Are you looking for how to make marocchino coffee at home? Look no further! This article will guide you through a simple and delightful recipe to make a delicious marocchino coffee at home. With this recipe, you will treat yourself to the perfect blend of coffee and chocolate. You’ll also save money and savor a gourmet experience. Get ready to indulge in the rich flavors of marocchino with our easy-to-follow 5-step recipe.
What is marocchino coffee?
Before dealing with how to make marocchino coffee at home, let’s talk history and see what it really means.
Marocchino, also called Caffè Marocchino, is a multi-layered Italian beverage. It is made with espresso, cocoa powder, and milk foam. The principle behind the Marocchino, which comes in a variety of forms, is the same: combining layers of chocolate, coffee, and milk froth.
It is generally served in a small glass and consists of a shot of espresso, cocoa powder, and milk froth. Thick hot chocolate is added in various parts of northern Italy. Nutella is used in Alba, the location of the huge Italian chocolate manufacturer Ferrero.
Marocchino coffee pronunciation
When it comes to ordering or discussing marocchino coffee, knowing the correct pronunciation adds to the authenticity of the experience.
The term ‘marocchino‘ is pronounced as ‘mah-ro-kee-no.’ This Italian word, which means ‘Moroccan,’ captures the cultural connection between the beverage and the light brown leather imported from Morocco, which lent its name to this delightful coffee creation.
So, next time you’re ordering or sharing your love for marocchino coffee, impress others by pronouncing it as ‘mah-ro-kee-no‘ and celebrate the true essence of this Italian treat.
History of Marocchino
Here are some quick fun facts about the Marocchino!
Marocchino coffee has an intriguing history that adds to its charm and cultural significance. This delightful Italian beverage traces its roots back to Alessandria, Italy, where it was first developed.
The name ‘Marocchino‘ derives from the color of marocchino, a type of light brown leather. This was imported from Morocco and used to produce hair bands in the 1930s. The drink was cleverly named after the color of this leather, reflecting its rich and earthy tones.
Marocchino coffee has become an iconic part of Italian coffee culture. It showcases the craftsmanship and artistry that Italians bring to their coffee creations. The careful layering of espresso, cocoa powder, and milk froth in a small glass not only creates a visually appealing drink but also offers a unique tasting experience.
This beloved beverage has gained popularity beyond Italy and is now savored by coffee enthusiasts worldwide. Its combination of smooth espresso, velvety milk foam, and decadent cocoa powder creates a harmonious blend of flavors. The layers of ingredients, distinct yet harmonious, make the marocchino a treat for both the taste buds and the eyes.
Marocchino coffee is not only enjoyed for its delightful taste but also for its aesthetic appeal. The transparent glass showcases the beautiful layers of chocolate, coffee, and milk foam, making it an Instagram-worthy choice for coffee lovers. It has become a symbol of sophistication and indulgence, often served as a special treat or enjoyed during social gatherings.
As you savor a homemade marocchino coffee, you are not only partaking in a delightful beverage but also connecting with a rich cultural tradition. It’s a chance to experience the essence of Italian coffee culture in the comfort of your own home. So, grab your favorite glass and embark on a journey to savor the delightful flavors of marocchino coffee.
Marocchino VS. mocha
Mochas are widely consumed and easily accessible, so it’s easy to confuse one with another.
Marocchino is a harmonious blend of espresso, milk froth, and cocoa powder in a layered composition, offering a well-balanced coffee experience with subtle sweetness and contrasting textures.
Mocha is, however, a decadent fusion of chocolate, espresso, and steamed milk. This creates a rich and velvety beverage with intense flavors and a creamy texture.
Here are the main differences in the preparation of both drinks:
- Mocha: Mocha is prepared by combining 2/5 chocolate, 2/5 espresso, and 1/5 steamed milk, resulting in a rich and indulgent chocolate-infused coffee experience.
- Marocchino: Marocchino is made by layering espresso, cocoa powder, and milk froth, creating a harmonious blend of bittersweet espresso, velvety foam, and a touch of chocolate.
In what follows, you will learn how to make marocchino coffee at home in 5 simple steps!
How to make marocchino coffee at home in 5 steps?
A marocchino is a rich, well-balanced coffee drink with notes of both coffee and chocolate. Making this drink at home is incredibly simple and enjoyable with only a few ingredients.
Before showing how to make marocchino coffee at home, it is important to note that this drink is based on a shot of espresso. Since it is not easy for everybody to afford an espresso machine at home, you may be interested in an alternative way to prepare an espresso using instant coffee. You may follow this link to see how to do it.

NOTE:
For a list of coffee drinks made with espresso click here
It is now high time to experience the rich, chocolatey flavor of a Marocchino coffee with this simple and satisfying recipe. All you need is a few basic ingredients and a few minutes to enjoy this delicious Italian treat at home.
Let’s dive, now, into how to make marocchino coffee at home.
Homemade Marocchino Coffee
Here are the ingredients you need for this Italian homemade marocchino coffee:
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp chocolate (some people prefer to use room-temperature or heated-up Nutella)
- 2 tbsp milk
- Chocolate powder/Cocoa powder
Steps
Step 1: Add some hot chocolate to a glass.
NOTE: to prepare the hot chocolate, mix sugar, milk, and cocoa powder in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat while whisking. For more flavor, whisk in the vanilla.
(Another variation is lining the glass with some Nutella. You may use room-temperature Nutella although some people prefer to actually heat up the Nutella and then line the glass with that)
Step 2: Make an espresso directly into the same glassNOTE: If you don’t have an espresso machine at home, you may make an espresso using instant coffee. Here are the instructions
Step 3: Sprinkle an even layer of cocoa powder on the layer of espresso (optional).
Step 4: Add steamed foamed milk on top of the espresso.
Step 5: Sprinkle another layer of cocoa powder on top
Final thoughts
Powdered dark chocolate, hot chocolate, espresso, and foamed milk are required to make a true marocchino, and they must be combined in the correct proportions and order. These are the essential ingredients, and they are often added in the following order: chocolate, a shot of espresso coffee, foamed milk, and then cocoa powder. Of course, there are countless variants on the recipe: some people put cocoa powder on the bottom of the glass, other people use milk instead of the milk’s foam, some people put the foamed milk in first and then the rest of the ingredients, and some people add hot chocolate.
This delightful beverage allows you to see the layers of ingredients used compared to a drink where the ingredients are combined together. It is therefore a popular coffee alternative because it tastes great and is also attractive to look at.
However, while the marocchino coffee is beautiful to look at, stir it up before drinking to get a better taste. So you had better admire those beautiful layers of chocolate and milk before mixing the ingredients together!
Conclusion
Indulge in Homemade Marocchino Coffee: An Authentic Italian Coffee and Chocolate Delight
Experience the true essence of Italy with a homemade marocchino coffee, a delightful blend of coffee and chocolate flavors. With its harmonious layers of espresso, milk froth, and cocoa powder, this authentic Italian coffee recipe offers a well-balanced and indulgent beverage that will transport you to the charming cafes of Italy.
So, why wait? Grab your ingredients, brew a shot of espresso, froth the milk, and sprinkle cocoa powder with care. Take a sip, close your eyes, and let the flavors transport you to the charming streets of Italy. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating an authentic Italian coffee recipe in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Embrace the art of coffee-making and discover the joy of a homemade marocchino coffee. Start your culinary adventure today!

How to make marochino coffee at home?
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Add some hot chocolate to a glass. NOTE: to prepare the hot chocolate, mix sugar, milk, and cocoa powder in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat while whisking. For more flavor, whisk in the vanilla.(Another variation is lining the glass with some Nutella. You may use room-temperature Nutella although some people prefer to actually heat up the Nutella and then line the glass with that)

- Step 2: Make an espresso directly into the same glassNOTE: If you don't have an espresso machine at home, you may make an espresso using instant coffee. Here are
the instructions 
- Step 3: Sprinkle an even layer of cocoa powder on the layer of espresso (optional).

- Step 4: Add steamed foamed milk on top of the espresso.

- Step 5: Sprinkle another layer of cocoa powder on top

