Ingredients and Preparation
To make a delicious cup of chocolate coffee, you’ll need store-bought or homemade espresso, dark chocolate chips or dark chocolate bars, milk and a pinch of salt. Begin by heating the milk in a pan or microwave until it’s warm, but not boiling. Melt the dark chocolate chips or pieces of a chocolate bar in the warm milk, stirring thoroughly. Then, pour the mixture into a mug and add a shot of espresso. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the top and stir the drink until it’s blended.
Taste and Nutrition
The resulting drink has a luxurious mouthfeel with intense and complex chocolate and coffee flavors. The addition of milk makes it creamy and smooth, while the pinch of salt enhances the natural sweetness of the chocolate. This drink is also high in calories and fat, since both chocolate and milk are calorie-dense foods. But, the dark chocolate contains powerful antioxidants that can reduce inflammation, improve brain function, and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Expert Advice
Top baristas recommend using freshly-brewed espresso for the best results. Experts from the Specialty Coffee Association of America also advise using high-quality chocolate with 70% cocoa content or more for the most intense and robust flavor. Additionally, when melting the chocolate into the warm milk, the mixture should be stirred constantly to avoid lumps or a grainy texture.
Possible Variations
Chocolate coffee drinks can also be made with cocoa powder or sweetened condensed milk instead of dark chocolate and fresh milk. Cocoa powder is easier to stir into the milk and yields a chocolaty drink. However, some people may prefer the deep and intense flavor of real dark chocolate. On the other hand, sweetened condensed milk is high in sugar, so it can make a delicious, sweet and creamy drink.
Serving Ideas
Chocolate coffee drinks can be served hot or cold and make a perfect after-dinner drink. They can also be enjoyed as desserts, as well. For a special presentation, top the drink with some freshly-whipped cream, sprinkle a few chocolate shavings on top, and add a cherry or two for an elegant presentation.
Presentation Aesthetics
Presentation is an important aspect of making and serving delicious drinks like this one. For an attractive presentation, make sure to choose a cup or glass with a pleasing shape and color. Additionally, creating a pattern of espresso, chocolate, and milk on the surface of the drink will give it a professional look.
Experts Tips and Tricks
Highly-skilled baristas often give their chocolate coffee drinks a special twist. They can infuse the milk or espresso with flavors like lavender, orange zest, or mint. They can also add a small wedge of dark chocolate to the rim of the cup for a decadent touch. And, a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of cayenne pepper can bring out the unique flavors of the espresso and chocolate.
Health Benefits
In addition to its rich and complex flavor, this drink has a variety of potential health benefits. The antioxidants found in dark chocolate can reduce inflammation, while the caffeine in espresso can improve alertness and focus. The combination of espresso and dark chocolate could also reduce stress levels and improve mood.
Controversy
Some people believe that drinking chocolate coffee can lead to overeating and weight gain. And, although this drink is high in calories, research has shown that it can also suppress appetite and reduce cravings. Therefore, moderation is key when it comes to drinking this luxurious beverage.
Allergies and Sensitivities
Those who are allergic or sensitive to caffeine or chocolate should avoid this drink. For those with an intolerance for lactose, there are lactose-free milks, like almond and coconut, which can be used in place of dairy milk. Additionally, decaffeinated espresso can be used to make chocolate coffee drinks for those who are sensitive to caffeine.
