How to Make a Café Medici (Step-by-Step Recipe)
Have you ever tried espresso with chocolate and orange?
One of my all-time favorite flavor combos has to be dark chocolate and orange. There’s something about that bittersweet richness mixed with bright citrus that just works.
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve bought a bar, telling myself I’d just have one piece. Only to find half of it gone before I even realized what happened. No regrets, though.
So when I first heard about Café Medici, an espresso drink that combines my two favorite flavors with a bold coffee kick, I knew I had to try it. And let me tell you it did not disappoint!
The deep, smooth espresso blends perfectly with the melted chocolate, and that touch of orange zest? Absolute magic.
In this guide, I’ll show you step-by-step how to make a Café Medici at home. You’ll learn the best ingredients to use, tips to get the perfect balance of flavors, and even a few variations to customize your drink. So let’s start brewing!
What is a Café Medici?
A Café Medici is an espresso drink that combines the bold intensity of coffee with the bright zest of citrus and the rich depth of chocolate.
The dark chocolate and orange zest meld seamlessly with a double shot of espresso, creating a layered and complex flavor. In the end, you top it with a dollop of whipped cream and voilà! You got a nice treat!
How to Make a Café Medici (Step-by-Step Recipe)
Equipment
- Espresso Machine or Moka Pot:
- Fine grater or zester
- Small serving glass or demitasse cup
- Spoon for stirring
- Freshly whipped cream dispenser or whisk
Ingredients
- Freshly brewed double espresso
- Dark chocolate syrup or shavings (high-quality 70% cocoa preferred)
- Orange zest or thin orange slices
- Whipped cream (freshly whipped for the best texture)
- Optional: Cinnamon or cocoa powder for garnish
Instructions
- Brew a Strong Espresso: Start with a double shot of espresso (about 60ml), using an espresso machine or Moka pot. A dark roast espresso works best, as it balances the bright citrus and rich chocolate flavors without being overpowered.
- Prepare the Orange & Chocolate Base: In your serving cup, add 1-2 teaspoons of dark chocolate syrup. Zest an organic orange and sprinkle it over the chocolate for an aromatic citrus note. For an extra flavor boost, place a thin slice of orange at the bottom of the cup.
- Pour the Espresso Over the Base: Slowly pour the hot espresso directly over the chocolate and orange zest, allowing the flavors to blend. You then stir gently to melt the chocolate and infuse the espresso with citrus and sweetness.
- Add the Whipped Cream: Top your espresso with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream. This step adds a creamy texture that balances the intensity of the chocolate and espresso.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish with a sprinkle of cocoa powder, cinnamon, or extra orange zest for added complexity. Serve in a small glass or demitasse cup to highlight the drink’s layered appearance.
Notes
Unique Tip:
Try lightly torching the orange zest before adding it to the cup. This improves the citrus oils and gives the drink a subtle caramelized depth!Expert Tips for the Perfect Café Medici
I’m going to share some tricks I use to make this coffee shine!
1 – Use Freshly Grated Orange Zest
Always use fresh orange zest. I made the mistake of using dried zest once, and it just didn’t hit the same way.
The reason is fresh zest releases oils that blend beautifully with espresso, giving the drink its signature fragrance.
If you want an extra layer of depth, try lightly toasting the zest before adding it to your cup—it intensifies the flavor.
2 – Choose High-Quality Dark Chocolate
For the best results, use dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa. I’ve experimented with lower-quality chocolate syrups, and they often taste too sweet or artificial, overpowering the espresso.
If you can, opt for real dark chocolate shavings, which melt smoothly into the espresso and create a rich and velvety base.
3 – Don’t Over-Sweeten
One of the best things about a Café Medici is the contrast of bitterness, sweetness, and citrus. So, adding too much sugar or syrup can throw off this delicate balance.
If you prefer a slightly sweeter version, try just a teaspoon of honey or a small amount of simple syrup. This betters the flavors without making the drink overly sugary.
4 – Experiment with Different Chocolates
I suggest trying different types of chocolate. I’ve used chili-infused dark chocolate for a spicy twist and even experimented with orange-infused chocolate to double down on the citrus notes.
If you like a creamier texture, semi-sweet chocolate (around 60% cocoa) is a great alternative.
Other Favorite Variations
I’ve tried to put a new spin on this already amazing drink and here are some fun twists:
Spiced Café Medici
If you love warm, aromatic flavors, adding a pinch of cardamom, nutmeg, or ginger to the chocolate base can take your Café Medici to the next level.
I first tried this by accident. I had a chai latte earlier in the day, and the lingering spice on my frothing wand gave my espresso a hint of cardamom. And wow! The spices complement the bitter espresso, rich chocolate, and bright citrus, making it perfect for cozy winter mornings.
Iced Café Medici
I like this version for hot summer days, which calls for something cold and refreshing. Instead of pouring espresso into a warm cup, I brew it directly over ice cubes to cool it down instantly.
Then, I stir in the chocolate and orange zest, letting everything blend before topping it with whipped cream.
The contrast of chilled espresso, creamy topping, and zesty orange makes for an incredibly refreshing and smooth drink. If I’m feeling extra indulgent, I’ll add a few chocolate shavings.
Dairy-Free Café Medici
For those avoiding dairy (or just looking for a new flavor combo), swapping out traditional whipped cream for coconut or oat-based alternatives works surprisingly well.
I love using coconut whipped cream because it adds a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the orange and dark chocolate.
Also, oat milk is another solid choice if you want a neutral and creamy texture. Either way, you won’t miss the dairy, and you’ll still get that luxurious, velvety finish.
Last Thoughts
Now, I’d love to hear from you! Have you tried making a Café Medici at home? Do you have your own twist on the recipe? Maybe a secret ingredient that takes it to the next level? Leave a comment and share your experience. I’m always up for trying new coffee ideas!
