Mocha Macchiato: What Is It & How Do You Make It at Home?

Mocha macchiato is a coffee lover’s dream come true. It’s a delicious blend of espresso and chocolate, with just the right amount of milk to froth to perfection.

If you’ve never had one before, now is the time to learn how to make this classic drink at home. You’ll be able to enjoy it any time you want!

In this article, I’ll go over everything you need to know to get started. And the best part about this recipe is that you can make it in just five minutes. Let’s get into it!

What is a mocha macchiato?

A mocha macchiato is a coffee drink that contains espresso, steamed milk, and a small amount of chocolate syrup.

It is usually made with steamed whole milk but can also be made with skim milk or soy milk.

The name “macchiato” means “marked” in Italian and refers to the way the espresso marks or stains the milk.

Many people like to order this drink because it has the coffee flavor from the espresso, the creaminess from the steamed milk, and the sweetness from the chocolate syrup.

It’s a good choice if you want something that isn’t too sweet or too strong.

What does a mocha macchiato taste like?

The mocha macchiato is a rich and creamy drink that has a strong coffee flavor balanced by the sweetness of the chocolate syrup.

Because a macchiato is made with two espresso shots (or doppio espresso), it has a strong coffee flavor with a sweet chocolate aftertaste.

Compared to a regular macchiato, the overall flavor is much sweeter and is more likely to be enjoyed by many people.

So even if you’re not a big fan of strong coffee, you might like this sweeter and more balanced mocha macchiato!

What ingredients are used in this recipe?

To make a mocha macchiato at home, you’ll only need to collect the following three ingredients:

• Espresso coffee
• Whole milk
• Chocolate syrup

While whole milk is usually my go-to for coffee drinks, you can also use your favorite non-dairy milk for this recipe.

I like using almond and oat milk because they have just enough sweetness without being too sweet, which makes these mocha macchiatos taste incredible!

I’ll go over a few different ways to customize this drink further down. But first, let’s go over the best coffee to use.

What is the best coffee to use?

There are many different types of coffee, but it’s best to use espresso coffee for a mocha macchiato.

Espresso is a type of coffee that is made by forcing pressurized hot water through finely-ground coffee beans:

This produces a thick, rich, and strong coffee with a deep flavor that is perfect for making macchiatos and other popular drinks like cappuccinos, lattes, and more.

Perfectly brewed espresso coffee will have a crema on top, which looks like this:

A few other options would be to brew espresso-like coffee with a Moka pot or AeroPress.

Both options are far cheaper than an espresso machine, and the coffee tastes quite strong.

And if you have a Nespresso machine at home, you can use one of these best Nespresso pods for espresso coffee for that perfect strength.

Which coffee beans are best used?

The best coffee beans will vary depending on your personal preferences. However, a medium or dark roast will be best if you’re looking to make a mocha macchiato.

Medium roasts are flavorful without being too bitter, while dark roasts have a richer flavor that can stand up to the added chocolate and milk.

Keep in mind that the best coffee to use is espresso coffee, so I’d suggest sticking to your go-to espresso beans.

I wouldn’t use a light roast for this specific recipe. The floral flavor notes that lighter coffee roasts tend to have will be drowned out by the added chocolate syrup.

Tip: Check out the best coffee beans for espresso coffee here!

How do you make chocolate syrup at home?

Chocolate syrup is one of the easiest coffee syrups to make at home. You can make it with just the following five ingredients:

• White granulated sugar
• Cold tap water
• Cocoa powder
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

By combining these ingredients in a small saucepan on the stove, you’ll make this homemade chocolate syrup in just five minutes.

It’ll look like this when cooled and stored:

If you want to try this recipe, you can find a step-by-step guide in this article!

What are the best ways to customize a mocha macchiato?

The great thing about making a mocha macchiato is that it can be customized to fit your taste.

If you want it to be sweeter, you can add more syrup. If you want it to be richer, you can add more espresso.

And if you want it to be creamier, you can add some more milk.

If you’re looking for some additional customization ideas, here are a few suggestions:

• Use different kinds of milk and milk alternatives to change the flavor.
• Sprinkle some dark chocolate shavings or cocoa powder on top.
• Add a dollop of whipped cream on top.

As you can see, there are endless possibilities when it comes to customizing this delicious drink!

Now that you have a good idea about the ingredients in this delicious macchiato and the ways you can customize it, give it a try by following the recipe below:

Mocha macchiato FAQs

Below are some frequently asked questions about the mocha macchiato that will help you decide if this drink is worth trying!

Conclusion

Making your own mocha macchiato at home is a great way to save money and time.

With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious coffee drink that rivals anything you would get at a coffee shop.

Give this recipe a try the next time you’re in the mood for a special treat. I guarantee you’ll be pleasantly surprised!

And if you want to check out some more delicious espresso-based recipes, have a look below at some of my favorites:

More espresso-based recipes

• What Is Colada Coffee and How to Make This Cuban Espresso?
• White Americano: What Is It & How Do You Make It at Home?
• Americano With Milk: What Is It and Should You Try It?