Tis the season – all I want to be drinking is a hot peppermint mocha. My coffee budget increases drastically this time of year because every time I leave the house, I reward myself for getting dressed and out the door in the subzero temps (usually with two toddlers in tow) by getting a little peppermint mocha treat. If you’re craving a peppermint mocha (like I literally always am) but want to skip the Starbucks line, you’re in the right place. With just a few key ingredients and some simple steps, you can recreate that signature holiday drink at home. I’ve found that using peppermint syrup, chocolate milk, and chocolate sauce makes it even easier while still delivering that indulgent, festive flavor in this homemade peppermint mocha recipe.
Ingredients for Homemade Peppermint Mocha:
For the Mocha:
-1-2 shots of espresso (or ½ cup strong brewed coffee). I use a nespresso bianco doppio pod, or two Starbucks blonde espresso pods.
– 1 cup chocolate milk
– 2 tbsp Torani Peppermint Syrup (adjust to your preferred minty flavor)
– 1 tbsp chocolate sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– Whipped cream (optional, but encouraged)
– Crushed peppermint candies or chocolate shavings (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Brew Your Coffee:
Start by brewing 1-2 shots of espresso or ½ cup of strong coffee. If you don’t have an espresso machine, don’t worry—just brew a really strong cup of coffee.
2. Heat and Froth the Milk:
I know there are lots of ways to heat and froth milk but I cannot stress enough how much I encourage just buying a stand alone milk frother. I have tried so many ways to make these delicious coffee drinks and the easiest and most delicious way is a simple frother. Some are even dishwasher safe! Just take the plunge, you won’t regret it. Anyway, for this step, heat and froth the milk. Chocolate milk is the secret ingredient for that delicious mocha taste.
3. Mix the Mocha Sauce:
In your coffee mug, combine 2 tablespoons of Torani Peppermint Syrup and 1 tablespoon of chocolate sauce. Stir them together until smooth. If you like your mocha extra sweet or extra minty, you can adjust the syrup or chocolate sauce to your taste.
4. Combine Coffee and Mocha Sauce:
Pour the freshly brewed espresso or coffee into the mug with the peppermint and chocolate mixture. Stir well to combine the coffee with the syrup and chocolate sauce, creating your delicious mocha base.
5. Add the Frothy Milk:
Slowly pour the steamed and frothed milk into your coffee mixture. Stir gently to blend everything together.
6. Top it Off:
For that perfect finishing touch on our homemade peppermint mocha recipe, add a dollop of whipped cream on top. You can also sprinkle crushed peppermint candies or chocolate shavings for extra holiday cheer and flavor. For an extra minty touch, you could drizzle a little more Torani Peppermint Syrup on top of the whipped cream.
Tips for Customizing Your Peppermint Mocha:
– Adjust the minty flavor: If you prefer a more pronounced peppermint taste, feel free to add an extra tablespoon of Peppermint Syrup.
– Make it sweeter or less sweet: Torani syrups are typically quite sweet, but you can always add more or less chocolate sauce and syrup depending on your preference.
– Dairy-free option: You can use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk for a dairy-free version. Oat milk is particularly creamy and mimics the texture of whole milk very well.
– Iced version: For a refreshing twist, make it iced! Let your coffee cool, then pour it over ice and top with cold frothed milk and the peppermint chocolate mixture.
Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Mocha Recipe:
– Easy to make: Using Peppermint Syrup, chocolate milk, and chocolate sauce streamlines the process and makes it incredibly simple to recreate the beloved Starbucks flavor at home.
– Customizable: Adjust the sweetness, mintiness, and creaminess to your own taste. Add more whipped cream, extra syrup, or even a dash of cinnamon for a unique spin.
– Cost-effective: Skip the Starbucks line and save money while enjoying the same festive treat from the comfort of your own home.
This homemade Peppermint Mocha recipe is the perfect drink for chilly mornings, cozy afternoons, or holiday celebrations. The combination of rich espresso, silky milk, sweet chocolate, and refreshing peppermint creates the ultimate indulgence that you’ll want to enjoy all season long.Give it a try, and enjoy your own version of a Starbucks classic (preferably with Christmas lights in view) —made right at home!
Happy brewing!