Parent's Weekend: Mocha Cupcakes - A Taste of Koko

Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 3/4 cups cocoa powder
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup buttermilk, shaken
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 extra-large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup freshly brewed hot coffee
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 egg whites
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 tbsp hot water
• 1 1/2 tsp instant coffee
• 1 tsp Kahlua (optional)