Definition of mocha

The word "mocha" originated from the port city of Mocha, located on the Red Sea in what is now Yemen. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Mocha was a major trading hub for coffee, which was grown in the nearby mountains. The city's merchants imported and exported coffee, including a blend of Arabica and Robusta beans, which became known as "Mocha coffee" due to its association with the city. The term "mocha" eventually became associated with a type of coffee drink made with chocolate or cocoa powder, which was popularized in European coffeehouses during the 18th century. The chocolate-coffee combination was a luxury item and was named "mocha" in honor of the city that inspired it. Today, the term "mocha" is widely used to describe a coffee drink made with chocolate syrup, cocoa powder, or chocolate chips.