Homemade Peppermint Mocha
chocolate, peppermint, mocha
Cozy Homemade Peppermint Mocha! Creamy, minty, rich dark chocolate. Made in just minutes, this coffeehouse copy cat is a huge crowd pleaser! I even include instructions for a chilled frappe version, peppermint candy version and even a boozy version too. This time of year I’m all about warm, tasty drinks. You know I’m a big fan of coffee and also a big fan of hot chocolate, so naturally mochas are high on my list. This peppermint version is super easy to make and just the right kind of drink I want to curl up with on a cold night or morning in my cozy pjs and robe - yes robe too and fuzzy socks cause I’m always cold! Hope this one keeps you guys just as cozy and warm!
Peppermint Mocha Ingredients:
- Milk: Use any milk you like here (plant-based works just fine). The higher fat the milk, the richer your peppermint mocha will be. For an extra rich and creamy drink, try substituting half and half or heavy cream for some of the milk.
- Cocoa powder: Both natural and Dutch-process cocoa powder will work for this recipe. If you only have sweetened cocoa powder it’s fine to use but make sure to either adjust amount of sweetener in the recipe or leave it out all together otherwise it will be very sweet.
- Peppermint oil or peppermint extract: a little goes a long way especially if using food grade peppermint oil that is undiluted. So start with a drop or two and adjust according to taste. (Peppermint candy or candy cane option Included below)
- Chocolate: I always appreciate a cocoa beverage that has actual chocolate in it. It adds a nice rich flavour to this hot drink - I like using bittersweet in this recipe.
- Sugar: I used brown sugar but you could sweeten this drink up with whatever you like.
- Coffee: no need to use espresso here although you totally can. A good strong brewed coffee works perfectly. I like my coffee strong but you can use whatever coffee you like to drink in this recipe
How to Make a Peppermint Mocha at Home
- On the stove, heat cocoa powder, coffee, sugar, chocolate, and ¼ cup of milk stirring well until chocolate is melted. Stir in the peppermint oil or extract
- Divide mixture into cups or mugs
- Heat and froth remaining milk and divide among cups evenly.
- Then just top it with some whipped cream, shaved or chopped chocolate or crushed peppermint candy or peppermint bark and enjoy your peppermint mocha.
Can I make this a peppermint mocha frappuccino?
Yes. If you’re prefer to have a chilled drink over hot drink like I would while living in the Caribbean, you can serve this over ice or blended into a frappe. Here is how it’s done:
- Chill your coffee.
- Heat the chopped chocolate the ¼ cup of milk, sugar, cocoa powder in a small pot over low heat and stir until chocolate is melted. (The mixture will be thick because we are not heating the coffee with it but that is ok) You want to dissolve the chocolate pieces without scalding the milk. Stir in the peppermint oil.
- Then combine or whisk this mixture with the remaining ¼ cup of cold milk and the cold coffee.
- Serve over ice or blend with 1½ cups of ice for a frappe. Make sure to adjust amount of sweetener to compensate for all the ice if you like your drink sweet.
Can I make this with candy cane or peppermint candy instead of peppermint extract?
You definitely can. Using a zip-top bag and a rolling pin or meat mallet, crush a candy cane or peppermint candy into fine crumbs. Add candy to pot when you add the milk and stir until it’s dissolved. Adjust amount of sugar in recipe according to taste remembering that the candy will add some sweetness. Feel free to use more than one candy for a stronger peppermint flavour. You can even use peppermint chocolate or peppermint bark too something like After Eight would be great - chop it up and add it instead of the chopped chocolate or use it for topping your peppermint mocha.
Can I make this a Boozy Peppermint Mocha?
- Follow recipe as written then stir in ½ ounce creme de menthe and ½ ounce chocolate liquor or both. Stir to combine.
- Top with whipped cream, and any of the other toppings
More cozy drinks you will love:
Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups strong brewed coffee
- ½ cup milk of choice, divided
- 3 tablespoons sweetener (I like to use brown sugar)
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ounce 60% bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 1 to 2 drops peppermint extract or organic food grade peppermint oil
For serving(optional):
- Whipped cream
- Fresh mint
- Shaved dark chocolate
- Crushed peppermint candy or Peppermint chocolate or bark
Directions
- Combine coffee and ¼ cup of the milk in a small saucepan over low heat. Add sugar, cocoa, and chocolate to pan; cook over low heat 4 minutes or until chocolate melts, stirring frequently. (Do not simmer.)
- Stir in peppermint extract.
- Divide hot coffee mixture among cups.
- Warm and froth the remaining ¼ cup of milk. (See recipe notes below for easy frothing method) Top each coffee cup with a dollop of milk froth. Divide any remaining hot milk evenly among cups. Garnish each cup with whipped cream, shaved chocolate and fresh mint or crushed peppermint, chocolate or candy if desired.
Recipe Notes
- Feel free to add more or less of each ingredient to taste.
- No frother no problem: Place remaining ¼ cup milk in a microwave-safe 1-cup container with a lid. Shake vigorously for 1 minute or until milk is frothy and doubled in volume. Remove lid; microwave milk at HIGH for 30 seconds.
- Microwave Instructions: Combine cocoa powder, chocolate, sugar, ¼ cup of the milk and coffee in a large measuring cup or bowl. Stir until well-mixed and microwave for 15 second increments. Stir until chocolate is dissolved. Divide among the cups, froth milk and add to cups then top with whipped cream and any of the other toppings and enjoy!
- Can I make this with candy cane or peppermint candy instead of peppermint extract?You definitely can. Using a zip-top bag and a rolling pin or meat mallet, crush a candy cane or peppermint candy into fine crumbs. Add this one pot when you add the milk and stir until it’s dissolved. Adjust amount of sugar in recipe according to taste remembering that the candy will add some sweetness. Feel free to use more than one candy for a stronger peppermint flavour. You can even use peppermint chocolate too something like After Eight would be great - chop it up and add it instead of the chopped chocolate or use it for topping your peppermint mocha.
