This cozy peppermint mocha is delicious velvety milky coffee, chocolate and peppermint - topped with smooth whipped cream. It is ridiculously easy to make, and you can save yourself a ton of money because there's no need to visit Starbucks this Holiday!
I'm not saying we should never enter our favorite coffee shops, there is something special about those paper cups in a hurry. However, there is also something very special about taking your favorite cup at home, and sit by the fireplace. And bonus; no one will judge you by the amount of chocolate and whipped cream you put in your peppermint mocha.
What is a mocha?
A mocha is simply put just a coffee with added chocolate and usually some milk as well. It can either be hot chocolate added or a chocolate syrup. The name derives from the city Mocha in Yemen, which were one of the centers of early coffee trades.
As we all (should) know, chocolate and coffee are an amazing combination. That is why Chocolate Coffee Cupcakes with Irish Baileys Cream and Dreamy Creamy Chocolate Coffee Truffles are such delicious recipes as well.
This recipe uses both unsweetened cocoa powder and dark chocolate, because chocolate is life. And it's the Holidays, so why not!
Difference Between Peppermint and Spearmint
I think I need to clarify the difference between peppermint and spearmint. I wouldn't want to be responsible for ruining your delicious peppermint mocha! Peppermint is a classic flavoring for the Holidays. I absolutely LOVE peppermint and I do eat peppermint flavored anything the entire year. But it's extra lovely during Christmas.
However, all mint is not the same. Peppermint is a cross between spearmint and water mint. Peppermint has a cooling effect both upon touch and in the mouth, because of the menthol. That's why it's often used in medicinal purposes, BUT it's delicious with chocolate as well. And did you know peppermint relieves stress? Perfect to add to a Holiday drink!
Mint contains a lot less menthol and has a sweeter taste, it's not so cooling. Spearmint pairs really well with savory dishes, but also in drinks, like my favorite cocktail the mojito.
If you're interested in other peppermint recipes I've got a few: homemade fluffy peppermint marshmallows, dark chocolates filled with peppermint and these amazing peppermint cream cheese filled truffles.
And I've also combined peppermint and mocha in another recipe as well: Peppermint Mocha Macarons!
Cozy Peppermint Mocha Recipe
Back to the recipe!
Add strong coffee, milk (or water + 4 teaspoon instant coffee granules), sugar and unsweetened cocoa powder in a medium saucepan. On medium heat, stir and bring up to a simmer. Add a pinch of salt and dark chocolate chunks. If needed, reduce temperature as to avoid burning the chocolate. Stir until chocolate is melted and combined with the liquid. Pour in the vanilla and peppermint extracts.
If you want a stronger peppermint flavor, feel free to add more extract, but a little peppermint goes a long way. You can add a peppermint syrup too. You can also up the game by adding homemade fluffy peppermint marshmallows to the drink!
Pour into either 4 small or 2-3 larger cups. Whip some heavy cream and dollop on top! Serve with crushed candy canes or a whole candy cane for a beautiful and tasty garnish!
Remember this is just a personal preference, when it comes to this recipe you can add and subtract to your own liking. There really is no right and wrong! Scroll down for a printable version of the recipe.
Enjoy this cozy peppermint mocha with another Christmas classic: the chocolate crinkle cookies, or maybe a delicious cinnamon roll?
Did You Like This Recipe? You'll Love These as Well!
- Peppermint Cream Cheese Filled Truffles
- Peppermint Dark Chocolates
- Peppermint Mocha Macarons
- Simple Orange Hot Chocolate
- Rich and Decadent Hot Chocolate
- Apple Caramel Latte Macchiato
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📖 Recipe
Cozy Peppermint Mocha
A decadent, better than Starbucks peppermint mocha chocolate coffee made a lot cheaper and in your favorite mug.
Ingredients
- 2 cups strong coffee, or 2 cups water + 4 teaspoon instant coffee granules
- 2 cups milk
- 4 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1.7 oz quality dark chocolate, 50g
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional
- pinch salt
- whipped cream, for serving, optional
Instructions
- Add strong coffee, milk (or water + 4 teaspoon instant coffee granules), sugar and unsweetened cocoa powder in a medium saucepan. On medium heat, stir and bring up to a simmer.
- Add a pinch of salt and dark chocolate chunks. If needed, reduce temperature as to avoid burning the chocolate. Stir until chocolate is melted and combined with the liquid. Pour in the vanilla and peppermint extracts*.
- Pour into either 4 small or 2-3 larger cups. Whip some heavy cream and dollop on top! Serve with crushed candy canes or a whole candy cane for a beautiful and tasty garnish!
Notes
* If you want a stronger peppermint flavor, feel free to add more extract, but a little peppermint goes a long way. You can also add a peppermint syrup. You can also up the game by adding homemade fluffy peppermint marshmallows to the drink!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1 cupAmount Per Serving: Calories: 176Total Fat: 6.2gSaturated Fat: 3.8gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 99mgCarbohydrates: 28gFiber: 0.9gProtein: 5.5g
Cathleen @ A Taste of Madness
Thursday 28th of November 2019
This looks SO cozy!! I also am in love with your mugs. I could use one of these right now!!
Stine Mari | Ginger with Spice
Saturday 30th of November 2019
Thank you so much! I got them from Ebay. :) I just had one - yum!
Jacqui Debono
Thursday 28th of November 2019
I am going to make this for my friends at our coffee mornings! I love the photos too - makes me want to buy new mugs especially for it!
Stine Mari | Ginger with Spice
Saturday 30th of November 2019
Thank you so much, Jacqui. Coffee mornings sound fabulous! I got the mugs from Ebay. :)
Ramona
Wednesday 27th of November 2019
This peppermint mocha really looks cozy and perfect for this weather. My kids love a hot chocholate and this will be on the make this weekend but add less coffee to them. Superb pictures! I so want to grab one mug right now. Mmmmm, yumm.
Stine Mari | Ginger with Spice
Wednesday 27th of November 2019
Yes of course. It's all to taste and I hope the kids (and you!) will like it.
Constance
Wednesday 27th of November 2019
I love this! Peppermint Mochas are one of my favorite winter drinks to indulge in. Peppermint is good for so many things. It's one of several varieties of mint I grow.
Stine Mari | Ginger with Spice
Wednesday 27th of November 2019
I love peppermint too! I wish I could grow herbs all year round, but they freeze outside now :(