Preheat the oven to 200°C/392°F (without fan).
Preheat a metal tray in the middle shelf of the oven.
Place the water, chocolate and instant coffee in a small saucepan.
Heat the saucepan until the chocolate starts to melt.
Take the saucepan off the heat.
Whisk the mixture until the chocolate has fully melted and the liquid mixture is smooth.
Set aside to cool slightly while you get on with the rest of the recipe.
Measure the flour, baking powder, baking soda, mixed spice and salt into a large bowl.
In a small jug, whisk together the eggs, sour cream and vanilla.
Place the butter and sugar into a large mixing bowl or the bowl of an electric stand mixer.
Cream the butter and sugar until it is light and fluffy.
Add the egg mixture.
Slowly beat in the flour mixture, one tablespoon at a time.
Keep beating the batter until everything is well incorporated and smooth.
Line a 12-hole cupcake/muffin pan with paper cases.
Divide the batter between the paper cases.
Bake the cupcakes for 15-20 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the middle of the cakes comes out clean.
Leave the cupcakes in the pan for about 5 minutes, before removing them to cool completely on a wire rack.