Purpose: Deploy a chocolate-forward iced mocha that delivers morale and measurable caffeine without syrup overload. Built around Firewatch from Aerial Resupply Coffee. Outcome: Cold, balanced, repeatable. Time-on-target: ≈5 minutes.

Section I — Equipment & Supply Loadout

• Primary Brewer: Espresso machine (preferred) or Moka pot; French press concentrate acceptable.
• Mixing Vessel: Shaker tin or tall glass.
• Implements: Spoon or handheld frother; measuring spoon; chilled glass.
• Consumables: 2 tbsp chocolate syrup (or 2 tsp cocoa + 2 tsp sugar + splash hot water), 1/2 cup milk (whole or barista oat), ice; optional whipped cream + drizzle.
• Coffee Component: 2 shots Firewatch espresso (or 1/2 cup strong concentrate).

QC Note: Use cold milk and pre-chilled glass to slow dilution. Keep chocolate at room temp for easier dissolution.

Section II — Pre-Mission Checks

1. Bean Readiness: Grind fresh (fine for espresso; slightly finer than drip for Moka). Dose 18–20 g for a double.
2. Water Temp: Espresso machine preheated; kettle at 200°F for Moka/French press.
3. Ice Discipline: Use large, dense cubes; avoid flaky ice that melts fast.
4. Staging: Place chocolate in the mixing vessel before brewing; set milk within reach.

Abort Criteria: If grinder is wildly inconsistent (blade), expect turbulence: reduce expectations or switch to pre-ground only for today’s sortie and replace ASAP.

Section III — Execution (SOP)

1. 03:00—Pull Shots: Extract 2 shots Firewatch to ~36–40 g in 25–30 s (1:2). Moka: brew 1/2 cup tight concentrate. French press: 1:8 ratio, 4:00, press, use 1/2 cup.
2. 02:00—Integrate Chocolate: Add hot espresso to vessel with 2 tbsp chocolate syrup. Stir 10–15 s until fully glossy. Do not add milk yet.
3. 01:15—Flash Chill: Add ice to the top. If using shaker, seal and shake 8–10 s. Goal: cold, slightly aerated, not diluted.
4. 00:30—Milk Insertion: Add 1/2 cup milk. Briefly shake or stir to combine. Taste for balance.
5. 00:00—Presentation: Strain into chilled glass with fresh ice. Optional light whipped cream + 1 tsp drizzle. End ex.

ARC Intel: Dissolve chocolate in hot espresso before ice; otherwise sweetness stripes and dead zones occur. Shaking after integration creates microfoam for a café texture without extra sugar.

Section IV — Field Adjustments & Variants

• Lean Sweetness: Reduce syrup to 1 tbsp; replace remainder with 1 tsp dark cocoa + 1 tsp simple syrup for lower perceived sweetness.
• Higher Impact: Triple-shot it or blend Firewatch 50/50 with Spectre for a darker edge.
• No Espresso Gear: Use 1/2 cup cold brew concentrate from Lifeline (1:8). Warm 2 tbsp to dissolve chocolate, then proceed.
• Dairy-Free Creaminess: Barista oat integrates best when shaken 8–10 s.
• Texture Upgrade: Froth 2 oz milk separately and float on top for a light capp-style cap.

Section V — Troubleshooting (Immediate Action Drills)

• Symptom: Watery. Cause: Poor flash chill or weak ice. Fix: Shorter shake, denser cubes, pre-chill glass.
• Symptom: Bitter finish. Cause: Over-extraction. Fix: Grind coarser; target 25–30 s; ensure dose/yield discipline.
• Symptom: Flat/syrupy. Cause: Chocolate added last. Fix: Dissolve first in hot espresso; then ice; then milk.
• Symptom: Too sweet. Fix: Cut syrup by 25–50%; swap in dark cocoa + simple syrup to fine-tune.

Section VI — Performance Profile

Flavor: Cocoa-forward, balanced sweetness, clean espresso finish. Firewatch’s medium roast accentuates chocolate without ash or smoke.

Caffeine Window: ≈120–150 mg (double espresso, method-dependent).

Use Cases: Post-PT morale, afternoon focus, squad treat station.

Section VII — Sustainment & Prep for Next Sortie

• Rinse shaker immediately; chocolate residue hardens and ghosts future flavors.
• Back-flush espresso machine at day’s end; wipe wand after each use.
• Restock chocolate, milk, and large cubes. Store beans airtight, cool, and dark.

Section VIII — Interop & Further Reading

Overmocha is one mission in the Dessert Ops theater. For the full menu (caramel macchiatos, Nutella lattes, honey-cinnamon builds, s’mores mochas), see the series hub: Operation Overmocha: Dessert-Style Drinks. For the complete coffee-at-home playbook, bookmark the pillar: From Barracks to Barista. Learn why this brand exists (and who it supports) here: About Aerial Resupply Coffee.

Final Tasking — Load the Right Roast

Execute Overmocha with Firewatch. Stock the FOB with mission fuel at Aerial Resupply Coffee. Discipline. Community. Caffeine. That’s the ARC way.