A TWO-PERSON VALENTINE BREW WORTH SLOWING DOWN FOR
The Martians may very well be on their way. But Valentine’s Day is almost here again, and love inconveniently insists on being celebrated anyway.
As coffee roasters in a different kind of love affair, we tend to commemorate special occasions the only way we know how: with caffeine, and a stubborn refusal to admit that everything might be falling apart. But if love keeps showing up, the least we can do is brew something worthy of it.
Mocha is proof that cocoa and coffee were Cupid’s first match. It is the perfect balance of bittersweet that mirrors the familiar but complicated push-and-pull of modern romance. Our spin on it, the Cupid Cocoa Mocha, is an ode to the depth and the character of our darker roasts. It lets the coffee do the talking while the chocolate keeps things interesting.
Our goal is simple: to help you enjoy good company and with a cup worth calling your last.
First, What is Mocha?
The definition of mocha really varies with context and interpretation. A popular coffee chain is known to refer to it simply as chocolate, but the term is more accurately used to describe a beverage that typically starts with espresso, folds in cocoa or chocolate syrup, and finishes with steamed milk.
The name traces back to Mocha (or Mokha), a historic Yemeni port that was known for shipping a particularly distinct variety of coffee beans with naturally chocolatey undertones. It was this flavor that inspired the curation of the modern drink now known as the mocha.
Cappuccino Vs. Mocha
If any coffee drink could rival the distinctly romantic appeal of the mocha, it would be the cappuccino. However, even though they are both espresso-based beverages, they are vastly different in their composition and flavor profile.
On one hand, cappuccinos are a blend of espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam, usually combined in equal parts. It typically has a strong coffee flavor but a lighter body and rarely any sweetness unless the drinker requests a sweetener. The milk foam is usually added to create a drier texture that allows the espresso to remain dominant.
Even though the mocha builds on a similar espresso base, it typically includes cocoa or chocolate in addition to the milk. That distinct cacao addition yields a richer, fuller drink often accompanied by a mild sweetness and a more rounded flavor. The chocolate typically tempers the bitterness of the espresso, which makes the mocha smoother and heavier than a typical cappuccino.
Cupid’s Cocoa Mocha
Cupid’s cocoa mocha is anything but a standard mocha. It is much darker and may be less sweet, but it is intentionally coffee-heavy, which allows our bold roasts to speak while cocoa plays a supporting role.
What Makes This Mocha Different
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Dark cocoa or chocolate instead of syrup
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Coffee-heavy with dark roasts
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Soft sweetness that is just enough to round the edges
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Made for two, because this isn’t a cup to drink alone
Ingredients (Serves Two)
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2 double shots of espresso brewed with our Apocalypse dark roast
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2 tbsp high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder
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2 tsp brown sugar or honey (may be adjusted gently)
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1 cup whole milk, warmed and lightly frothed
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A pinch of sea salt
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Optional: a small pinch of cinnamon or vanilla powder
How to Make It
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In a small bowl or mug, combine and whisk the cocoa powder, sugar, and sea salt with a splash of hot water until it is smooth and glossy.
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Pull the espresso directly into the cocoa mixture and stir slowly until the coffee and cocoa are fully combined.
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Heat and lightly froth the milk until it is silky (not foamy)
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Split the cocoa-espresso mixture between two mugs and pour the warm milk over each; be sure to stir gently
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Add a light dusting of cinnamon or vanilla if desired
Optional Variations
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Decaf mocha: Use decaffeinated coffee to make this the perfect night-cap after a romantic night out
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Dairy-free mocha: Swap whole milk for some oat milk to get that natural diary-free sweetness and a smooth mouthfeel
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Lower-sugar option: Skip sweeteners entirely and rely on dark chocolate alone - it can also be an excellent garnish option
Brewed with Intention
At Apocalypse Coffee Roasters, every recipe begins with our quality roasts and a desire to create coffee worth slowing down for. So, whether preparing a shared cup for Valentine’s Day or simply exploring late-night theories about extraterrestrial life, the mission is clear: to serve the best first sip on the planet.
As a family-run roastery on Florida’s Space Coast, coffee is more than a daily ritual; it’s a calling. With over 25,000 hours dedicated to our craft, each roast is designed to highlight clarity and smoothness. Join the locals who already know: when it’s Apocalypse Coffee, the day starts better. Take our quiz to find the perfect roast and never risk running out when brew is needed most.
Explore our roasts to find a coffee that suits the moment.
