What is a Mocha?
Deliciously sweet, nutty and chocolatey. This creamy coffee drink is an espresso-based beverage but it often causes confusion as to exactly what a mocha is. We explain what is it, where it came from and how it differs to other coffees.
What is mocha coffee?
Although a mocha is often interpreted differently across the world, the basis is that a shot of espresso is combined with a chocolate powder or syrup, followed by milk or cream. It is a variant of a latte, in the sense that it is often 1/3 espresso and 2/3 steamed milk. However, a chocolate flavour is added, and this can be milk or dark.
What a mocha is made of
Although a mocha is often interpreted differently across the world, the basis is that a shot of espresso is combined with a chocolate powder or syrup, followed by milk or cream. It is a variant of a latte, in the sense that it is often 1/3 espresso and 2/3 steamed milk. However, a chocolate flavour is added, and this can be milk or dark.
What an americano is made of
An americano is just water and espresso. It’ll either be served 1/2 and 1/2 or 1/3 espresso to 2/3 water, depending on the coffee shop in question or how you’ve chosen to brew it.
What an espresso is made of
Espresso is a concentrated form of coffee, served in shots and it’s often the coffee base of many other beverages, such as cappuccino, latte, americano and macchiato.
What a latte is made of
A latte or caffè latte is a milk coffee that is made up of one or two shots of espresso, lots of steamed milk and a final, thin layer of frothed milk on top.
What a cappuccino is made of
A cappuccino is the perfect balance of espresso, steamed milk and foam. This coffee is all about the structure and the even splitting of all elements into equal thirds.
What an iced coffee is made of
An iced coffee is a cold version of your favourite coffee, but it’s not simply a coffee that has been left to cool. Like a regular coffee, it’s usually a combination of hot espresso and milk. However, ice is added too.
Chocolate Orange Mocha
Mocha origin – where did it come from?
Now we understand what a mocha is, where exactly did it come from? It is believed that the drink was originally named after the mocha bean, which is a type of coffee bean shipped from the port of Al Mokka in Yemen. Mocha beans were known for their naturally chocolatey flavour. These days, the name mocha doesn’t reference these coffee beans as such, but rather the presence of added chocolate flavourings in the coffee drink.
Explore the history of coffee Cappuccino vs mocha – what are the differences?
For starters, the cappuccino hails from Italy and the mocha originates in Yemen. Interestingly, they’re both espresso-based drinks, but the mocha contains chocolate flavouring and the cappuccino is topped with a milk foam to form a frothy coffee beverage – sometimes with a dusting of chocolate on top too.
The mocha is the perfect treat for coffee and chocolate lovers alike. Try NESCAFÉ GOLD Mocha and fall in love with its velvety texture and creamy taste.
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