What base does a Mocha use in its preparation?

In the preparation of a Mocha, espresso serves as the primary base. The Mocha is a rich and chocolatey coffee drink that traditionally starts with a shot of espresso, which provides a strong coffee flavor and serves as the foundation for the beverage. Following the espresso, steamed milk is added along with chocolate syrup or cocoa powder to create the signature mocha flavor.

While milk is also an essential component of the drink, it directly complements the espresso rather than being the base itself. Cocoa is used to add the chocolate flavor, and brown sugar may be included for sweetness, but these ingredients do not provide the fundamental coffee base that espresso does. Therefore, the choice of espresso as the base is pivotal to achieving the characteristic taste and strength of a Mocha.