Mocha

Mocha is a delectable combination of espresso, milk, and chocolate. While seemingly simple, it does pose a few challenges that often lead to common questions. The first roadblock is often in pulling the perfect shot of espresso. Key factors such as the grind size, brewing temperature, and the pressure applied during tamping can all affect the final product. Another area of confusion is often the type of chocolate to use; the kind of chocolate can greatly influence the flavor and consistency of your mocha. Making your mocha at home means you can control the chocolate-to-coffee ratio, the type of coffee beans, and the kind of chocolate used. You can also play with numerous toppings: from a dollop of whipped cream to a sprinkle of cinnamon or chili powder. A little-known tip is to warm your cup before adding your hot mocha to it. This keeps your beverage warm for a lot longer. Furthermore, use freshly roasted beans for the most aromatic coffee component and try to use whole milk as it froths better than low-fat varieties.