During the frigid winter months at university, I discovered caffeine in its most delicious form: the illustriously rich mocha — it turns out I found my new favourite drink. To me, that first sip was as if the ceiling above opened and let angels in to carry me away from my misery, or at least my university-student fatigue. What a wonderful combination: espresso, chocolate, sugar and sweetened milk. It would sustain me through the rest of my degree. — Julietta Harvey
Here are five places to experience the rich, creamy, decadent beverage.
Ch. Cafeteria uses its own chocolate for its mochas, creating a lusciously rich drink that coats your mouth with its chocolatey goodness. Some people love the taste of the chocolate in a mocha more than the coffee. Call me “some people,” because I love my mocha to be as close to hot chocolate as possible. Ch. Cafeteria uses four different types of chocolate: dark, milk, hazelnut or white. I love either the dark or the hazelnut, depending on what snacks I order that day. — Julietta Harvey
Ch. Cafeteria
Grovenor | 14802 Stony Plain Road | chcafeteria.ca
Iconoclast’s beans have a permanent home beside my espresso machine. The cafe experience, though? Unbeatable. When I go to Iconoclast, I’m looking for a strong flavour profile to wake me up. I like the Ethiopia Harrar beans, as the roast is nutty and has almost a caramel aftertaste. When I think of a mocha at Iconolast, I imagine the coffee and cocoa bean walking down the street hand-in-hand on a cute date, sweet and a little eccentric. — Julietta Harvey
Iconoclast Coffee Roasters
Wîhkwêntôwin | 12021 102 Ave NW #103, Edmonton | iconoclastcoffee.com
A few weeks ago, I had the chance to try Fawkes Café’s mocha with coffee liqueur. Oh, did it ever change my mocha game! Fawkes uses Thick & Dirty Signature Cream from Hawke Prohibition Distilleries in Sherwood Park. With its viscous texture and vanilla undertone, adding an ounce to my mocha transformed my night out. — I’m a changed person. Next, I want to try the salted caramel when I get a chance! — Julietta Harvey
Fawkes Café & Bakery
Downtown | 10137 104 Street NW, Edmonton | fawkescoffee.com
Vietnamese coffee is known for its intense flavours and potent caffeine content. After my first cup of Vietnamese coffee, I had superhero-level productivity. Now, when I have too many deadlines and not enough time, I head over to Delavoye Chocolate Maker. It is one thing to dump a mocha over ice for a refreshing drink, it is another to add a twist like using Vietnamese coffee, to maximize the punch, and topping with cacao nibs. — Julietta Harvey
Delavoye Chocolate Maker
Westmount | 10639 124 St Unit 105, Edmonton | delavoyechocolate.ca
I was on the hunt for a substantial chocolatey drink — not a watered-down convenience store version. Waves delivers melted Belgian chocolate in a cup. My go-to is the shop’s dark chocolate with oat milk. It is a fudge-like drink with earthy tastes — strong but not overly sweet. Another popular treat is the white Belgium chocolate, with a hint of caramel and vanilla in every sip. — Mariana Gutierrez Serna
Waves Coffee House
West Edmonton Mall | 8882 170 Street NW, Edmonton
The Hamptons | 6039 199 Street NW, Edmonton
Mactaggart | 5124 Mullen Road NW, Edmonton
wavescoffee.ca
