Hot chocolate and espresso are both popular hot beverages that people enjoy drinking. But what are these drinks actually called when ordered at coffee shops and cafes? Let’s take a closer look at the names and terminology used for these warm, comforting drinks.
What is Hot Chocolate Called?
Hot chocolate goes by several different names depending on where you order it and how it is prepared. Here are some of the most common names for hot chocolate:
- Hot cocoa
- Hot cacao
- Hot chocolate
- Steamed milk chocolate
- Chocolate steamed milk
The terms “hot cocoa” and “hot chocolate” are often used interchangeably, but some people consider hot cocoa to be made from cocoa powder while hot chocolate is made from melted chocolate. Cacao is sometimes used to refer to hot chocolate made from raw cacao powder. Steamed milk chocolate or chocolate steamed milk refers to hot chocolate made by steaming milk and chocolate syrup together.
Types of Hot Chocolate
There are several variations of hot chocolate that have their own distinctive names:
- Rich hot chocolate: Extra thick and creamy
- White hot chocolate: Made with white chocolate instead of milk or dark chocolate
- Peppermint hot chocolate: Flavored with peppermint
- Mexican hot chocolate: Spiced with cinnamon, vanilla, and sometimes chile peppers
- Salted caramel hot chocolate: Contains caramel sauce and sea salt
- Frozen hot chocolate: A slushy, semi-frozen version
Some cafes may also refer to hot chocolate as a “steamer” or “heated cocoa” on their menus. Steamers are made by steaming milk and chocolate syrup together without any coffee added.
How Hot Chocolate is Prepared
There are a few common methods for making hot chocolate:
- From cocoa powder: Cocoa powder is whisked into hot milk or water. Sometimes sugar is also added.
- From chocolate bars: Chopped chocolate is melted into heated milk. Dark, milk, or white chocolate bars may be used.
- From chocolate syrup: Chocolate syrup is mixed with steaming hot milk to dissolve and blend the ingredients.
High quality hot chocolate is usually made from scratch by melting chocolate shavings or cocoa powder in milk. Pre-made powder mixes or syrups are quicker but don’t deliver quite the same depth of chocolate flavor.
What is Espresso Called?
Like hot chocolate, espresso also goes by a few different names depending on where you order it:
- Espresso
- Short black
- Single espresso
- Double espresso
- Triple espresso
- Ristretto
- Lungo
“Espresso” is the most common, generic term for a shot of concentrated coffee brewed under pressure. “Short black” is more commonly used in Australia and New Zealand while “single/double/triple espresso” indicates the number of shots served.
Types of Espresso Drinks
Espresso shots are used as the foundation for many popular coffee-based drinks. Here are some examples of espresso variations you may see on cafe menus:
- Cappuccino: Espresso with steamed, foamy milk
- Latte: Espresso with steamed milk and microfoam
- Americano: Espresso with added hot water
- Red eye: Espresso combined with drip coffee
- Galão: Similar to a latte, popular in Portugal
- Cortado: Espresso mixed with a small amount of warm milk
- Flat white: Espresso topped with velvety steamed milk
- Café mocha: Chocolate flavored espresso and milk drink
The way the espresso and milk are prepared can give each drink a unique taste and texture.
How Espresso is Prepared
Genuine espresso is made by forcing hot water at high pressure through finely ground coffee beans. This process allows for a thicker, more concentrated extraction compared to drip coffee. Here are some key facts about espresso preparation:
- Uses 6-9 grams of finely ground coffee per shot
- Water is heated to 195-205°F
- Pressure of 9-10 bars extracts flavors and oils
- Extraction time is 18-23 seconds
- Produces 1-2 ounce concentrated shot
The length of the extraction determines if an espresso shot is ristretto, normal, or lungo. Ristretto is extracted for less time and lungo for more to change the strength and flavor.
What is Hot Chocolate and Espresso Called When Combined?
One delicious way to enjoy hot chocolate and espresso together is in a mocha drink. A mocha combines the chocolatey flavors of hot cocoa with the richness of espresso. Here are some terms used for an espresso and hot chocolate blended beverage:
- Mocha
- Café mocha
- Chocolate mocha
- Mochaccino
- Chocaccino
“Mocha” is the most widely recognized name. Adding “café” or “chocolate” emphasizes the two ingredients. “Mochaccino” or “chocaccino” are trademarks used by some coffee chains. However, in a coffee shop or café, simply ordering a “mocha” will get you a blended espresso and hot chocolate drink.
Variations of Mocha Drinks
Like hot chocolate and espresso on their own, mocha drinks can be customized and adapted in many ways. Some examples include:
- Iced mocha: Served cold over ice
- Skinny mocha: Made with low-fat or nonfat milk
- White chocolate mocha: Uses white chocolate instead of dark chocolate
- Peppermint mocha: Flavored with peppermint syrup
- Caramel mocha: Contains caramel sauce
- Spanish mocha: Made with cinnamon and chili powder
The milk, chocolate, and flavorings can be adjusted to create new tastes and variations. But the core ingredients of espresso and hot chocolate identify these drinks as different types of mochas.
How Mochas Are Prepared
A mocha is made by combining espresso shots with steamed milk and chocolate syrup, sauce, or melted chocolate. The basic preparation steps include:
- Brew shots of espresso
- Steam and foam milk
- Add chocolate sauce or melted chocolate to hot milk
- Pour milk mixture into cup
- Add espresso shots to milk and chocolate mixture
- Top with milk foam, whipped cream, or chocolate drizzle (optional)
Equal parts espresso and steamed chocolate milk are usually used. Some cafes start with chocolate milk instead of plain milk to make the preparation faster. The espresso and chocolate can also be carefully layered for an artistic effect.
Commonly Confused Hot Chocolate, Espresso, and Mocha Drink Names
With so many similar sounding names, it’s easy to get confused about hot chocolate, espresso, and mocha drink terminology. Here are some clarifications on a few commonly mixed up terms:
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Macchiato | Espresso with just a dollop of foamed milk on top. Does not contain chocolate. |
| Cocoa | Made from cocoa powder, milk, and sugar. Does not contain espresso. |
| Americano | Espresso with hot water added. No milk or chocolate. |
| Breve | Uses half-and-half instead of milk. Can be used for lattes, mochas, etc. |
| Red eye | Coffee with an added espresso shot. No chocolate. |
Being aware of these key differences can help avoid receiving the wrong drink when ordering. Many baristas are happy to explain or correct an order if you describe what you actually want to get.
Conclusion
Hot chocolate, espresso, and mocha drinks can go by many creative names. But knowing the terminology used in cafes for these popular beverages makes it easier to order your perfect cup. Whether you prefer a short black, steaming hot cocoa, or a triple mocha latte, the professional barista language helps customized your ideal chocolatey coffeehouse drink.