This Peppermint Mocha Recipe allows you to quickly enjoy a copycat version of your favorite holiday Starbucks beverage right in the comfort of your own home. And just like your favorite coffee chain, you can customize this Peppermint Mocha any way you like--just without a surcharge!
I indulge myself daily in a coffee house beverage. A HOMEMADE coffee house beverage that is!
While I typically start each day with my go-to simple homemade latte, when I really want to treat myself, I opt for one of my three favorite homemade coffee house beverages; a peanut butter mocha, a pumpkin spice latte, or this peppermint mocha.
And when the holiday season is in full swing, I crave a peppermint mocha. Paired with a piece of peppermint bark or a shortbread cookie, sitting in front of the Christmas tree with a good book, I am in a little bit of heaven! And thankfully, it is so easy (and cheap) to make a peppermint mocha at home.
Peppermint Mocha Ingredients
- Espresso/Strong Coffee: Classically mochas and lattes are made with espresso. But unless you have an expensive machine at home, you may not have access to making an espresso. No need to worry! For this homemade mocha, you can replace the espresso with strong brewed coffee.
- Milk: Use the milk you like; cow's milk, goat milk, soy milk, almond milk, oat milk, or even coconut milk. Keep in mind that whole milk will produce the richest mocha.
- Cocoa Powder: Be sure to use cocoa powder, not hot chocolate or hot cocoa powder.
- Sweetener: I recommend granulated sugar for making a peppermint mocha and adjusting the amount to your own liking.
- Peppermint Extract: Be sure to use peppermint extract, not mint or spearmint extract.
- Vanilla Extract: A bit of vanilla will further warm up and sweeten your homemade pumpkin spice latte.
- Toppings: While optional, it is always a great idea to top your peppermint mocha with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and/or crushed candy canes.
recipe modifications
- Lower-Fat. For a lighter version of this Peppermint Mocha, feel free to use skim milk or lower-fat milk.
- Non-Dairy: Make a dairy-free peppermint mocha by using your favorite non-dairy milk in place of the whole milk.
- Adjust the Sweetener. Feel free to use your favorite sugar alternative or increase or decrease the added sugar as desired.
- Decaf Peppermint Mocha: Simply make with decaf coffee, keeping in mind that cocoa powder has a small amount of caffeine.
- Use Peppermint Syrup. If you happen to have peppermint syrup on hand, omit the sugar and peppermint extract and stir in 1-2 teaspoons of the peppermint syrup after heating the milk and cocoa powder together.
Tips for Making a Copycat Peppermint Mocha
The following tips are provided to help you achieve perfect results. You will find the detailed instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Use Strong Coffee. If you don't have an espresso maker, brew extra strong coffee. It will work great in this mocha recipe.
- Heat the Milk. Heating the milk with the sugar and cocoa powder allows the sugar and cocoa powder to fully dissolve.
- Froth the Milk. To replicate a coffee house experience, you want to froth the milk to make it light and airy. You don't need anything more than a whisk to froth your milk. Simply take a small whisk and vigorously whisk back and forth for 15-30 seconds until the milk forms large bubbles and is frothy.
- Finish Strong. Topping your mocha with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and/or crushed candy canes will make you feel like you are treating yourself
More Homemade Holiday Treats
While there is no reason to limit this homemade peppermint mocha to just the holiday season, this festive coffee pairs well with any Christmas Cookie, Christmas treat, or the following holiday recipes.
If you tried this Peppermint Mocha recipe, I would love for you to leave a comment and review below.
Copycat Peppermint Mocha Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup strong coffee or espresso
- ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk any variety
- whipped cream chocolate shavings, candy canes, optional
Instructions
- in a small saucepan, whisk together the coffee, sugar, and cocoa powder. Heat over medium heat until small bubbles begin to form around the edges and the sugar has dissolved, whisking constantly.
- Remove the coffee mixture from the heat, add the peppermint extract and vanilla extract, and pour into a coffee mug of choice.
- Heat the milk in a heat-safe measuring cup for 45-60 seconds. Use a frother or whisk to froth the milk until bubbly.
- Pour the frothed milk over top the coffee mixture. Stir lightly to combine. Top with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and crushed candy canes if desired.
Comments
No Comments