What ingredient is added to make a mocha coffee?

A mocha coffee is primarily characterized by the addition of chocolate or cocoa to espresso and steamed milk. This combination creates a rich and indulgent flavor profile that is a signature of the mocha beverage. The chocolate flavor complements the robust taste of the coffee, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a sweeter, dessert-like drink.

While vanilla extract, caramel syrup, and almond milk are all delicious additions used in various coffee drinks, they do not define a mocha. Vanilla extract typically enhances flavors without contributing the chocolate element, caramel syrup adds sweetness and a different flavor profile, and almond milk serves as a non-dairy alternative for those avoiding milk, but none of these ingredients create the distinctive chocolate flavor that is essential to a mocha. Thus, the correct answer acknowledges the fundamental component that makes a mocha unique and recognizable in coffee culture.