Marocchino Coffee is a chocolaty espresso-based drink made by blending espresso, chocolate, cocoa powder, and milk, and served in a small glass. It is a popular coffee drink that originated in Italy’s Piedmont region and the name “Marocchino” comes from an Italian word which means “Moroccan”.
Marocchino coffee has become a beloved specialty coffee drink in Italy and beyond, cherished for its harmonious blend of chocolate and coffee and elegant presentation.
How to Make Marocchino Coffee
You can easily prepare Marocchino Coffee at home with this simple recipe.
What You Need:
- Espresso Machine
- Milk Frother
- 14-18 grams coffee grounds
- 2-3 oz whole Milk
- 1 tsp Chocolate Syrup
- 1-2 tbsp Cocoa Powder
What coffee beans are best for Marocchino Coffee?
Dark-roasted coffee beans with a full body and low acidity are best for preparing Marochhino Coffee. The bold and intense flavor profile of dark beans complements the sweetness of chocolate and frothed milk in the drink.
What Milk to use?
You should use whole dairy milk for making Marocchino Coffee, as it has a higher fat content and provides a very creamy texture. If you prefer non-dairy milk options, you can also use oat milk, almond milk, or soy milk.
Cocoa powder
It is best to choose a high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder that is made from 100% pure cocoa.
Optional ingredients
There’s plenty of room for creativity in Marocchino coffees – and every coffee shop serves its own variation of Marocchino by incorporating some additional ingredients.
Adding a touch of chocolate-hazelnut or Nutella spread brings its signature nutty, chocolatey flavor. A sprinkle of white chocolate shavings on top lends sweetness and texture. You can also finish with a dusting of cinnamon for warmth or vanilla for added aroma.
Step-by-Step Recipe
1- Prepare Espresso: Prepare a double Espresso shot in your Espresso machine using 14-16 grams of coffee grounds.
It’s important to use freshly ground coffee beans for a better flavor. If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can use a Moka pot or a French press to make espresso-like strong shots of coffee.
2- Mix Espresso and Chocolate: Once you have brewed your espresso shots, pour them into a small glass. Add one or two teaspoons of cocoa powder and stir until thoroughly mixed. Also, add the sugar or sweeteners (if desired) at this step.
3- Froth Milk: Pour 60-90 mL milk into a milk steaming pitcher. Place the steam wand just below the surface of the milk and turn on the steam. Keep the wand in the same position and move the pitcher to create a whirlpool motion to froth the milk. Keep steaming until the milk reaches a temperature of around 140-150°F.
You’ll need an airy consistency of froth as in Cappuccino.
4- Combine: Once you have frothed the milk, pour it over the espresso-chocolate mixture.
Use a spoon to hold back the froth and spoon it at the top for a layered effect.
5- Serve: Garnish the drink with chocolate syrup or Nutella and sprinkle some cocoa powder over the top of the frothed milk for a luxurious feel.
Also read: 30 different varieties of Espresso drinks
What does Marocchino taste like?
The taste of Marocchino Coffee is sweet and layered, with the espresso providing a slightly bitter taste balanced by the sweet chocolate and milk. If made well, each sip delivers layered flavors of robust coffee, cocoa powder, and just the right amount of milk for an indulgent yet not overly sweet treat.
I love how the Marocchino coffee offers an intense taste experience with every sip. It has a very strong coffee and chocolaty combination that is not overpowered by milk like in a Mocha Coffee.
The Variations of Marocchino Coffee
Cafes all over the world have their own ways of making the Caffè Marocchino, and one of the main differences is how they add chocolate to the coffee. Some use only cocoa Powder, while others use strong and sweet chocolate syrups.
Some popular variations of Marocchino coffee include:
- White Marocchino: Made with white chocolate instead of regular chocolate syrup, this variation is milder and creamier than the original.
- Dark Marocchino: Made with dark chocolate instead of regular chocolate syrup, this variation is richer and has a more intense flavor.
- Marocchino con Panna: This variation adds a dollop of whipped cream to the top, making the drink even more indulgent and decadent.
I’ve tried all of these variations, and each one offers a unique twist on the classic Marocchino flavor. I particularly enjoy the Dark Marocchino as it is intense and strong with subtle sweetness; perfect for my taste buds.
Another fun way to customize Marocchino coffee is by experimenting with different types of milk. Some coffee shops offer variations made with almond milk, soy milk, or even oat milk. Each type of milk brings its own unique flavor and texture to the drink, making it a fun way to switch things up.
what is the history of Marocchino Coffee?
The origins of the Marocchino can be traced back to the Bar Carpano in the city of Alessandria, located in the Piedmont region of northwest Italy.
Here’s a popular story regarding the origin of this drink.
“In Alessandria, Italy, where the famous Borsalino fedora hats were sold, The Bar Carpano baristas created a new coffee beverage blended with espresso, milk foam, and cocoa powder. They called this drink “Marocchino” after the name of a brown leather strip inside the hats called the Marocchino strip. This strip was made of special brown Morrocan leather that’s why it is known as the Marocchino strip. “
While this rich and creamy drink has gained a loyal following over the years, it is not the only chocolaty coffee option that Italians enjoy. Two other popular choices are Bicerin and Cafe Mocha
What is the Difference between Marocchino and Mocha
The main difference is that Mocha is prepared with a large proportion of steamed milk and is typically served in tall glasses or wide cups (around 10-12 oz). While In Marocchino the ratio of Milk to Espresso is around 1:1 and it is typically served in a small glass (around 5-6 oz). Also, Mocha is often topped with whipped cream or different fancy flavorings.
Marocchino coffee usually has a more robust chocolate and Espresso flavor. While Mocha coffee has a milder chocolate taste and a creamier texture because of the large proportion of milk.
Marocchino Freddo | A Treat For Summers
The Marocchino Freddo is a cold version of the traditional Marocchino coffee drink. The term “Freddo” means “cold” in Italian.
To prepare a refreshing Marocchino Freddo, a shot of espresso, chocolate syrup, cold milk, and ice cubes are vigorously shaken in a hand shaker. The chilled mixture is then strained into glass filled with ice cubes for a delightful beverage.
Check out Freddo Espresso Recipe! A Popular Greek summer coffee drink
Final Thoughts
And that’s the inside scoop on making Marocchino coffee! With its velvety foam and signature cocoa topping, it is a truly unique espresso drink. Now you can order it like a pro or even become your own barista.
Now it’s your turn—try it out, get creative, and share your Marocchino Coffee experience with us in the comments below. Your unique twist might just inspire the next coffee connoisseur!
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Recipe of Marocchino
Equipment
- Espresso machine
- Steam Wand
Ingredients
- 14-16 grams Coffee grounds
- 1-2 tsp Chocolate Syrup
- 60-90 mL Whole Milk
- Cocoa Powder
Instructions
- Brew one or two shots of espresso using your Espresso machine.
- Add one or two teaspoons of cocoa powder to the espresso and stir well.
- Froth the milk with the same airy consistency as in Cappuccino. Pour the Frothed milk over the Espresso Chocolate Mixture.
- Sprinkle some cocoa powder over the top of the frothed milk for a luxurious feel.
