha, is an espresso-based drink with whipped cream, steamed milk, chocolate syrup, and a shot of espresso. A mocha coffee is primarily served hot but can also be made into a cold beverage by mixing in ice, iced coffee, or other cold ingredients.

Some people might assume the name mocha originates from Italy, like other coffee drinks. Mocha originated in the port city of Mocha in Yemen, which experienced a large amount of trade for coffee beans, cocoa beans, sugar, and other spices. However, in today's coffee-loving society, mochas are often confused with other coffee beverages, like a traditional latte, since they contain similar ingredients.

Likewise, while the name origin of mocha isn't known by many people, ordering a mocha at a coffee shop can refer to both the drink flavor and an actual beverage at a coffee shop. Just like with other coffee beverages, some baristas use milk to craft latte art on their mocha drinks to creatively enhance the guest's drinking experience.

How to make a mocha coffee

To make a mocha coffee:

• Brew a single espresso shot
• Mix in 1-2 teaspoons of chocolate syrup
• Add steamed milk to the top and mix accordingly

Some recipes suggest using chocolate powder or melting chocolate chips and then mixing with milk to bring out a creamier flavor. Once you've mixed in the chocolate flavor, espresso, and steamed milk, you can add some chocolate powder on top for extra pizzazz.

And when your drinks look as good as they taste, you'll have plenty of content to use for your coffee shop's social media, like Instagram and Facebook, alongside Yelp and Google Business. Dedicated regulars and the coffee curious love seeing a sleek pic of their favorite drink on social media. That type of online marketing will tempt them to buy another cup of caffeine.

What does a mocha coffee taste like?

Coffee and chocolate are the main flavors in a classic mocha drink. Of course, the coffee flavor primarily comes from the type of ground coffee beans used to make an espresso shot. Mocha typically refers to a specific mix of chocolate and coffee flavors if ordered outside of coffee shops. For example, mocha ice cream is fairly well known as a distinct mix of coffee and chocolate flavors.

To get a specific flavored shot of espresso, try experimenting with different types of coffee beans as well. Just remember to grind every coffee bean to a finely ground consistency so the mocha flavor stays the same throughout the brewing process. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate and milk. Mixing dark chocolate syrup and a heavier whipped cream creates a rich and densely flavored mocha that would go well during the winter seasons, compared to a lighter mocha made with oat milk.

Popular mocha drink recipes

As expected, there are many variations of mocha coffee that patrons can order at coffee shops. While some of these variations are small, they still add a little nuance and create a different taste experience for coffee lovers and the coffee curious. On top of adding some variety, these popular mocha recipes are a great way to mix up your menu for different seasons and bring in new customers aching for a sweet drink.

White chocolate mocha recipe

A white chocolate mocha is a fun little twist on the mocha’s classic chocolate taste, perfect for anyone wanting to switch things up in their morning routine. Here are the steps to make a white chocolate mocha: 

• Mix an espresso shot with white chocolate syrup instead of regular dark chocolate
• Add some vanilla extract before steaming the milk
• Stir together ingredients and serve with some white chocolate chips
• Top with a dollop of whipped cream

Peppermint mocha recipe

A peppermint mocha is a popular holiday drink that adds a refreshing, minty flavor for anyone wanting a different mocha experience. Here is the recipe for these winter white mochas:

• Mix your espresso with peppermint and chocolate syrup 
• Steam your milk with vanilla or peppermint extract
• Stir them all together with a fresh candy cane

Caramel mocha recipe

Caramel mochas are also a popular alternative to the traditional mocha latte since they present a nuanced blend of creamy and sugary flavors, all with that lip-licking chocolate flavor. Here is the recipe for a caramel mocha:

• Mix caramel syrup with an espresso shot
• Steam your milk with some caramel and sea salt 
• Drizzle caramel sauce for extra visual appeal

Mocha vs. latte: what's the difference?

A latte is steamed milk and a single or double shot of espresso. On the other hand, a mocha is technically a latte with chocolate syrup added for extra taste. Some coffee enthusiasts even call it a mocha latte if they want to further designate the difference between other types of lattes and espresso-based beverages, such as a chai latte.

Both the mocha and the latte have hot milk and a shot of espresso. However, a mocha also has chocolate syrup beneath a layer of steamed milk and whipped cream. A latte only has a shot of espresso and steamed milk beneath a layer of milk foam. Since their ingredients are prepared differently, a mocha emphasizes coffee and chocolate flavors, while a dark roast latte emphasizes creamy and coffee tastes. And when you have all the reporting data from your point-of-sales system, you can further chisel your coffee menu and promote your best sellers for a decent boost in profits.

Is a mocha stronger than a latte?

Since a mocha and a latte both have the same number of espresso shots per cup, both drinks have the same caffeine content. However, the caffeine content between the two espresso drinks changes depending on the size of the drink itself. For example, if someone orders a large latte and a small mocha, the latte will have two shots of espresso instead of one, making it the stronger drink.

Cappuccino vs mocha: what's the difference?

A cappuccino and a mocha are both espresso-based drinks that use similar ingredients to the latte, such as a single shot of espresso, steamed milk, and foamed milk. Baristas craft mochas by mixing coffee with chocolate syrup and steamed milk, while cappuccinos only have steamed milk and espresso. Some baristas sprinkle cocoa powder on top of their cappuccinos instead of using latte art as a way to add some extra flavor. Some people also sprinkle cocoa powder on their mocha latte for an extra flavor of chocolate as well.

Is a mocha stronger than a cappuccino?

Just like with a latte, the caffeine in a mocha and a cappuccino will have the same caffeine since a small mocha and a small cappuccino will both have a single espresso shot. However, if someone orders a large cappuccino that asks for a double shot of espresso, that drink will have more caffeine than a small mocha latte.

Popular questions about mocha coffee

As a coffee beverage, mochas are pretty straightforward. However, there are always a ton of questions surrounding the popular coffee drink that are often left unanswered. 

Can you make a mocha without an espresso machine?

Yes, you can use coffee-based alternatives to get a mocha fix at a moment's notice. Just don’t tell the coffee snobs. If you need a coffee base without using an espresso machine, try:

• Mixing higher concentration of instant coffee to capture that small burst of coffee flavor
• Brewing a small cup of regular coffee or cold brew for a milder coffee flavor

Should a mocha contain steamed milk?

Yes, a mocha should contain steamed milk. However, if you can't steam the milk, there are other options. Just put the milk in a pot and whisk it while it heats up. Or,the if you're using a dairy alternative, try oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk. Just remember to keep your staff informed and ready for those dairy alternatives. Orders can get a bit messy when there are guests waiting for their morning coffee.

Does a mocha make you fat?

The fat content of a mocha depends entirely on the quality of the ingredients used. While a mocha coffee might seem like it has a lot of calories, there are plenty of ways to alter the original recipe and reduce its fat content, all while maintaining its signature chocolate, creamy taste.

One popular way to reduce the fat content in a mocha is to use a low-calorie alternative to its milk foam. If you usually make your mocha's frothed milk with whole milk, try using skim milk, almond milk, or even coconut milk. Another easy way to reduce the fat content in a mocha is to intentionally ask for it without certain ingredients or use a smaller cup. If you don't want milk froth, for no whipped cream. Or if you want less sugar, ask for less chocolate syrup.

Can you make a mocha without hot chocolate syrup?

Yes, a mocha can be made without hot chocolate syrup by simply adding another type of chocolate flavor ingredient. Cocoa powder, dark chocolate shavings, and even chocolate milk instead of regular whole milk are all popular alternatives to chocolate syrup in a caffè mocha.

To turn a mocha into a different flavored drink, try adding some other ingredients like caramel or peppermint. While these variations can be used to create different drinks for various holiday seasons like Christmas or Saint Patrick's Day, remember not to alter your mocha too much. As we mentioned above, you might create an entirely different espresso-based drink. A mocha without steamed milk, at the end of the day, is technically a flat white with chocolate flavor.