Coffee guide · Lukaya Cafe

When espresso meets chocolate: what is a mocha?

A mocha combines espresso, chocolate and steamed milk in a drink that sits between coffee and dessert.

Pour-over coffee brewers on the Lukaya Cafe counter

Three strong flavours in one cup

Chocolate is mixed with espresso, then steamed milk brings the two together. Sweetness and chocolate intensity depend on the recipe.

Choose the chocolate-to-coffee balance

  1. Chocolate, espresso and milk are the essentials. Whipped cream and extra flavourings are additions, not requirements.
  2. At home, dissolve the chocolate in the hot espresso before adding milk. Start lightly and taste; more chocolate can hide the coffee.
  3. For chocolate without espresso, choose hot chocolate. Cocoa can still contain a little caffeine, so it is not automatically a caffeine-free alternative.

What does it taste like?

Expect cocoa sweetness, creamy milk and a roasted coffee finish. Espresso keeps the drink from tasting like hot chocolate alone.

What about caffeine?

A mocha contains caffeine from espresso and usually a smaller amount from cocoa.

Who might enjoy it?

  • You like chocolate and want coffee too.
  • A latte feels too plain.
  • You want a drink that can stand in for dessert.