The Mocha
Let’s be honest, a Mocha is basically a dessert. It’s the drink that you get when you can’t decide between hot chocolate or coffee, so you think, “Por que no los dos?” If you’re fond of chocolate and coffee, then the invention of the Mocha is about the best thing that’s ever happened. Despite all of that, do you actually know what’s in your Mocha? I guess the real question is do you even want to know? If you don’t believe that ignorance is bliss, read on! Otherwise… still keep reading.
Let’s be honest, a Mocha is basically a dessert. It’s the drink that you get when you can’t decide between hot chocolate or coffee, so you think, “Por que no los dos?” If you’re fond of chocolate and coffee, then the invention of the Mocha is about the best thing that’s ever happened. Despite all of that, do you actually know what’s in your Mocha? I guess the real question is do you even want to know? If you don’t believe that ignorance is bliss, read on! Otherwise… still keep reading.
History Lesson
In the coffee world, the term Mocha actually traces its history back to the Ottoman controlled port town of Al-Makha (or Mocha) in Yemen. Considered to be one of the founding fathers of coffee, Yemen cautiously guarded its exquisite coffee supply, restricting any coffee seeds or plants from leaving their territory. This special coffee eventually took on the name of its port and was referred to simply as Mocha. Over time, Yemen lost its control over their beans and would go on to establish an influential trade route with Indonesia, leading to the Mocha Java.
In the coffee world, the term Mocha actually traces its history back to the Ottoman controlled port town of Al-Makha (or Mocha) in Yemen. Considered to be one of the founding fathers of coffee, Yemen cautiously guarded its exquisite coffee supply, restricting any coffee seeds or plants from leaving their territory. This special coffee eventually took on the name of its port and was referred to simply as Mocha. Over time, Yemen lost its control over their beans and would go on to establish an influential trade route with Indonesia, leading to the Mocha Java.
Compared to African and Indonesian coffees, Mocha coffee was described as having a bit of chocolate flavor. Although this distinction was very minimal, and in fact, considered to not be the case anymore, the term eventually was magnified to represent coffee made with chocolate.
What’s in the Cup?
A caffè mocha begins similar to a latte, starting with a shot of espresso and warm milk. However, chocolate is added, usually in the form of cocoa powder and sugar. They are also similar to cappuccinos, hence the reason they can be referred to as mochaccinos, because they are topped with milk froth. Although, coffee shops often provide the option of adding whipped cream to the top as well. Due to the relatively novel nature of this beverage, there are countless variations that include marshmallows, white chocolate, nutmeg, cinnamon, chocolate shavings and more!
A caffè mocha begins similar to a latte, starting with a shot of espresso and warm milk. However, chocolate is added, usually in the form of cocoa powder and sugar. They are also similar to cappuccinos, hence the reason they can be referred to as mochaccinos, because they are topped with milk froth. Although, coffee shops often provide the option of adding whipped cream to the top as well. Due to the relatively novel nature of this beverage, there are countless variations that include marshmallows, white chocolate, nutmeg, cinnamon, chocolate shavings and more!