Peppermint Mocha Recipe

This peppermint mocha is a little rebellious twist on the usual holiday coffee. It’s about balancing the sharp, refreshing burst of peppermint with the deep, comforting richness of chocolate and coffee. I love how it sparks a sense of celebration, even on the busiest mornings.

The aroma alone gets me excited – warm milk, dark coffee, and a hint of peppermint that wakes up the senses. It’s simple, honest, and perfect for when you need a tiny moment of calm amid the chaos of the season.

Why I Keep Coming Back to This Recipe

It’s the perfect blend of sharp peppermint and deep chocolate that wakes me up and calms me down. The process is forgiving, adaptable, and always feels like a little treat. Plus, it’s a cozy way to reclaim some quiet moments during hectic days, especially when everything outside is frosted and still.

If you enjoy pairing warm drinks with festive bakes, the Ginger Cookies make a wonderfully spicy contrast, while the Pumpkin Chocolate Muffins echo those cozy holiday flavors perfectly.

Ingredient Breakdown & Tips

• Coffee or espresso: Rich, bold base, crucial for depth. Use freshly brewed for best flavor.
• Milk: Creamy and smooth, helps balance the sharpness. Whole milk makes it richer.
• Peppermint extract: A few drops bring that refreshing zing. Too much can be overpowering – start small.
• Chocolate syrup: Adds that glossy, sweet depth. Opt for good-quality syrup or melt dark chocolate.
• Whipped cream & peppermint candies: Frosting and crunch- festive finishing touches that elevate the experience.
• Sugar or sweetener: Adjust based on your chocolate and peppermint’s sweetness.
• Optional: vanilla extract: A splash adds a subtle warmth – skip if you prefer pure peppermint.

Tools & Equipment 

• Saucepan: Heating milk and dissolving chocolate and peppermint.
• Espresso machine or coffee maker: Brewing strong, concentrated coffee or espresso.
• Mug: Serving your hot mocha in style.
• Whisk or spoon: Stirring ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring spoons: Ensuring accurate peppermint and chocolate amounts.

Peppermint Mocha

This peppermint mocha combines the bold richness of brewed coffee with the smooth creaminess of heated milk, infused with refreshing peppermint and sweet chocolate syrup. The drink is topped with whipped cream and crushed peppermint candies, creating a festive, visually appealing, and cozy beverage. Its velvety texture and vibrant flavors make it a perfect treat for the holiday season or any chilly morning.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 1

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Holiday

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 60 ml strong brewed coffee or espresso Freshly brewed for best flavor
• 240 ml milk Whole milk preferred for richness
• 2 drops peppermint extract Start with less, add more if desired
• 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup Use good-quality or melted dark chocolate
• to taste whipped cream For topping
• crushed peppermint candies peppermint candies For garnish and crunch

Equipment

• Saucepan
• Espresso machine or coffee maker
• Mug
• Whisk or spoon
• Measuring spoons

Method

 

1. Brew a strong shot of coffee or espresso, filling your mug with about 60 ml of the dark, aromatic brew.
   
2. Pour the milk into a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat until it begins to steam and becomes warm to the touch, roughly 65°C or 150°F.
   
3. Add the chocolate syrup and peppermint extract to the warm milk, then whisk or stir vigorously until the mixture is smooth, glossy, and evenly combined.
   
4. Once the milk mixture is ready, carefully pour it over the brewed coffee in your mug, allowing the rich, peppermint-chocolate aroma to fill the air.
   
5. Top the beverage generously with whipped cream, creating a fluffy, inviting crown on your mocha.
   
6. Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies over the whipped cream for a festive crunch and burst of peppermint flavor.
   
7. Serve immediately while hot, and enjoy the perfect balance of sharp peppermint, rich chocolate, and aromatic coffee.

Notes

Ensure gentle heating of milk to prevent curdling, and adjust peppermint to taste. For a creamier texture, substitute with half-and-half or add a dollop of whipped cream inside the drink before topping.

Cooking Checkpoints & Tips for Peppermint Mocha

• Ensure milk is heated gently to avoid scorching and curdling.
• Stir chocolate and peppermint thoroughly to prevent settling or burning at the bottom.
• Check the coffee’s strength – too weak and it’ll taste flat; too strong and it might overpower the peppermint.
• Look for a glossy, smooth milk mixture – no lumps or skin formation.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

• Heating milk too quickly or at too high a temperature.? If milk curdles, lower heat and stir continuously until smooth.
• Adding chocolate all at once.? Add chocolate gradually, stirring constantly, to prevent burning or clumping.
• Under-flavoring peppermint.? If peppermint taste is too faint, add a tiny splash more near the end.
• Over-sweetening or under-flavoring.? Don’t forget to taste and adjust sweetness before serving.

Try These Tasty Variations

• White Peppermint Mocha – Swap the chocolate syrup for white chocolate. It gives a softer, creamier sweetness that pairs beautifully with peppermint.
• Iced Peppermint Mocha – Let the coffee cool, pour it over ice, add chilled milk, chocolate, and peppermint. Perfect for warmer winter afternoons.
• Extra-Chocolate Mocha – Add a spoon of melted dark chocolate or an extra drizzle of syrup for a richer, deeper cocoa flavor.
• Peppermint Mocha with Vanilla – Add a small splash of vanilla extract for added warmth and a softer finish.
• Dairy-Free Peppermint Mocha – Use almond, oat, or coconut milk. Oat milk makes it especially creamy without overpowering the peppermint.
• Spiked Holiday Mocha – Add a splash of peppermint schnapps or coffee liqueur for an adult holiday twist.

This drink isn’t just festive; it’s a warm hug on chilly mornings. Feel free to tweak the peppermint for more or less punch. Pouring it into your favorite mug makes every sip a little more special, a small ritual to mark the season. Enjoy the cozy chaos of making it your own.

Anjali Arora

Hi, I’m Anjali Arora the curious heart behind Dramatically Stirring. I’ve always been most at ease in my own company. I’m not exactly a people-person (small talk still makes me cringe), but there are two things I’ve always loved with my whole heart: animals and food.