The marocchino is an espresso-based Italian coffee drink made of a shot of espresso, chocolate sauce, cocoa powder and steamed milk.
A chocolate and coffee lover’s delight, it may sometimes be confused with its close relative, the mocha.
One of the main differences is that a mocha is usually topped with whipped cream and chocolate drips, while the marocchino is better for letting the flavor of espresso shine.
Mochas are served in larger 8 to 12 fluid ounce cups, while a marocchino is presented in a smaller 4.5 ounce glass cup, which is better for observing the exquisite layering involved in the marocchino’s creation.
Often called an espressino in Milan, the marocchino should also not be confused with espresso macchiato, which has a higher ratio of espresso coffee to milk/foam and no chocolate.
Origins
The marocchino comes from Alessandria in Italy, where it dates back to the 18th century.
The town is famous for its hat-making, producing styles like what Indiana Jones wore.
The hats, which rose to prominence in the early 20th century, have a brown leather stripe called a marocchino inside.
To honor the hats, they created a coffee drink with a layer of cocoa resembling the strip.
How To Make a Marocchino
While the drink might seem complex, it’s really not. A few practice runs through the following steps will have you creating delicious marocchino coffee in no time:
Recipe
- Pour a tablespoon (0.5 oz/15 ml) of chocolate sauce into the glass
- Pour an espresso shot directly on top of the chocolate sauce
- Heat and texture milk
- Dust espresso with cacao/cocoa powder
- Pour steamed and foamed milk on top of espresso
- Sprinkle cocoa powder on top
- Create latte art/design if desired
- Serve with a spoon as the ingredients in the glass should be mixed before sipping/drinking.
Tips and Tricks
No espresso machine? No problem! A marocchino can also be made with a moka pot.
A moka pot is a stove-top (or electric) coffee maker that brews coffee by passing boiling water pressurized by stream through ground coffee (in our case, ground espresso beans).
The ingredients can also be substituted for. Try Nutella or drinking chocolate (hot chocolate) in place of cocoa.
When To Drink a Marocchino
Really, the appropriate time of day to serve a marocchino is a matter of personal preference.
In Italy, it is most popular as a mid-morning break drink, or at breakfast.
But it can also be a great after-lunch drink for a surge of warm energy as thoughts return to the afternoon’s work.
Try it for dessert after dinner, as the sweetness of the chocolate combined with the bitterness of the espresso can make it the perfect way to end a large meal.
Regardless of when you try it, be warned: this one can be addictive!
The Marocchino Coffee Difference
Presentation vs. Drinking
Part of the appeal of a marocchino is the distinct combination of layers and colors which are unique to this drink and differentiate it from other espresso-based coffee drinks.
The bands of different shades of brown present in the glass hark back to the drink’s origins in the hat-making town.
After admiring the aesthetics, use the spoon to stir and mix the layers before drinking.
Human vs. Machine
A friend’s restaurant has a super-hi-tech espresso machine that, with the touch of a single button, spits out perfectly servable espressos, Americanos, lattes, cappuccinos and mochas.
Guess what it doesn’t do? That’s right: marocchinos.
The distinct layering—not to mention the nightmare of cleaning a single tube that had coffee, chocolate sauce and cocoa powder passing through it—can make a marocchino a little too difficult for some coffee machines to pull off properly.
But this provides an opportunity for you to bring your own personal skill set to the process of creating this flavorful coffee beverage.
Find The Best 4-Cup Coffee Maker For Your Budget
Whether you’re moving into a new dorm or just want to brew for two every morning, we’ve found you a great 4-cup coffee maker at each price point.
The Difference Between A Flat White And A Macchiato
It wouldn’t be fair to elevate either the flat white or the macchiato above the other, but each of these drinks has its time and place.
Quick Mill Anita vs. Rocket Appartamento: Which Should You Choose?
If you prize aesthetics most, the Appartamento wins. But for us it comes to best all-around performance, and that’s the Quick Mill Anita.
How To Clean And Maintain Your Espresso Machine
Cleaning your espresso machine is essential to creating the best-tasting coffee. Even a slight buildup of residue can give your coffee an off -putting taste.
How to Brew Moka Pot Coffee in 8 Easy Steps
Using a moka pot is easier than you think. Here’s how we get great coffee out of our little moka pot every single time.
The 5 Best Hand Pull Espresso Machines For A Range Of Budgets
Find out which hand pull machine can make you high-end espresso at the lowest price point—or just splurge on the very best.
The Purpose Of Blooming Coffee
We explain why the 30 seconds it takes for your coffee to bloom is time well spent.
The Best Coffee Makers Under $100
Choosing a coffee maker for your kitchen can make your head spin, because there is such a wide variety of brewers available. Here we have 10 of the best for under $100.
A Breve Coffee Is Like A Thicker, Richer Latte
We’re all familiar with the ever-popular latte, but let us introduce you to the breve coffee—a similar drink that you might like even better.
Use These 10 Nespresso Tips and Tricks To Get the Most Out of Your Machine
Want to boost your Nespresso game? These 10 Nespresso tips and tricks will help you make a brilliant cup of coffee.
Everything You Need To Know About The Frappuccino
No drink speaks of caffeine-laden, sugary decadence quite like the Insta-worthy Frappuccino. But if you’re a coffee traditionalist, it might require a little explanation.
Decaf Coffee Doesn’t Grow On Trees—Or Does It?
Will the turning point for widespread adoption of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) come through better-tasting decaf?
10 Brands That Prove How Far Instant Coffee Has Come
Instant coffee has improved dramatically in recent years, and these 10 instant coffee brands can’t be beat for convenience and a quick caffeine boost.
A List of 110 Coffee Notes You Might Find In Your Cup
Do you ever struggle to find just the right word to describe your coffee? Let’s give you 110 to choose from.
Coffee Species Around The World At Risk From Climate Change
Coffee species are particularly vulnerable to extinction because they occur in a small number of small geographic ranges.
Lattissima Pro Vs. Creatista Plus: Which Nespresso Machine Should You Choose?
The big advantage of the Nespresso Creatista Plus vs. the Lattissima Pro is that the Creatista Plus gives budding latte artists full control over their milk frothing.
The Coffee Belt Countries and Their Coffees
The Coffee Belt is the metaphoric name given to that strip of the globe between the tropics where most of the world’s coffee grows.
Atlas Coffee Club Delivers A World Of Coffee To Your Door
Atlas Coffee Club is a coffee subscription service that delivers coffees from different parts of the world each month right to your door.
Oily Coffee Beans Aren’t Necessarily a Bad Sign
If you’ve ever encountered oily coffee beans, you may have wondered why some have that shiny surface while others appear dry. What’s the story? And is it a feature or a bug?
Your Guide To French Coffee Culture
You might be disappointed by the coffee in France, but you’ll still love to while away the days in a cozy Parisian café.