Peppermint Mocha Recipe

Looking for a festive twist on your morning coffee? This peppermint mocha recipe is a perfect balance of rich chocolate and refreshing mint, making it a must-try winter beverage. Whether you typically grab yours from a coffee shop or you’re experimenting at home, you’ll love how quickly this drink comes together. Customize the sweetness, adjust the peppermint intensity, and sip on a holiday-inspired masterpiece that’s sure to brighten your day.

Ingredients

• 1 shot of espresso (or ½ cup strong brewed coffee)
• 1 cup milk (dairy or your favorite dairy-free alternative, such as almond, oat, or coconut)
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (or 1 oz melted dark chocolate)
• 1 tablespoon peppermint syrup (or ½ teaspoon peppermint extract)
• 1 tablespoon sugar (or your preferred sweetener)

Optional extras:

• A splash of vanilla extract
• Whipped cream
• Crushed candy canes or chocolate shavings for garnish

Directions

1. Prepare your coffee base. Pull a shot of espresso if you have an espresso machine, or brew strong coffee using methods like a French press, Moka pot, or AeroPress.
2. Warm your milk. In a small saucepan, gently heat the milk until it just starts to steam. You can also microwave it in a safe container for 1–2 minutes, watching closely to avoid boil-over.
3. Add flavorings. Whisk the cocoa powder (or melted chocolate) and sugar into the warm milk until fully dissolved. Stir in the peppermint syrup or extract. If you like a hint of vanilla, add a drop now.
4. Froth if desired. Use a handheld milk frother, blender, or a lidded tumbler to create foam for a creamier texture. This step is optional, but it adds a coffee-shop touch.
5. Combine and serve. Pour your peppermint-infused milk mixture over the freshly brewed espresso or coffee. Top with whipped cream, and sprinkle candy cane flakes or chocolate shavings on top for a festive finish.

Tips & variations

• Adjust the coffee strength: If you enjoy a bolder taste, increase the amount of espresso or use a darker roast.
• Try a sugar-free option: Brands like Jordan’s Skinny Mixes, Torani, or Monin offer sugar-free peppermint syrups. Substitute sugar-free chocolate sauce or cocoa powder to keep things low-carb.
• Vary the flavors: Not a mint fan? Swap peppermint for vanilla, cinnamon, or add a handful of chocolate chips for a different twist.
• Pair with seasonal treats: Serve your peppermint mocha alongside cookies or muffins for an indulgent holiday snack.

Nutrition facts

The exact nutritional breakdown varies depending on your choice of milk and sweetener. A single serving with whole milk and standard sugar typically provides:

• Calories: ~200–250
• Fat: ~6–8 g
• Carbohydrates: ~30 g
• Protein: ~6–8 g

Using low-calorie sweeteners or sugar-free syrups can significantly reduce the carb and calorie content. For a more precise calculation, add each ingredient into a nutrition calculator based on your preferred brands.

Final thoughts

A homemade peppermint mocha is an inviting way to celebrate the season with minimal effort. You’ll love how easy it is to tweak the recipe to suit your diet, coffee strength, and flavor preferences. Whether topped with frothy foam or finished with whipped cream, each sip offers a comforting balance of sweet mint and rich chocolate. Give it a try, and let the holiday magic warm you from the inside out.

Frequently asked questions (faqs)

Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely. Use a plant-based milk like almond, oat, or coconut, and opt for vegan chocolate sauce or cocoa powder.

How do I reduce sweetness if I find it too sugary?
Use unsweetened cocoa powder instead of chocolate sauce, and adjust the amount of peppermint syrup or extract. Start small and add more as needed.

Is peppermint mocha the same as peppermint bark?
No. Peppermint bark is a layered confection made with white and dark chocolate plus crushed candy canes, whereas peppermint mocha is a coffee drink that blends chocolate and mint flavoring.

How can I make a stronger version if I love espresso?
Simply use two shots of espresso instead of one, or brew a more robust coffee. Keep an eye on the caffeine level if you’re sensitive to it.

Any recommendations for a festive garnish?
Top with whipped cream, drizzle chocolate sauce, and sprinkle crushed candy canes or chocolate shavings for a sweet holiday touch. Enjoy!

Peppermint Mocha Recipe

Recipe by Matt Simmons

5.0 from 5 votes

Servings

1

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

5

minutes

Calories

250

kcal

Ingredients

• 1 shot of espresso (or ½ cup strong brewed coffee)

• 1 cup milk (dairy or your favorite dairy-free alternative, such as almond, oat, or coconut)

• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (or 1 oz melted dark chocolate)

• 1 tablespoon peppermint syrup (or ½ teaspoon peppermint extract)

• 1 tablespoon sugar (or your preferred sweetener)

• Optional extras:

• A splash of vanilla extract

• Whipped cream

• Crushed candy canes or chocolate shavings for garnish

Directions

• Prepare your coffee base. Pull a shot of espresso if you have an espresso machine, or brew strong coffee using methods like a French press, Moka pot, or AeroPress.
• Warm your milk. In a small saucepan, gently heat the milk until it just starts to steam. You can also microwave it in a safe container for 1–2 minutes, watching closely to avoid boil-over.
• Add flavorings. Whisk the cocoa powder (or melted chocolate) and sugar into the warm milk until fully dissolved. Stir in the peppermint syrup or extract. If you like a hint of vanilla, add a drop now.
• Froth if desired. Use a handheld milk frother, blender, or a lidded tumbler to create foam for a creamier texture. This step is optional, but it adds a coffee-shop touch.
• Combine and serve. Pour your peppermint-infused milk mixture over the freshly brewed espresso or coffee. Top with whipped cream, and sprinkle candy cane flakes or chocolate shavings on top for a festive finish.

Notes

• Adjust the coffee strength: If you enjoy a bolder taste, increase the amount of espresso or use a darker roast.
  Try a sugar-free option: Brands like Jordan’s Skinny Mixes, Torani, or Monin offer sugar-free peppermint syrups. Substitute sugar-free chocolate sauce or cocoa powder to keep things low-carb.
  Vary the flavors: Not a mint fan? Swap peppermint for vanilla, cinnamon, or add a handful of chocolate chips for a different twist.
  Pair with seasonal treats: Serve your peppermint mocha alongside cookies or muffins for an indulgent holiday snack.