One way to stay productive during the day is to fix yourself a delicious mocha. And let us be honest, we love coffee not only because it keeps us alert but also because it just tastes so good.
However, if you don’t know how to make a mocha with an espresso machine, you might have a hard time preparing it. No worries, we’re here to tell you everything from head to toe.
What is a Mocha and an Espresso Machine?
Before we give you a complete step-by-step guide to making a mocha with an espresso machine, first let’s see what they actually are.
There might not be many choices in life when it comes to certain things. But with coffee, you are spoilt for choice. The most widely known coffee drinks are latte, cappuccino, americano, espresso, and of course mocha.
Mocha
Mocha is simply a latte with chocolate. So, what is a latte then? A latte is made with steamed milk and espresso. You just add chocolate to that mix and Voila! You have a mocha drink.
Espresso and Espresso Machines
Espresso is a type of coffee that is an Italian beverage but is now widely popular all over the world. Coffee lovers love a shot of espresso. It’s brewed by essentially forcing a small amount of nearly boiling water through finely grounded coffee beans.
These are usually made with espresso machines, however, you can make them without a machine too. But, why would you though? Using a machine will give you a rich, and consistent espresso shot every time.
You can prepare the beverage simply as it comes out of the machine. On the other hand, you can use this as a building block for a host of other drinks. One such drink is a ‘mocha’.
How to Make a Mocha with an Espresso Machine?
Alright, so how to make a mocha with an espresso machine? It is super easy and quick. First, here is what you will need:
- A semi-espresso machine (here is the list)
- A frothing pitcher
- Spoon
- Thermometer
- Chocolate powder (you can use any type of chocolate)
- Sugar
- Espresso roast or ground coffee
- Milk
The Process
There are actually a couple of ways you can make a mocha. You might add the cocoa powder and sugar to the cup, mix it and then add the espresso shot, followed by steamed milk.
Or, you might prefer to combine the milk and chocolate and then froth it. Then add it to the espresso shot. We’ll show you both methods.
Method 1
Step 1: Make the espresso
This part is required for both methods because you can’t have mocha without espresso.
Put water in the water reservoir and turn the machine on. The water will start to heat up. Now put ground coffee in the portafilter and attach it to the machine. Remember to tamp down the coffee beans into the portafilter before attaching it to the machine.
Some espresso machines may be steam-driven. With these machines, you need to pour water on top and then screw down the lid.
A good practice here is to run some hot water through the portafilter while it is attached to the machine and without any coffee in it. This will rinse out any residue that might have been on there.
Put your espresso shot glass on the machine and wait till it’s ready. It’s recommended to get the water up to 200°F for the perfect espresso.
Many modern machines will let you choose the temperature you want for your water. However, the typical ones may not have this functionality and will heat up the water to a preset temperature.
For the perfect espresso shot measurement, make sure to have 7 grams or 1 tablespoon of coffee per ounce of liquid.
Step 2: Froth the milk
Almost all espresso machines will come with a metal wand that will warm and froth the milk. You’ll need steamed milk to make a mocha. We cannot stress this enough.
Pour milk into your frothing pitcher and use the steam wand to heat. Once you’re done, it’s time to froth the milk. The ideal temperature you should go for is 160°F. Some prefer to use a thermometer to check the exact temperature of the milk.
Step 3: Mix the espresso shot with powdered milk
At this point, your espresso shot should be ready. Put cocoa powder in your cup. You can also use any chocolate for added flavor, whether it’s milk chocolate, white or dark. Now, it’s time to put the sugar according to your needs.
After pouring the cocoa powder into your cup, you may also try to put a little bit of hot water and stir the powder to create syrup. Now, it’s time to pour your espresso shot directly into the cup. Lastly, mix the cocoa powder and espresso.
Step 4: Pour Steamed Milk and Enjoy
Pour the steamed milk into the cup and stir again till well mixed. Enjoy. Add chocolate shavings on top if you want!
Method 2
This method is very similar to our first method. The only difference is you mix your cocoa powder with the milk this time.
Step 1: Prepare your espresso shot
This is the same step outlined in the first method. Make your espresso shots the way you normally would.
Step 2: Froth chocolate milk
Add cocoa powder or chocolate to the milk in your frothing pitcher. You should have chocolate milk by now. Use the steam wand to bring the chocolate milk up to the appropriate temperature and froth.
Step 4: Mix the Milk and Espresso Shot
Take your coffee cup and pour your espresso shots and frothed chocolate milk. Stir well and enjoy.
There is something to note here. It depends on personal preference when it comes to which method tastes best. We prefer the first method here. It produces a smooth and rich coffee that is absolutely delicious.
The second method isn’t bad either. You can’t really go wrong with coffee, milk, and chocolate. Talking about preference, there are no set rules for making mocha. If you truly want to enjoy a cozy cup of mocha, you can experiment a little bit.
Try adding some whipped cream or even some chocolate syrup on top. Some might like their espresso strong. While others like to have the espresso flavor on the tame side.
At the end of the day, it’s all about how you want to enjoy your mocha.
Related coffee-making guide: How to Make Cuban Coffee with an Espresso Machine
Professional Tips
If we are going to teach how to make mocha, why not go all in. Here are some pro tips for making the perfect cup of mocha. Spoiler alert! Some are very obvious.
- Make sure to use fresh ground coffee. Try to keep a coffee supply of 1 week at max. After one week, ground coffee might start to taste less fresh.
- After frothing your milk, immediately wipe down the steam wand. That will keep it from getting sticky and gross. Some machines also recommend flushing out the steam wand immediately after use.
- The recommended proportions for the ingredients are 2 espresso shots, 1 ounce steamed milk, and 2-ounce chocolate, and you can also, of course, have a thin layer of foam on top.
Wrapping Up!
There you have it. That is how to make a mocha with an espresso machine. If you understand the basic procedure, it isn’t that difficult. Enjoy café quality mocha right at your home or office and start your day right.