Marocchino coffee, the delicious mix of espresso and cocoa
In these times where we stay at home more, we want to recreate all kinds of recipes that we may like. Especially if you are a coffee lover and feel the need to make preparations that go beyond a simple espresso with milk. Well, now you can try it with more foamy drinks and with different layers (very popular by the way). That is why we wanted to bring you a recipe with these qualities and it is about the marocchino coffee, so that you fall in love with your palate in seconds.
This exquisite coffee of Italian origin, contains several layers, one of them is cocoa powder, the other is espresso and finally a milk foam. Normally, it is served in a small glass glass. In fact, if we close our eyes while we taste it, it will immediately take us to other similar drinks such as, for example, the mocha.
Did your mouth water? If so, we invite you to continue reading and discover details related to its origins, its popularity and of course, the original recipe for this wonderful coffee, which we are very sure you would like to prepare right now.
History of Marocchino
The birth of this drink took place in the mid-20th century, a preparation that became part of the list of preferences of the Italian population. The same one that for centuries has tasted coffees similar to the marocchino.
Throughout coffee history, some coffees have emerged whose ingredients are quite similar. The first of them arose in the 18th century, and it is an exquisite drink whose ingredients were: a concentrated and dense espresso, chocolate and milk cream, called Bavaresa. This was served in a large round glass.
But this is not all, in the 19th century, in Turin, another very similar drink was born that was named bicerin. Its ingredients also included espresso coffee, chocolate and milk.
Now, the coffee marocchino It appears some time later, specifically after World War II. And it used to be prepared with a bicerin base. His birth took place in Bar Carpano in Alessandria, Piedmont, located about 90 kilometers from Turin, this being the capital of the region.
Where does the word 'marocchino' come from?
There is a lot of curiosity regarding this point. It turns out that 'marocchino' is the Italian term for the word 'Moroccan', in reference to where the renowned hat brand Borsalino, bought the leather, with which he managed to make Hollywood stars fall in love with him in the 40s and 50s.
It should be noted that each hat had a strip of brown leather inside, called marocchino.
The workers and customers of the Borsalino factory frequented the Carpano Bar, because it was quite close. Therefore, the baristas of that place, upon seeing this, decided to name the coffee Marocchino, because of the brown leather strip, a color that reminded them of the layer of cocoa that was sprinkled on the drink.
Where can we enjoy a good marocchino?
As it is a coffee with an Italian seal, it is very normal that we get it in almost all coffee shops in that country. However, the Italian barista champion in 2017 and runner-up in 2019, Francesco Masciullo, assures that the name could vary depending on the region and recommends finding out what it is called in that place in order to order it and not take risks.
He is also the administrator and main barista of Ditta Artigianale, a specialty coffee chain in Florence, details that the marocchino It is known in Southern Italy as espresso.
But if you go to the North, and ask for a espresso baristas may look at you as crazy, because they won't know what you're about.
Learn to prepare it
Well, since you now know all the historical data of this delicious drink, the most anticipated moment has arrived: Knowing its recipe. So if you have reached this point, it is because you are interested in recreating it and not only surprising your palate but also that of your loved ones.
A fact that you cannot ignore when preparing a coffee marocchino, is its impeccable preparation and presentation. This being the differentiating factor between other drinks made with espresso and chocolate.
Francesco Masciullo reveals that another of the great secrets is based on size. Because the original recipe highlights that you need a 60ml glass. Very similar to the one used for espresso in vetro (espresso in a glass).
Preparation
The expert details that to make coffee marocchino, we must start preparing a espresso shot, simple to work as a base. We have to try to cover it with a layer of cocoa powder, and then add a layer of foam or cream. Finally, a layer of sprinkled cocoa.
Usually to this coffee no sugar is addedHowever, this will depend on each person's tastes, as well as the type and flavor of cocoa powder used. In turn, Francesco highlights that the amount of cocoa powder and the consistency of the milk or cream will depend on the barista. As long as a fairly balanced result is achieved.
Some recipes of marocchino coffee, point out that you can add a shot of ristretto, which will give you a more intense espresso.
Regarding the last layer of the drink, composed of sprinkled cocoa, it can be changed by hazelnut cream or melted chocolate, to make it a little more attractive. In fact, it could be placed around the edge of the glass, since it does not necessarily have to be another layer.
Mocha vs Marocchino Are they really different?
Although he moracchino and the mocha have the same ingredients, they are completely different drinks. We have several pieces of information that prove this and we will share them below:
- The mocha was created and became popular some time after the Marocchino came out, and it is larger in size
- The coffee moracchino has little volume. It has two layers of cocoa powder, something that gives it a thick flavor that is difficult to match, because it combines with the flavor of espresso. Making it completely different from mocha and other similar drinks.
- In the case of mocha, has two shots of espresso, chocolate syrup, as well as drinking chocolate and cocoa chips, instead of adding powder or hazelnut cream. While milk should be textured rather than foam or cream.
In short, coffee marocchino It is a drink that has become very popular for its exquisite flavor, which ranges from intense to sweet. This is undoubtedly the perfect option for those who lean towards chocolatey, creamy and thick coffees. It is one of the best ways to enjoy a good cup alone or in the company of your friends. But if you haven't had the privilege of tasting, we invite you to order one the next time you go to a coffee shop.
In Incapto We have quality coffee beans that we recommend you try with our offer of coffee bean coffee makers.
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