A Peppermint Mocha is the coziest drink there is!
It tastes like chocolate and mint, and it makes you feel like it’s the holidays all year long. It’s like a warm cup of happiness!
The best part? You don’t have to wait in line at a coffee shop; you can make this tasty drink at home in just a few minutes.
Let’s go ahead and do it!
Things You Will Need:
- Coffee maker or espresso machine
- A small pot or the microwave to heat the milk
- A whisk or a frother
- Mug for serving
What You Will Need:
- ◯ 1 shot (approximately 1 ounce) of espresso or 1/2 cup of strong brewed coffee
- ◯ 1 cup of milk, either dairy or plant-based
- ◯ 1 tablespoon cocoa powder or chocolate syrup (plus more for drizzling)
- ◯ 1–2 teaspoons of peppermint syrup or extract (start with a small amount; a little goes a long way!)
- ◯ 1 tablespoon of sugar or sweetener (optional; add more or less to taste)
- ◯ Whipped cream (not required, but greatly recommended!)
- ◯ Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies (optional, for decoration)
Making a Peppermint Mocha:
- Make the coffee
Make one shot of espresso or half a cup of strong coffee and pour it into your cup. - Warm the milk
Put 1 cup of milk in a small saucepan or microwave and heat it until it is warm but not boiling. - Mix the tastes
Mix 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder (or chocolate syrup), 1 to 2 teaspoons of peppermint syrup or extract, and 1 tablespoon of sugar (if using) into the warm milk. Stir until smooth.
- (Optional) Froth the Milk
Use a whisk or frother to make the milk foamy and creamy. - Mix
Pour the milk mixture into your mug with the coffee, and stir gently to mix. - Serve and top
Add whipped cream, drizzle chocolate syrup on top, and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top. Enjoy right away!
Tips for Pros:
- Start with a little peppermint syrup or extract. If you use too much, it will make the drink taste bad.
- Use whole milk or barista-style oat milk to make a mocha that is very creamy.
- No peppermint syrup? Mix sugar, water, and a few drops of peppermint extract to make your own!
Changes and Substitutions:
- No espresso? Instead, use 1/2 cup of coffee that has been brewed strongly.
- No dairy? For a plant-based version, use almond, oat, or coconut milk.
- Want it cold? Don’t heat the milk; just pour everything over ice!
You can make a small batch of chocolate-peppermint syrup ahead of time by mixing cocoa, peppermint, and sugar with water. It will stay good in the fridge for up to a week.
This drink tastes best when it’s fresh, but you can keep leftover chocolate-peppermint syrup in the fridge for up to a week.
And there you have it: a Peppermint Mocha that is warm, chocolatey, and minty. It feels like a little holiday party in a mug! It tastes like a drink from a café, and it’s very easy to make. Give it a try and tell me what you thought. Did you put your own spin on it? I’d love to hear from you, so please leave a comment below. ☕🍫🎄