A Peppermint Mocha is like sipping pure holiday cheer from a mug—every sip silky, chocolatey, and kissed with cooling peppermint. This festive beverage is a merry mashup of creamy milk, bold coffee, cocoa, and an invigorating whisper of peppermint. Whether you crave a cozy winter pick-me-up or want to recreate the magic of your favorite coffee shop at home, this recipe delivers all the sparkle and warmth in just minutes. Whipped cream, a flurry of candy cane, and a swirl of chocolate make every cup an irresistibly joyful treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Peppermint Mocha is its straightforward lineup: every ingredient brings something important to your mug! Classic pantry staples and a splash of peppermint extract work together to create a creamy, chocolatey, minty masterpiece that’s simply irresistible.

Whole milk or dairy-free alternative: This is your creamy base—a whole milk gives a rich, smooth flavor, while oat or almond milk keeps it dairy-free and still delicious.
Strong brewed coffee or espresso: This brings the caffeine kick and balances out the sweetness with a touch of bitterness; go bold for the most coffee-shop vibes.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Chocolatey richness is the heart of any mocha, and cocoa powder adds deep flavor without extra sweetness.
Granulated sugar: Just enough to sweeten the deal; you can adjust the amount to suit your preference or swap for coconut sugar if you like.
Peppermint extract: The star of the show—add it gradually for the perfect minty zing (a little goes a long way!).
Whipped cream: Fluffy and luxurious, this crown of cream turns your mocha into a true treat—store-bought or homemade, both work beautifully.
Crushed candy canes or chocolate shavings: For the essential festive garnish—these bring crunch, flavor, and a fun pop of color.

How to Make Peppermint Mocha

Step 1: Warm and Whisk the Base

Pour the milk into a small saucepan and place over medium heat. Add the cocoa powder and sugar right away, then whisk, whisk, whisk! After a few minutes—the mixture should get hot (but not boiling) and the cocoa will be beautifully dissolved. The trick is to keep whisking so your mocha is creamy and lump-free.

Step 2: Add Coffee and Peppermint

Once the chocolate milk is steaming, stir in your strong brewed coffee or espresso. This is what gives your Peppermint Mocha its robust, café-style flavor. Then comes the magic: peppermint extract! Start with the recipe amount and remember, a little extra is fine if you adore mint, but use caution—any more than half a teaspoon tends to overwhelm the drink.

Step 3: Pour and Top

Remove your pan from the heat and immediately pour the mocha into two favorite mugs. Now, the finishing touch: pipe or dollop generous whipped cream on top. The cream melts slightly into the hot mocha, making each sip extra dreamy.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

To give your Peppermint Mocha true festive flair, sprinkle on a heavy pinch of crushed candy canes (or chocolate shavings, if you’re feeling extra chocolatey). This layer of colorful crunch is what turns an everyday mocha into a cozy winter wonderland treat. Serve right away while it’s steaming and the cream is luscious.

How to Serve Peppermint Mocha

Garnishes

Garnishes aren’t just for looks—they make every mug feel special! Go big with a swirl of whipped cream, a dusting of cocoa or cinnamon, and a heavy hand of crushed candy canes. For a more decadent twist, scatter on dark chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips. If you’re into the café style, set out peppermint sticks for stirring. Every garnish adds a little sparkle to your Peppermint Mocha.

Side Dishes

Pair your Peppermint Mocha with breakfast pastries like buttery croissants, chocolate biscotti, or cranberry scones. For an afternoon treat, serve alongside festive cookies—think shortbread, gingerbread men, or sugar cookies dusted in sparkles. The mocha’s richness also pairs well with a bowl of fresh berries for a lighter touch.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to make this drink the star of a holiday gathering? Try serving your Peppermint Mocha in clear glass mugs to show off the layers of mocha and cream. Top with extra tall whipped cream peaks and nestle a mini candy cane on each rim. For parties, pour into small espresso cups for a “shot” of holiday happiness or offer a DIY topping bar with sprinkles, peppermint chips, and shaved chocolate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftover Peppermint Mocha (it’s rare but possible!), let it cool to room temperature and transfer to a covered container or mason jar. Keep in the fridge for up to 2 days. The whipped cream and candy cane toppings are best added fresh, just before serving.

Freezing

Freezing may change the texture of the milk, but you can freeze the mocha base (without the whipped cream) if you’d like. Pour the cooled mixture into ice cube trays; once frozen, store in a zip-top bag. Use cubes to chill iced coffee or rewarm for a single serving of Peppermint Mocha on demand.

Reheating

To reheat, pour the chilled mocha into a small saucepan and warm gently over low heat, stirring occasionally until steaming but not boiling. Avoid microwaving if possible, as that can cause milk to separate and peppermint flavor to dissipate. Once hot, add fresh whipped cream and any fun toppings you like.

FAQs

Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed coffee or espresso?

Definitely! Just dissolve 1–2 teaspoons of quality instant coffee in a couple tablespoons of hot water and proceed with the recipe as written. It’s a great backup if you don’t have espresso or a coffee maker handy.

What kind of non-dairy milk works best for Peppermint Mocha?

Oat milk is my favorite for creaminess and neutral flavor, but almond, soy, or coconut milk will all work. Be sure to choose an unsweetened variety if you want to control the sweetness.

How do I adjust the sweetness and peppermint flavor?

Start with the suggested amounts, then taste and adjust. Add more sugar for extra sweetness, or a few drops more peppermint extract for a bolder minty taste (add slowly—peppermint is strong).

Can I make Peppermint Mocha without cocoa powder?

You can substitute a heaping tablespoon of chocolate syrup instead of cocoa and sugar. The drink will be a bit sweeter and have that classic chocolatey flavor you know from mocha lattes.

Is Peppermint Mocha kid-friendly?

Absolutely! For a kid’s version, skip the coffee and double the milk to make a festive peppermint hot chocolate. It’s a winter favorite at every age.

Final Thoughts

A cozy mug of Peppermint Mocha is pure holiday happiness waiting to happen. With just a few minutes and some simple ingredients, you can surprise someone—or yourself—with this festive, chocolate-mint comfort drink. Give it a try and see how fast it becomes your new winter tradition!

Peppermint Mocha Recipe

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4.9 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the festive flavors of the season with this homemade Peppermint Mocha recipe. This rich and creamy holiday drink combines the boldness of coffee with the sweetness of chocolate and the refreshing kick of peppermint, topped with whipped cream and candy cane bits.

Ingredients

Scale

Mocha Base:

2 cups whole milk or dairy-free alternative
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Coffee Layer:

½ cup strong brewed coffee or 2 shots espresso

Peppermint Flavoring and Toppings:

¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
¼ cup whipped cream for topping
crushed candy canes or chocolate shavings for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare Mocha Base: In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the milk, cocoa powder, and sugar until hot and cocoa is dissolved, about 3-4 minutes.
Add Coffee Layer: Stir in brewed coffee or espresso and peppermint extract. Remove from heat and pour into mugs.
Top and Serve: Top each with whipped cream and garnish with candy canes or chocolate shavings. Serve hot.