If you are searching for a festive holiday coffee drink, this mocha mint cold brew recipe is sure to brighten your day. Combining smooth cold brew coffee with rich chocolate and a cool minty twist, it captures the holiday spirit without the hefty sugar load you might find at your local coffee chain. For context, a medium iced peppermint mocha from Starbucks can reach around 420 calories and 49 grams of sugar, so making your own version means more control over both sweetness and ingredients.
A homemade approach also helps you avoid additives found in some commercial drinks. In fact, one popular recipe idea published on January 12, 2024, on The Hint of Rosemary even uses cacao powder, pure dark chocolate, and flax milk to cut back on sugar and add nutrients. Ready to give your cold brew a refreshing spin? Here is how you can quickly put it all together.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cold brew coffee (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder (or melted dark chocolate)
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract (or a few drops of peppermint syrup)
- 1–2 tablespoons sweetener of choice (honey, stevia, or simple syrup)
- ½ cup milk or milk alternative (such as almond, oat, or flax)
- Optional peppermint cold foam:
- ¼ cup cold milk or non-dairy milk
- A drop of peppermint flavor
- A drizzle of melted dark chocolate for garnish
Feel free to adjust the cocoa and peppermint extract to match your taste buds. If you prefer a thicker consistency, consider using a creamier milk alternative like coconut milk.
Directions
Make (or buy) your cold brew
- If you are new to cold brew, steep coarsely ground coffee in water for 12–24 hours, then strain. Store it in your fridge for up to a week.
Prep the chocolate base
- Stir cocoa powder into a splash of hot water until it dissolves, or melt dark chocolate in the microwave until smooth. This step helps ensure a silky texture.
Combine coffee and flavorings
- In a glass, pour the cold brew over ice. Add your chocolate mixture, peppermint extract, and sweetener. Stir well so the flavors distribute evenly.
Add milk
- Gently swirl in your preferred milk or milk alternative for a creamy finish.
Make the peppermint cold foam (optional)
- If you want a café-style topping, froth your cold milk or milk alternative with a drop of peppermint flavor until it forms light, airy bubbles. Layer this foam on top of your drink and finish with a drizzle of melted dark chocolate if desired.
Tips & variations
- Control sweetness by gradually adding your sweetener. You can always add more if you need it sweeter.
- For extra holiday flair, top with a sprinkle of crushed candy canes or a swirl of whipped cream.
- Swap the cocoa powder for melted dark chocolate if you prefer a smoother and richer texture.
- Try a decaf cold brew if you want to avoid caffeine but still enjoy the mint-chocolate taste.
Nutrition facts
Calories: ~95
Total Fat: 2.5g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Sugar: 13g
Protein: 4g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 50mg
Caffeine: ~150–200 mg (varies by cold brew strength)
Final thoughts
Making a mocha mint cold brew at home is a delicious, budget-friendly way to satisfy your minty mocha cravings all season long. You have the power to adjust sweetness, use better ingredients, and even create a whipped topping if you want something special. Give it a try, and experiment with different milks, sweeteners, and garnish ideas. Whichever route you choose, you will have a refreshing holiday coffee drink that suits your taste perfectly.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
-
Can I make this recipe hot instead of iced?
Absolutely. Simply heat your milk, whisk in the chocolate and peppermint, and pour in freshly brewed coffee rather than cold brew. -
Do I have to use peppermint extract?
Peppermint extract delivers that classic minty taste. If you prefer a subtler flavor, try peppermint syrup or even fresh mint leaves. -
How do I store leftover peppermint cold foam?
Cold foam is best enjoyed fresh. If you make extra, store it in a sealed container in your fridge for up to 24 hours, though it may lose some volume. -
Can I skip the sweeteners altogether?
Yes. If you enjoy a bolder, more bitter taste, feel free to omit the sweetener. You may find the natural sweetness of the milk or dark chocolate is enough for you. -
Is there a vegan version of this recipe?
Of course. Simply use a non-dairy milk like oat, almond, or coconut, and be sure to choose vegan chocolate if you are adding a drizzle or using melted chocolate.
Mocha Mint Cold Brew Recipe
1
servings5
minutes5
minutes95
kcalIngredients
1 cup cold brew coffee (store-bought or homemade)
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder (or melted dark chocolate)
1 teaspoon peppermint extract (or a few drops of peppermint syrup)
1-2 tablespoons sweetener of choice (honey, stevia, or simple syrup)
1/2 cup milk or milk alternative (such as almond, oat, or flax)
- Optional peppermint cold foam:
1/4 cup cold milk or non-dairy milk
A drop of peppermint flavor
A drizzle of melted dark chocolate for garnish
Directions
- Make (or buy) your cold brew: If you are new to cold brew, steep coarsely ground coffee in water for 12–24 hours, then strain. Store it in your fridge for up to a week.
- Prep the chocolate base: Stir cocoa powder into a splash of hot water until it dissolves, or melt dark chocolate in the microwave until smooth. This step helps ensure a silky texture.
- Combine coffee and flavorings: In a glass, pour the cold brew over ice. Add your chocolate mixture, peppermint extract, and sweetener. Stir well so the flavors distribute evenly.
- Add milk: Gently swirl in your preferred milk or milk alternative for a creamy finish.
- Make the peppermint cold foam (optional): If you want a café-style topping, froth your cold milk or milk alternative with a drop of peppermint flavor until it forms light, airy bubbles. Layer this foam on top of your drink and finish with a drizzle of melted dark chocolate if desired.
Notes
- – Control sweetness by gradually adding your sweetener. You can always add more if you need it sweeter.
– For extra holiday flair, top with a sprinkle of crushed candy canes or a swirl of whipped cream.
– Swap the cocoa powder for melted dark chocolate if you prefer a smoother and richer texture.
– Try a decaf cold brew if you want to avoid caffeine but still enjoy the mint-chocolate taste.
