Mocha Swirl Hot Macchiato Recipe
Make Mocha Swirl Hot Macchiato Recipe in just 12m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Espresso & Coffee Base
Mocha Swirl
Milk & Foam
Garnish (optional)
Method
Espresso & Coffee Base
Brew espresso
Pull two fresh espresso shots (about 60 ml total). If you don't have an espresso machine, brew 60 ml of very strong coffee or dissolve 2 tsp instant espresso in 60 ml hot water. Keep warm.
Mocha Swirl
Make cocoa paste
In a small heatproof bowl, combine the cocoa powder and granulated sugar. Add 15 ml hot water and whisk until you have a smooth, thick paste with no lumps.
Melt chocolate
Place the chopped dark chocolate or chips in the cocoa paste and microwave in 10–15 second bursts, stirring between each, until melted and fully incorporated. Alternatively, melt over a double boiler. The result should be a glossy, pourable mocha syrup.
Taste and adjust sweetness—add an extra 1/2 tsp sugar if you prefer a sweeter swirl. Keep warm so it stays pourable.
Milk & Foam
Steam or heat milk
Pour 8 oz milk into a pitcher. Add vanilla extract and optional sweetener. Steam the milk with a steam wand until it reaches 60–65°C (140–150°F) and has velvety microfoam. If you don't have a steam wand, heat milk on the stovetop until hot but not boiling (around 65–70°C / 150–160°F), then froth with a handheld frother or whisk to create foam.
Set aside foam
Give the pitcher a gentle swirl to integrate milk and foam. Hold back about 1–2 tablespoons of dense foam for topping if you want a layered look.
Assembly
Line cup with mocha swirl
Take a preheated 12–16 oz cup. Spoon or drizzle about 1–2 tablespoons of the warm mocha swirl around the inside walls of the cup, creating a marbled effect. Reserve 1–2 tsp of the syrup for finishing if you like a pronounced swirl on top.
Pour in milk
Pour the steamed milk into the cup, holding back the foam with a spoon. Fill to about 1 cm (0.4 in) below the rim.
Spoon the reserved 1–2 tablespoons of milk foam on top if you held some back.
Finish with mocha
Drizzle the reserved mocha syrup over the top of the foam in a swirl pattern. If desired, add a small dollop of whipped cream and garnish with cocoa powder and chocolate shavings.
Serve
Serve immediately while hot. Stir before drinking to incorporate the mocha swirl with espresso and milk, or sip as layered for a visual/ flavor contrast.