HOW TO MAKE THE PERFECT MOCHA

1. Brew your espresso (or strong coffee)

Start by brewing one shot of espresso. If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can use a French press or stovetop Moka pot to make a strong coffee concentrate. Alternatively, you could brew 1/2 cup of regular coffee, though it may be less intense than espresso.

2. Prepare your chocolate base

In your favorite coffee mug, add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder or 1-2 tablespoons of chocolate syrup. If using cocoa powder, you may want to add a bit of sugar to sweeten it. Mix in a small amount of hot water (1-2 tablespoons) to dissolve the cocoa powder and make a smooth, chocolatey paste.

3. Steam and froth your milk

Heat 1 cup of milk on the stovetop or in the microwave until warm, but not boiling. If you have a milk frother or handheld whisk, froth the milk until it’s creamy and has a nice layer of foam on top. Frothing adds a velvety texture to your mocha.

4. Combine the ingredients

Pour your espresso over the chocolate mixture in your mug and stir until well blended. Next, slowly pour the steamed milk over the coffee-chocolate mixture, holding back the foam with a spoon if you prefer.

Once the milk is in, give it a gentle stir to mix the flavors. Top with the milk foam or, if you’re feeling fancy, a dollop of whipped cream.