Chinese Liquor Meets Western Coffee in Pacific’s Mocha Series

Ever wondered what happens when a classic Western-style mocha meets centuries-old Chinese fermented wine? While coffee cocktails with brandy or Irish cream are common, blending fine Chinese liquors—like those once used to celebrate a daughter’s wedding—with espresso and chocolate is virtually unheard of. Until now.

Pacific Coffee has launched five limited-edition mocha-style drinks that combine Chinese liquors such as Hua Diao (also known as 'daughter’s red') and Osmanthus-flavored wine with espresso, milk, and chocolate. These drinks mark the first time a global coffee chain has officially released a series of beverages fusing recognized Chinese alcoholic heritage with modern Western coffee techniques.

What’s in the New Mocha Series?

The collection includes three series and five drinks now available at most Pacific Coffee locations. Alongside the new drinks, the brand has introduced in-store 'Happy Hours' with special discounts for customers eager to explore these cultural fusions.

Hua Diao Mocha: Floral, Fruity, and Fermented

The 'Flower in Full Moon' drink uses Shaoxing Hua Diao wine—commonly known as 'daughter’s red'. This is a traditional Chinese rice wine, once aged underground for a girl’s future wedding. Its fragrant, fruity profile infuses the mocha with layers of dried fruit and subtle floral notes, merging China’s celebratory drinking culture with the Western mocha tradition. The pairing reflects how both cultures mark a baby girl’s birth—with wine aging in China and chocolate shared in the West.

Osmanthus & Cointreau Mocha: A Blossoming Citrus Twist

The 'Noble Match' combines three-hundred-year-old Osmanthus-flavored grape wine with Cointreau, a globally loved orange liqueur. The Osmanthus wine brings a refined perfume of blossoms and grapes, historically enjoyed by Chinese royalty. Mixed with Cointreau’s sweet citrus depth, the drink opens with a blooming osmanthus aroma, followed by a juicy orange note. The result is aromatic, layered, and especially appealing to those who enjoy floral and citrus complexity in their coffee.

How Pacific Coffee Made These Mochas

While the exact recipes are proprietary, the drinks follow the familiar structure of a classic mocha: espresso, steamed milk, chocolate, and now, a measured addition of Chinese liquor. The base mocha likely starts with a medium to dark roast espresso—chosen for its chocolate and nut backbone—to complement the sweet and aromatic profiles of the added liquors. Chocolate syrup or melted chocolate is blended into the drink, followed by steamed milk. Then, a carefully dosed splash of either Hua Diao or Osmanthus-Cointreau combination is introduced, enhancing aroma without overwhelming the coffee’s integrity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hua Diao wine, and why is it used in coffee?

Hua Diao, also called 'daughter’s red', is a traditional Chinese fermented rice wine from Shaoxing, typically aged for years—sometimes buried—for a daughter’s wedding. It has rich notes of dried fruit, floral tones, and a smooth, slightly sweet profile. In the 'Flower in Full Moon' mocha, it adds an aromatic, celebratory depth that complements the chocolate and coffee.

What is Osmanthus wine, and how does it taste in a mocha?

Osmanthus-flavored wine is a Chinese liquor made from grapes and osmanthus flowers, with over 3,000 years of history. It offers fragrant floral and light fruity notes. When paired with Cointreau in the 'Noble Match' mocha, it creates a layered drink with an initial burst of osmanthus followed by a smooth citrus sweetness that enhances the espresso and chocolate base.

Are these drinks alcoholic?

Yes, these mochas contain real Chinese liquors—specifically Hua Diao and a mix of Osmanthus wine with Cointreau. While the alcohol content is likely low due to dilution with milk and espresso, they are designed to deliver both the flavor and cultural essence of the spirits.

Where can I try these mocha drinks?

The five new drinks are available at most Pacific Coffee locations. The brand has also launched 'Happy Hours' promotions in-store, offering discounts for customers who want to try these limited-edition beverages.

Do the drinks include actual Chinese liquor or just the flavors?

According to the report, the drinks use real Chinese alcoholic beverages—Hua Diao (daughter’s red) and a combination of Osmanthus-flavored wine with Cointreau—rather than mere flavorings. This makes the fusion both authentic and innovative.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Mocha Blends

For recreating mochas at home inspired by Pacific Coffee’s Chinese liquor series, try FrontStreet’s Specialty Blend or Black Cocoa Blend. The Specialty Blend offers balanced acidity with hints of dark cherry and chocolate—ideal for pairing with dessert-like liquors. The Black Cocoa Blend highlights deep cocoa, blackberry, and a velvety mouthfeel, making it perfect for mochas with bold flavors like Hua Diao or Osmanthus wine. Both beans feature medium to dark roasts that complement chocolate and liquor notes. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.