Mocha with a citrus twist

Let's talk mochas!
This mocha is so delicious made with dark chocolate and a hint of orange. It's just the right amount of rich, sweet, and citrus. Perfect to enjoy on a cool crisp day.
Let's face it, sometimes you just need a little chocolate! Am I right?
But by adding a little hint of citrus it takes it from an ordinary mocha to an extraordinary one.
Here's what you need:
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- zest of an orange
- 1/8 teaspoon orange extract
Here's what you do:
- In a saucepan combine the water and sugar and heat on low, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Add in the unsweetened cocoa powder.
- Stir until thoroughly combined and syrupy.
- Add the orange zest and simmer for a few minutes to let the orange flavor out.
- Remove from the heat and add orange extract.
- Strain the syrup into a small bowl.
Now:
- Brew 2 shots of espresso (we like decaf so we can enjoy this in the evening!)
- Steam 6 ounces of milk
- In your favorite mug add the espresso and chocolate-orange syrup.
- Squeeze an orange rind over the top for more orange essence.
- Add your steamed milk.
- Drizzle the top with some of the chocolate-orange syrup and add a dollop of whip, which is totally optional, but so delicious.
- Sip and enjoy!
The syrup makes a perfect homemade Christmas gift too!
To make this as a gift - we suggest you double the syrup ingredients.
Add to a flip-top jar, tie with a ribbon and add a cute tag with instructions on how to make this delicious mocha. Even better if you include a bag of Talking Crow Coffee Roasters coffee.
P.S. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.