History & Culture

A Mocha is an espresso-based beverage combining espresso, steamed milk, and chocolate, making it a chocolate-flavored variation of a standard latte. Unlike plain hot chocolate, a Mocha always contains coffee, deriving its name from the port of Mokha, Yemen, famous for its naturally chocolatey beans. Discover the full journey of this beloved drink, its rich history, and modern variations like the White Chocolate Mocha and the Moka Cookie Crumble Frappuccino.

Coffee originated in the highlands of Ethiopia before spreading to Yemen, where it was first documented as a beverage in the 15th century. Its global journey saw the Dutch establish cultivation in Indonesia and Brazil become the world’s leading producer by 1852, a title it maintains today. Explore the full history, from ancient brews to the modern-day elixir, and discover the cultural impact of this essential beverage.

The history of coffee begins in the highlands of Ethiopia around 800 AD. According to legend, the stimulating effects of the coffee cherry were discovered by a goat herder named Kaldi, who observed his goats exhibiting “extraordinary energy” after eating the berries. From Ethiopia, coffee cultivation and trade spread to Yemen in the 15th Century, which became the first major center for coffee culture before its introduction to Europe in the 17th Century.