Easy DIY Homemade Mochaccino Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide

Quick Answer

Make a mochaccino by combining 2 oz chocolate syrup with a double shot of espresso, then adding 6 oz steamed milk with froth on top. Garnish with cocoa powder or whipped cream. This indulgent coffee-chocolate drink contains about 151 calories per serving and takes just 10 minutes to prepare. Great for days you crave something sweeter than a regular cappuccino.

Key Takeaways

• Mochaccino combines espresso, chocolate, and frothed milk in one delicious drink.
  
• The name comes from Mokha, Yemen, a historic coffee trading port.
  
• It needs just four basic ingredients and 10 minutes.
  
• Different milk options work for various dietary preferences.
  
• Moderate consumption may offer cognitive benefits for older adults.
  
• Add variations with caramel or white chocolate for flavor adventures.

It is that moment when you cannot choose between coffee and hot chocolate, so why not have both? A mochaccino gives you the rich kick of espresso with smooth chocolate, then crowns it with cloud-like milk froth. 

Dr. Charles Livingston notes that "chocolate and coffee share similar flavor compounds that create natural harmony in the cup." This homemade recipe lets you set the sweetness and choose the ingredients for a café-level treat without leaving your kitchen.

What Is a Mochaccino?

A mochaccino, also spelled mocaccino or mochachino, is a chocolate-flavored cappuccino. It brings espresso, chocolate, and frothed milk together in a balance that pleases both coffee lovers and chocolate fans.

The name comes from the historic Yemeni port of Mokha, famous for coffee trade from the 15th to 17th century. The chocolate and coffee pairing we enjoy today likely grew from the natural chocolate notes found in some Yemeni coffee beans rather than from adding actual chocolate at first. By the early 20th century, recipes that mix coffee and chocolate began to appear under the name "mocha."

Mochaccino vs. Mocha: What's the Difference?

These terms are often used in the same way, but traditionally:

A mochaccino follows cappuccino proportions: equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam, with added chocolate.

A caffè mocha follows latte proportions: espresso with more steamed milk and less foam, plus chocolate.

The mochaccino usually has a stronger coffee flavor and a lighter, airier feel because of the higher foam to milk ratio.

Nutritional Profile

A standard serving of mochaccino, 286g or about 10 oz, contains approximately:

• 151 calories
  
• 5g fat
  
• 22g carbohydrates
  
• 11g protein

These values make it a moderate treat compared to many specialty coffee drinks. The nutrition changes based on the milk you use and how much chocolate you add.

Health Benefits of Mocha Coffee

Beyond the obvious pleasure, mocha coffee may offer benefits.

A study in the journal Nutrients examined the effects of mocha coffee intake in elderly subjects with subcortical ischemic vascular disease. The researchers found that moderate mocha coffee intake, about two cups daily, was linked with better cognitive performance and improved mood status.

Participants who had moderate amounts of mocha coffee showed better scores on cognitive tests and fewer depressive symptoms compared to non-drinkers. The researchers reported a significant dose response relationship. They suggested that the mix of coffee and chocolate compounds might have synergistic effects on brain health. 

This does not mean you should drink mochaccinos as medicine. It adds a nice bonus to your enjoyment.

Homemade Mochaccino Recipe

Ingredients (Makes 1 Serving)

• Double shot of espresso, 2 oz, or 3 oz strong coffee
  
• 2 oz dark chocolate syrup, store-bought or homemade
  
• 6 oz whole milk
  
• Cocoa powder for dusting
  
• Optional: whipped cream, cinnamon, chocolate shavings
  

Equipment Needed

• Espresso machine or strong coffee maker
  
• Milk frother or steam wand
  
• 12 to 16 oz mug or glass
  
• Measuring tools
  
• Spoon for adding foam
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Mug

Pour 2 ounces of chocolate syrup into your warmed mug or glass. The warming helps prevent temperature shock when you add hot espresso.

Pro tip: For homemade chocolate syrup, mix equal parts cocoa powder and sugar with enough hot water to make a smooth paste, then add a tiny pinch of salt to lift flavor.

Step 2: Add the Espresso

Pull a double shot of espresso directly into the mug with chocolate syrup. If you do not have an espresso machine, brew 3 ounces of extra strong coffee using a Moka pot, AeroPress, or French press.

Stir right away to combine the espresso and chocolate before the chocolate cools and grows hard to mix.

Pro tip: Choose a medium dark roast coffee with chocolate or nutty notes to pair with the chocolate syrup.

Step 3: Froth the Milk

Pour 6 ounces of cold milk into your frothing pitcher or vessel. Cold milk froths better than milk at room temperature.

If using a steam wand:

1. Position the wand just below the milk surface
2. Create a whirlpool effect
3. Introduce air until volume nearly doubles
4. Submerge the wand deeper to heat the milk to about 150°F or 65°C

If you don't have a steam wand then no problem. You can create foam by:

• Using a handheld frother
  
• Shake milk vigorously in a jar, then microwave for 30 seconds
  
• Use a French press to pump air into heated milk
  
• Whisk vigorously by hand. Good arm workout!

Step 4: Combine and Garnish

Pour the steamed milk into your espresso-chocolate mixture. Hold back the foam with a spoon. Then spoon the foam on top to create a distinct layer.

Finish with a light dusting of cocoa powder, cinnamon, or chocolate shavings. For extra indulgence, add whipped cream before the final dusting.

Pro tip: Create latte art on your mochaccino. Pour the milk in a steady stream and move the pitcher across the surface.

Mochaccino Variations

Black and White Mochaccino

Replace half the dark chocolate syrup with white chocolate for a richer flavor profile. The contrast adds visual appeal and a gentler sweetness.

Caramel Mochaccino

Add 1/2 ounce of caramel sauce to the chocolate syrup for a buttery caramel note. Drizzle extra caramel on top for decoration.

Iced Mochaccino

For a refreshing summer version:

1. Mix chocolate syrup and hot espresso
2. Fill a glass with ice
3. Pour the mixture over ice
4. Add cold milk
5. Top with cold foam or whipped cream

Non-Dairy Mochaccino

Substitute dairy milk with oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk. Oat milk produces the creamiest foam among plant-based alternatives.

Tips for Mochaccino Success

Coffee Selection

Choose fresh beans with chocolate, nutty, or caramel notes. Medium-dark to dark roasts stand up better to chocolate's richness. A bean with subtle fruity notes can add nice complexity.

Chocolate Quality Matters

Use real chocolate syrup rather than artificial chocolate flavor. Chocolate quality affects the final taste. You can make your own syrup with high-quality cocoa powder.

Temperature Control

Avoid overheating your milk. Keep it under 160°F or 71°C to prevent scalding, which creates unpleasant flavors. Also avoid overheating chocolate, or it can turn bitter.

Balancing Sweetness

Start with less chocolate than you expect you need. You can always add more. The natural sweetness of properly steamed milk means you may want less added sugar than expected.

Common Mochaccino Mistakes

Using Poor Quality Ingredients

Low-grade coffee or chocolate leads to weak results. This drink has few ingredients, so each one matters.

Improper Milk Frothing

Creating good microfoam takes practice. Too little air makes flat foam; too much adds large bubbles that vanish fast.

Unbalanced Proportions

Too much chocolate overwhelms the coffee; too little makes it barely noticeable. Aim for balance so both coffee and chocolate stand out.

Serving in a Cold Mug

Always pre-warm your mug with hot water to hold proper temperature.

Conclusion

The mochaccino shows the happy match of coffee's complexity and chocolate's comfort. With just a few quality ingredients and some basic skills, you can create this café-worthy drink at home.

If you want a special weekend treat or an afternoon pick-me-up, the mochaccino brings rich satisfaction without too many calories or cost. Possible brain benefits are a nice bonus to an already delightful sip.

For the best homemade mochaccino, start with high-quality coffee beans. Lifeboost's organic medium-dark roasts offer an ideal foundation with a smooth, low-acid profile and natural chocolate undertones that complement the added chocolate beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What's the difference between a mochaccino and a mocha latte?

A mochaccino follows cappuccino proportions with equal parts espresso, milk, and foam plus chocolate. A mocha latte has more steamed milk, less foam, and a creamier texture.

Can I make a mochaccino without an espresso machine?

Yes! Use strong coffee from a Moka pot, AeroPress, or French press. The key is brewing it stronger than normal drinking coffee.

What's the best milk for frothing?

Whole milk creates the richest, most stable foam. For non-dairy options, oat milk performs best, followed by soy milk. Almond and coconut milks are trickier but possible with practice.

How many calories are in a homemade mochaccino?

A typical homemade mochaccino contains about 150-200 calories. It depends on your milk choice and how much chocolate you add.

Is a mochaccino just hot chocolate with coffee?

Not exactly. A proper mochaccino has the structure of a cappuccino with equal parts espresso, milk, and foam plus chocolate. The coffee flavor should be strong and clear.

Can I make this drink with instant coffee?

Yes, but use 1-2 tablespoons of instant coffee with 3 oz hot water for a stronger brew that stands up to the chocolate.

About the Author

This article was written by the Lifeboost Coffee team based on current coffee research and expertise from professional baristas. We used trusted sources to give accurate guidance to brew café-quality coffee drinks at home.

Disclaimer: Nutritional information here is an estimate based on typical ingredients. Your results may vary based on the exact products and the preparation methods you use.

Check out Lifeboost Coffee Grata Medium Roast.