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B roll 1: Dubai Chocolate Inspired Mocha in two cups with some coffee beans on the side and crunchy knafeh topping on the side on a dark green fabric from a side shot closeup

Dubai Chocolate Inspired Mocha

MinaaMinaa
Rich espresso, silky melted chocolate, creamy pistachio milk, and that sweet crispy knafeh topping. It's the Dubai Chocolate in a cup!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Beverages, Coffee
Cuisine International, Middle Eastern
Servings 1 serving
Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 30 g Chocolate (dark, milk or mixed) roughly chopped (good quality recommended)
  • Double shots Espresso
  • 1-2 tbsp Pistachio Butter depending on preference
  • 260 ml Whole Milk or any milk of preference
  • 1-2 tsp Vanilla Syrup/Honey/Sugar depending on sweet preference

Garnish (optional)

  • 1 tbsp Knafeh see notes
  • 1 tsp Unsalted Butter
  • 1 tsp Fine White Sugar/Castor Sugar

Instructions
 

  • In a small nonstick pan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the knafeh strands and sprinkle over the sugar. Toast gently, stirring occasionally, until the strands are golden and crispy, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer to a paper towel to cool. They will crisp up further as they cool.
  • There are two options for preparing the pistachio milk
    Option 1 (Espresso Machine Steam Wand): In a milk pitcher, pour in the whole milk or any milk of your choice. Add the pistachio butter and stir gently, don't worry if it doesn't fully dissolve as it will blend well during frothing. Froth the milk until it reaches 60 to 65°C (140 to 150°F), aiming for a velvety microfoam that is smooth and silky with no large bubbles.
    Option 2 (Stovetop & Handheld Frother): In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk and pistachio butter. Stir continuously to prevent burning and heat until steam rises and small bubbles form around the edges. Do not let it boil. Remove from heat. Optionally, use a handheld milk frother to froth the warm milk for a smoother, foamier texture similar to steamed milk from a frother.
  • Add the chopped chocolate to your serving cups. Place the cups under your espresso machine and brew the espresso directly into the cups. If you don’t have an espresso machine, mix 5 grams of instant espresso with 30 ml of hot water. Stir gently until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Add the vanilla, sugar or honey as sweetener and mix well.
  • Slowly pour the frothed pistachio milk over the chocolate espresso base. Spoon some milk foam on top. Finish by topping with the crispy knafeh strands and enjoy!

Notes

SUBSTITUTION
If you don't have knafeh for the topping, simply leave it out. You can top the mocha with whipped cream instead, or enjoy it as is. It'll still be delicious!
 
STORAGE
This mocha is best enjoyed fresh and consumed immediately.
Keyword dubai chocolate drink, dubai chocolate mocha, easy mocha drink, espresso drink, homemade mocha, knafeh mocha, pistachio latte, pistachio mocha