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.
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 that came from Italy in the mid-19th century, shortly after the invention of modern espresso machines.
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.
How to Make Marocchino Coffee
You can easily prepare Marocchino Coffee at home with this simple recipe.
Ingredients
It is best to use high-quality ingredients to make the best Marocchino coffee possible.
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.
5- Optional Ingrdients
While the core ingredients of espresso, foamed milk, and cocoa powder define the marocchino, some delicious extras can take it to the next level.
Adding a touch of chocolate-hazelnut 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.
There’s room for creativity when it comes to marocchino coffees – and every coffee shop serves its own variation of Marocchino by incorporating these optional ingredients.
Instructions
1- Use 14-16 grams of coffee grounds to make a double shot of Espresso.
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- Once you have brewed your espresso shots, pour them into a small glass. Add one or two teaspoons of chocolate syrup and stir until thoroughly mixed.
You can adjust the amount of chocolate syrup depending on how sweet you want your drink.
3- 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- 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- 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?
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 sweet and creamy flavors of Chocolate and milk, followed by the bitter and rich flavors of Espresso.
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.
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.
The Difference between Marocchino and Mocha
Marocchino and Mocha are both chocolaty Espresso drinks that look similar at first glance but have some differences.
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). Also Mocha is often topped with whipped cream or different fancy flavorings. 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).
Marocchino coffee usually has a more robust chocolate and Espresso flavor. While Mocha 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.
Read a Recipe of Freddo Espresso! 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, the marocchino 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!
Discover related delicious Espresso Drinks
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 chocolate syrup 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.
