As a coffee lover, I am always on the lookout for new and exciting coffee drinks to try. One such drink that has caught my attention is Marocchino coffee.
This Italian coffee beverage is a heavenly combination of rich espresso, velvety milk foam, and decadent cocoa powder.
The bold and complex flavors of Marocchino are sure to satisfy any sweet, creamy, or caffeine-driven cravings you may have.
In this article, I’ll explore the World of Marocchino coffee, its origins, ingredients, its variations, and a step-by-step guide to prepare it at home. So grab a mug and get ready to experience a delicious coffee like never before.
So, what is Marocchino Coffee?
Marocchino coffee is a popular coffee drink that originated in Italy’s Piedmont region. It is a unique blend of espresso, chocolate, and milk, served in a glass. The drink’s name comes from the Italian word “Marocchino,” which means Moroccan.
Marocchino is a decadent and popular coffee beverage comes from Italy in the mid-19th century, shortly after the invention of modern espresso machines.
You might be wondering Where does the name marocchino come from? Here’s a popular story regarding the origin of this drink.
“In Turin, 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 and called it 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.
The ingredients of Marocchino Coffee
The ingredients required to make Marocchino coffee are readily available and easy to find. You will need:
1- Your Favorite coffee beans: You can use any coffee beans. However, I recommend using medium-dark or dark-roasted coffee beans with a full body and low acidity for the best taste.
2- Chocolate syrup: Choose the syrup that is made from real cocoa powder and has a high cocoa content (at least 30%).
It is best to avoid syrups that contain artificial flavors or excessive amounts of sugar as they may overwhelm the delicate flavors of the coffee.
3- Milk: For a creamy texture, you should use whole milk or 2% milk, as these types of milk have a higher fat content.
If you prefer non-dairy milk options, you can also use oat milk, almond milk, or soy milk.
4- Cocoa powder: Cocoa Powder sprinkled at the top of Marocchino coffee gives a luxurious feel. It is best to choose a high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder that is made from 100% pure cocoa.
As with any coffee drink, the quality of the ingredients used plays a significant role in the drink’s overall taste. Therefore, it is best to use high-quality ingredients to make the best Marocchino coffee possible.
Recipe of Marocchino
Equipment
- Espresso machine
- Steam Wand
Ingredients
- 14-16 grams Coffee grounds
- 10-15 mL Chocolate Syrup (2 tsp)
- 25 mL Whole Milk
- Cocoa Powder
Instructions
- Brew one or two shots of espresso using your Espresso machine. 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.
- Once you have your espresso shots ready, pour them into a small glass. Add one or two teaspoons of chocolate syrup to the espresso and stir well. You can adjust the amount of chocolate syrup depending on how sweet you want your coffee to be.
- Pour 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 the same consistency of froth as in Cappuccino.
- 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.
- Sprinkle some cocoa powder over the top of the frothed milk for a luxurious feel.
- Your Marocchino coffee is ready! Serve it hot and enjoy.
Notes
What does Marocchino taste like?
Marocchino coffee is a chocolate lover’s dream come true. This chocolate and espresso blend creates an indulgent flavor that is both sweet and bitter at the same time.
The Marocchino flavor profile is rich and layered, with the espresso providing a slightly bitter taste balanced by the sweet chocolate and milk.
I love the way Marocchino coffee offers a unique taste experience with every sip. The first sip hits you with the bold espresso flavor, followed by the smooth sweetness of the chocolate and the frothy milk.
It’s the perfect pick-me-up on a cold morning or a snack to sip on during a relaxing afternoon.
What I appreciate most about Marocchino is how versatile it can be. If you prefer a stronger coffee flavor, you can adjust the amount of espresso in your drink. And if you have a sweet tooth, you can add more chocolate.
Whatever your preference is, Marocchino coffee is a deliciously satisfying way to enjoy your caffeine fix in a sweeter way.
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 sweet chocolate, while others use strong and bitter 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 of the drink, making it 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.
The Difference between Marocchino and Mocha
Marocchino and Mocha are both chocolaty Espresso drinks that looks similar at first glance but have some differences.
A Mocha is a coffee drink that is also made of espresso, chocolate, and steamed milk but have different ratios.
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).
While Mocha is prepared with a large proportion of steamed milk and is typically served in tall glasses or wide cups (around 10-12 oz). Also Mocha is often topped with whipped cream or different fancy flavorings.
This subtle difference in the preparation of the two drinks creates a variation in taste and texture. Marocchino coffee usually has a more robust chocolate and Espresso flavor. While Mocha has a milder chocolate taste and a creamier texture because of 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 make Marocchino Freddo, a shot of espresso, chocolate syrup, cold milk and ice cubes are shaken in hand shaker to make a cold beverage. Finally, the iced is strained and the drink is poured in glasses.
It is a great way to enjoy the flavors of espresso and chocolate in a chilled and refreshing beverage.
Read a Recipe of Freddo Espresso! A Popular Greek summer coffee drink
Final Thoughts On Marocchino Coffee
Overall, Marocchino coffee is a delightful and luxurious coffee drink that offers a perfect blend of sweetness and bitterness. The rich flavors of espresso, chocolate, and milk create a unique and complex taste profile that is sure to satisfy your cravings.
You can experiment with different types of chocolate, milk, and espresso beans to create a personalized version that suits your mood and taste buds.
In my opinion, Marocchino coffee is a perfect treat for those who wants to enjoy a strong, sweet, and comforting coffee beverage.
The Marocchino stands out from other coffee and chocolate drinks due to its small size, two layers of chocolate powder, and distinctive, thick flavor that pairs well with the intensity of espresso, setting it apart from mochas and similar beverages.
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FAQs
How many calories are in Marocchino Coffee?
A single serving of Marocchino Coffee, which is around 5 to 6 oz, contains 33 calories. This is the precise calorie count for Marocchino Coffee at McDonald’s.
However, the calorie count may increase with the type of chocolate or sweeteners you add in the drink.
