Everyone wants to start the morning with the peculiar aroma of his great coffee cup. However, it is confusing which type is perfect. Undoubtedly, all types of coffee are tasty but mocha and latte will surprise you.
Don’t know what mocha and latte is, how to prepare them at home? I am here to help you! Scroll down, stick to the end, and surprise your friends and family on their next visit. Sounds exciting? If yes, let’s go!
Contents
What is mocha?
Mocha is also referred to as cafe mocha or mochaccino and it can be prepared in many ways. Commonly, mocha is stronger and has chocolate in it, making it perfect for those who have a sweet tooth. Coffee and chocolate combine together and make your mocha taste like heaven.
You can also add other flavors such as caramel, vanilla, cinnamon etc., according to your desired taste and season.
History of mocha
In the 18th century, mocha originated in Turin, Italy. At that time, the bavaresia was a popular drink and comprised of chocolate, coffee, and cream. Coffeehouses served these ingredients separately and guests mixed them. After this, the caffe al Bicerin coffee bar started serving it with already mixed ingredients, naming it bicerin.
The drink became famous from Europe to the Americas. In America, the drink containing coffee, chocolate, and steamed milk (instead of cream) is referred to as mocha latte. Over time, the name was shortened to mocha only.
Despite the coffee drink, there are also mocha beans, a type of Arabica coffee beans from Moka city in Yemen. The drink made with these beans is also called mocha. Today, mocha only refers to chocolate infused coffee while beans are called Arabica only.
Pros and cons of mocha
Let’s have a look at the pros and cons of this sweet, rich, and chocolatey drink.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Delectable pairing of coffee and chocolate | Not best for bitter coffee lovers |
| Many flavors and topping options such as caramel, cinnamon, whipped cream, etc. | Less espresso and more chocolate flavor |
| Best for sweet coffee lovers | High calories and sugar |
How to prepare mocha?
Unleash your inner barista and make a perfect mocha drink at your home with a few ingredients and an easy method. Let’s start!
Ingredients
| Name | Quantity | Get them |
|---|---|---|
| Milk | 100 ml | See it on Amazon |
| Dark chocolate | 4 squares | See it on Amazon |
| Espresso | One shot | Get it yourself |
| Whipped cream | As you required | See it on Amazon |
| Cocoa powder | As you required | See it on Amazon |
Tools
| Name | Quantity | Get them |
| Espresso machine | 1 | See it on Amazon |
| Espresso cup | 1 | See it on Amazon |
| Aeroccino milk frother | 1 | See it on Amazon |
Procedure:
- Add chocolate in the espresso cup.
- Extract one shot of espresso with your desired espresso machine directly into the cup.
- Pour milk in the frother and prepare hot milk foam.
- Add frothed milk in the cup.
- Decorate your drink with whipped cream and cocoa powder.
- Enjoy your mocha.
You can also top your mocha with caramel, chocolate sauce, cinnamon powder, chestnuts, crushed nuts, grated chocolate, etc.
What is latte?
Latte or cafe latte originated in Italy, meaning milk in Italian. Latte contains one or two espresso shots, steamed milk, and is topped with milk foam. There is no extra seasoning, allowing you to taste the rich espresso flavor.
Latte is one of the most ordered coffee drinks and contains subtle sweetness, soft notes, and right smoothness. You can enjoy it anytime of the day such as for breakfast, lunch, or coffee breaks.
History of latte
Caffe latte originated in Italy in the 17th century. In Italy, it is a regular morning drink and offers a caffeine kick for the day. At that time, it was only popular in America, Europe, and Scandinavia. As it spread worldwide, the caffe word was dropped and now it is known as latte. In latte, the coffee to milk ratio varies from one coffee shop to another and so its strength also differs.
Overall, it is a smooth, milky coffee and perfect for mild coffee lovers. You can also change it into caramel latte or pumpkin spiced latte with your desired flavors and toppings.
Pros and cons of latte
Let’s have a look at the pros and cons of this creamy coffee.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to make | Less sweet taste |
| Rich espresso flavor | |
| Creamy mouthfeel | |
| Many flavors and syrup options | |
| Low sugar and calories |
How to prepare a latte?
With a few ingredients and a quick preparation method, you can make cafe style lattes at home. Take your heart to heaven and cherish your morning without rushing to the coffee shop. Let’s scroll and brew!
Ingredients
| Name | Quantity | Get them |
|---|---|---|
| Milk | 100 ml | See it on Amazon |
| Espresso | One shot | Get it yourself |
Tools
| Name | Quantity | Get them |
|---|---|---|
| Espresso machine | 1 | See it on Amazon |
| Recipe glass | 1 | See it on Amazon |
| Aeroccino milk frother | 1 | See it on Amazon |
Procedure:
- Pour milk in the frother and prepare hot milk foam.
- Extract one shot of espresso with your desired espresso machine in the glass.
- Add steamed milk.
- Make a design on your drink with milk foam.
- Enjoy your latte.
Notes:
- You can use cow or plant based milk such as soy, almond, oat, etc.
- Add flavored syrups, toppings, spices, etc. for more iconic tastes.
- You can also prepare chai, matcha, chocolate, or spiced latte with chocolate, matcha powder, or chai masala.
Difference between mocha and latte
Let’s study in detail what characteristics set apart mocha from latte. You can also predict the differences upon tasting as both drinks have distinct style and flavor. Let’s go!
| Difference | Mocha | Latte |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | Espresso, steamed milk,_ chocolate, and milk foam | Espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam |
| Toppings | Whipped cream, cocoa powder, chocolate shavings, etc. | Silky milk foam; other depends on your taste and preference |
| Caffeine content | 68-136 mg | 68 mg of caffeine |
| Calories | More calories (162) | Less calories (110) |
| Sweetness | More sweet | Subtle sweetness |
| Body | Sweet, rich, smooth, and chocolatey | Smooth, creamy, and milky |
| Acidity | Less acidic | Slightly more acidic |
| Flavour | Predominantly chocolatey with subtle espresso flavor | More espresso and bitter flavor |
| Origin | Italy | Turin, Italy |
| Cup size | 10-12 oz but can be bigger | 11-15 oz |
| Preparation time | 1-3 minutes | 1-2 minutes |
| Aroma | Sweet | Classic coffee scent |
| Shots of espresso | One or two shots | One shot |
| Add-ins | Chocolate sauce, cocoa powder, whipped cream | Caramel, chocolate, or other syrups according to your desired taste |
| Price | Expensive | Less expensive |
Similarities between mocha and latte
Despite having many differences; mocha and latte are similar in such a way that;
- Both are espresso based drinks.
- Mocha and latte use Arabica coffee beans.
- Steamed milk is used in both coffee types.
- Both involve variations of flavors and toppings.
Which is better mocha or latte?
So, which drink is best for you, mocha or latte? Both drinks are delicious and the choice depends on your mood, budget, and personal preference.
- If you have a sweet tooth and prefer sweet coffee cups, choose mocha.
- If you like bold and bitter espresso shots, try latte.
The verdict
Mocha and latte are famous coffee drinks. Both beverages offer an enjoyable coffee experience and pleasant mouthfeel. Both drinks vary in taste, ingredients, and many other factors; so the selection depends on your preference. You can prepare them with a little effort in your home’s comfort without rushing to the coffee shop or breaking the bank. What are you waiting for? Brew your favorite drink and cherish your morning moment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a mocha stronger than a latte?
Mocha is stronger than latte as the presence of chocolate adds more caffeine to it. The dark chocolate and coffee go well together, offering you a sweet and strong coffee cup.
Which is sweeter latte vs mocha?
The presence of sugar, chocolate, syrup, cocoa powder, etc. make mocha sweeter than the latte. On the other hand, a latte contains only espresso and steamed milk so it has less sweetness.
Which tastes better: mocha or latte?
Both beverages are delicious and offer an enjoyable coffee experience. Mocha is sweet and hits your palate with chocolatey notes while latte is more espresso forward and offers classic coffee flavor. The selection depends on your taste, mood, and other personal preferences.
What is the difference between iced mocha and latte?
Iced mocha consists of ice, chocolate, espresso, whipped cream, and steamed milk while the latte contains only espresso and frothed milk. Latte is stronger than the iced mocha however, both beverages offer a morning cup of joe. The selection depends on your preferences.
Is there sugar in latte?
Latte contains espresso, steamed milk, and silky foam. You can add sugar or flavored syrups to your latte drink if you want to experience a sweet taste.
Is mocha just espresso and sugar?
Mocha contains espresso, steamed milk, chocolate sauce, whipped cream, and cocoa powder. You can also add caramel sauce, cinnamon powder, or other seasonings according to your taste.
Are lattes healthier than Mocha?
Both drinks are healthy. Latte has high fat content due to the presence of a large quantity of milk while mocha has high calories and caffeine due to the presence of whipped cream, chocolate, and other seasonings. So choose the desired drink according to your health.
Does a latte have more caffeine than mocha?
Mocha has more caffeine content due to the presence of chocolate. It offers a strong caffeine kick and allows you to start with a clear head.
How do mocha and latte differ in terms of taste?
Both drinks offer a delicious coffee experience and allow you to cherish your morning moment. Latte is a balanced beverage with creamy texture and bold espresso flavor while mocha offers smooth mouthfeel and dances on your palate with sweet chocolatey notes. Choose the drink according to your preferred taste.
Is mocha just a chocolate latte?
Mocha is a variation of latte as it contains espresso and steamed milk similar to a latte drink. The presence of a secret ingredient i.e. chocolate makes mocha different from latte. However, you can say, mocha is a chocolate latte.
Can you make mocha or latte without an espresso machine?
Yes, you can make mocha or latte without espresso machine in such a way that;
- Add coffee grounds and sugar in the espresso cup (for mocha also add cocoa powder).
- Pour hot water and mix everything well.
- Pour milk in the frother/shaker.
- Shake well.
- Add frothed milk on top of the coffee.
For latte, make a design on top of the coffee with milk foam. In the case of mocha, top the drink with whipped cream and grated dark chocolate. Enjoy your mocha or latte.
Are mocha, mocha latte and mochaccino the same?
Mocha, mocha latte, and mochaccino refers to the same drink containing espresso, steamed milk, and chocolate. You can top off your beverage with whipped cream, cocoa powder, and other seasonings for more iconic tastes.
