Marocchino: Italy’s answer to chocolate coffee

close up of italian marocchino coffee cup in glass with layers of chocolate

I can’t really recommend a caffè corretto but I am here to say that you can easily stray from the usual espresso or cappuccino into pure Italian coffee bliss. For that perfect pick-me-up, there is the marocchino.

You also totally look like you know what you are talking about if you order a marocchino.

A marocchino is a layered espresso-based coffee. If there is any chocolate syrup on hand, this is used to drizzle around the sides of the cup to coat it. Then, the espresso is added to the cup.

Next comes a layer of frothed milk, topped with cocoa powder, followed by another layer of frothed milk and a final sprinkle or drizzle of chocolate.

close up of italian marocchino coffee cup in glass with layers of chocolate

To me, this drink is the perfect combination of bitter and sweet. The hot espresso helps to melt the coffee and the layers of milk soften the coffee hit.

It is a coffee drink to order when you want to be a little bit fancy, which is why one of my favorite places to get it is at the bar on the second level of Chiostro del Bramante. To sip on this while gazing down at the perfect cloistered courtyard is pure bliss.

marocchino coffee overlooking chiostro bramante in Rome

You may have also heard that there is a “rule” that you can’t order a cappuccino after 11 am in Italy. This is not really true – you can. It is just that most Italians are put off by the idea of drinking a lot of “heavy” milk after a meal, so cappuccino is predominantly a morning (thus pre-lunch) drink.

I am also out of the habit of ordering a cappuccino later in the day so my solution is the marocchino. It comes with more frothed milk than a caffè macchiato (espresso “marked” with a dash of milk), but it does not have the density of a cappuccino.

It is also a coffee drink that begs to be savored. In a country where coffee is usually downed as quickly as possible, I do like to slow down with the occasional chocolate-y marocchino to remind myself that life is full of tiny pleasure is you take the time to enjoy them.

But, if you want a true chocolate coffee in Italy, then skip Starbucks and go directly to Torino for a Bicerin. Best with a chocolate sandwich, of course.

Have you ever tried a marocchino? Or do you have another favorite “secret” coffee that you like to order in Italy? In summer, I always switch it up with a shakerato.

5 thoughts on “Marocchino: Italy’s answer to chocolate coffee

  1. Anne says:

    Have you ever had a nocciolo? We had our first experience in Naples when visiting the church of Santa Chiara. Such a sweet surprise of hazelnut cream and espresso. When you are introduced to a drink or a dish or a place you don’t know about, just because the very kind Italian proprietor wants you to know about it, it fills your heart as well as your senses. Bella Italia.

    • Natalie says:

      Yes! Another great suggestion. I don’t like hazelnut as much as I like chocolate, but I love the personal way you discovered this drink from the owner. Santa Chiara is so beautiful.

  2. Brandi says:

    I love Cioccolata Calda con panne! The Italian version of hot cocoa. I love to drink this during the winter outside during the holidays (during apertivi) and watch all the Italians with their dogs!

  3. Helga says:

    I have tried the shakerato, but I’m mostly a cappuccino or cafe person. However!!! This marocchino.. it just looks perfect. I can’t wait to be back in Italy and try it! Asap!

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