What is a Marocchino: Coffee Drink Explained


This coffee beverage has its roots in Italy, and I’d occasionally order it when I feel like treating myself to something nice and sweet.

You may not know what a Marocchino is, as this caffeinated drink isn’t as widely spread as the traditional cappuccino, latte, and caffè mocha.

There are many things that these beverages have in common, but I will make it easy for you to tell them apart.

Furthermore, I will describe the differences between a Marocchino Freddo and a Marocchino Caldo.

So let’s move on to the definition that you’ve all been waiting for.

What is a Marocchino: The Definition

The Marocchino is an espresso-based Italian coffee drink.

It consists of chocolate sauce, a shot of espresso, cocoa powder, and steamed milk.

The Marocchino is usually served in a small 4.5 fl. oz. (130 ml.) gibraltar glass.

It has a thin milk foam layer (around 0.2 inches, 0.5 cm) and it’s often topped off with latte art.

A Marocchino served in a gibraltar glass.

Marocchino pronunciation: [Ma-ro-kì-no]

Marocchino vs. Mocha

A Marocchino is pretty similar to the popular in many coffee shops Mocha coffee (Caffè Mocha).

Both drinks contain espresso, milk, chocolate sauce, and/or cacao powder.

Their main difference is that the latter is usually served in a larger 8 fl. oz. to 12 fl. oz. (240 ml to 350 ml) cup.

Furthermore, a Mocha is often topped off with whipped cream and chocolate drizzle.

If I feel like having a chocolate-flavored coffee drink I’d always go for a Marocchino instead of a Mocha (if they’re both on the menu).

A Marocchino is smaller, and it’s not as heavy on my stomach compared to a Mocha.

Furthermore, this compact Italian drink lets you better sense the flavors of espresso.

I really like the well-balanced, yet intense Marocchino flavor, so I definitely recommend trying it out if you get the chance.

How to make a Marocchino: The Recipe

To prepare a Marocchino a barista should do the following:

  1. Add 0.5 oz. (15 ml, 1 tablespoon) of chocolate sauce to a gibreltar glass.
  2. Prepare the espresso directly onto the chocolate sauce.
  3. Heat and texture the milk by using the steam wand.
  4. Dust the espresso shot with cacao or cocoa powder.
  5. Pour steamed and foamed milk on top of the espresso.
  6. Sprinkle with cocoa powder on top (optional).
  7. Serve with a spoon on the side. This is essential, as the consumer should mix all of the ingredients before taking a sip.

For your convenience a printable Marocchino recipe card is available at the bottom of this page.

You can prepare a Marocchino at home even if you don’t own an espresso machine.

You can use 1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. of Moka pot coffee instead.

Heating the milk on the stovetop is always an option, while frothing it can easily be done with a hand drink mixer, such as this one by FoodVille (Amazon link).

When it comes to the sauce, I highly recommend Monin’s dark chocolate gourmet sauce. It’s truly delicious and it’s 100% vegan. So if you want to prepare a plant-based Marocchinos with, say, almond milk, Monin’s sauce is perfect for you.

What’s also worth noting is that a Marocchino can be made with Nutella or with a homemade dark chocolate sauce.

Marocchino Freddo vs. Marocchino Caldo

A Caffè Marocchino that is prepared with steamed milk is also known as Marocchino Caldo.

The cold version of this beverage is called Marocchino Freddo.

The Freddo and the Caldo are both made with pretty much the same ingredients – espresso, milk, cacao, and chocolate sauce (or simple syrup).

Nevertheless, the Marocchino Freddo is prepared with cold, not steamed milk, and its ingredients are mixed in a shaker with ice.

After shaking, the ice gets strained and you’re left with a foamy and refreshing chocolate coffee drink.

Often, a Marocchino Freddo is made with a teaspoon of cocoa powder and 2 tablespoons of simple syrup (1 part sugar, 1 part water).

This is a great alternative to the dark chocolate sauce, as the latter doesn’t dissolve as well in cold milk.

Final words

The Marocchino isn’t listed on the menus of mainstream coffee chains such as Starbucks and Dunkin’.

Nevertheless, you may come across this tasty drink in some third-wave coffee shops and Italian cafes.

No matter if you order a Freddo or a Caldo, I’m certain that you’ll enjoy the taste of this caffeinated beverage.

Especially if you’re a fan of chocolate.

Now that you know what a Marocchino is, you can confidently order it if you see it listed on a menu.

I hope that you found this drink guide helpful.

Leave me a comment below if you have any questions or simply share your experience with this flavorful coffee beverage.

Yield: 1 serving

Marocchino

Marocchino

Espresso-based chocolate-flavored Italian coffee drink.

Prep Time 1 minute
Cook Time 2 minutes
Total Time 2 minutes

Ingredients

  • 0.5 fl. oz. (15 ml) chocolate sauce
  • 1 x Espresso shot
  • 1 teaspoon cacao powder
  • 2.5 fl. oz. (75 ml.) whole milk

Instructions

    1. Add 0.5 oz. (15 ml, 1 tablespoon) of chocolate sauce to a gibreltar glass.

    2. Prepare the espresso directly onto the chocolate sauce.

    3. Heat and texture the milk by using the steam wand.

    4. Sprinkle the espresso shot with cacao or cocoa powder.

    5. Pour steamed and foamed milk on top of the espresso.

    6. Sprinkle with cocoa powder on top (optional).

    7. Serve with a spoon on the side. This is essential, as the consumer should mix all of the ingredients before taking a sip.

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