A Spiced Mocha for You (and your Boo) for Valentine's Day!

Hard to believe it is February already. Only two months into the year and it feels like we've lived about six of those months already. It's at times like this that I try and actively find more calm in my day. What always comes to the rescue? Coffee, of course!

In all seriousness though, the world has been absolutely wild. And if you're Canadian, it's been especially frustrating lately. I'd like to take a quick moment and state that I have never been more proud to be Canadian and tell everyone that Mood is a female owned and operated Canadian roastery. We're made in Canada and we always will be.

Okay, enough with the politics. We're (finally) back with another delicious drink recipe just in time for Valentines Day! This spiced mocha is guaranteed to put a smile on your face (and your Valentine’s).

No better way to warm you up during the coldest month of the year. Best part – this recipe uses staple pantry ingredients. So no need to go grocery shopping in this weather! No thank you.

Here's the recipe for this delicious mocha using espresso (or really strong brewed coffee)! If you try it, let us know in the comments how you like it. Can't wait to hear how it goes.

Spiced Mocha (Vegan)

What You’ll Need

• 125 ml water
• 90 g brown sugar (or white sugar, but brown sugar adds more depth!)
• 50 g cocoa powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• A double shot of espresso (or 1/4 cup of strong brewed coffee or cold brew)
• 125 ml of milk of choice

Make the Chocolate Sauce:

1. Bring the water and sugar to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium heat.
2. Turn the heat down to medium-low and add the cocoa powder and salt and whisk, bringing to a low simmer, about 2 minutes.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the vanilla and cinnamon.

This sauce makes about 4 servings. The chocolate sauce can be kept in an airtight container for up to one week in the refrigerator.

Make the Mocha – 1 serving

1. Add 50g of the spiced chocolate sauce to your favourite mug.
2. Pull a double shot of espresso or brew ¼ cup of strong coffee.
3. Steam or heat up the milk.
4. Add the espresso shot to your mug and mix it with a spoon to combine it with the spiced chocolate sauce.
5. Add the milk to your mug, sprinkle with a dusting of cocoa powder (optional) and enjoy!

We like using an espresso with some heft for this recipe – like Aloof or Mellow – because it stands up well to the richness of the spiced chocolate sauce.

Ready to make this recipe? Get the perfect coffee! Oh and Happy Valentine's Day!