This Peppermint Mocha blends rich chocolate with bold espresso and a splash of cool peppermint syrup for a warm, cozy treat. It has a creamy texture, balanced sweetness and that signature holiday flavor that instantly puts you in the festive spirit.
Whether you're making your own peppermint mocha for a quiet morning or whipping up a few for a holiday gathering, this simple drink delivers seasonal joy in every sip. It's one of those easy recipes that feels like something special.
Jump to:
- Why You Will Love This Peppermint Mocha Recipe
- Ingredients
- Substitutions and Variations
- How to Make a Peppermint Mocha
- More Coffee Recipes You Will Love
- How to Serve our Peppermint Mocha Recipe
- What to Serve with a Peppermint Mocha
- Top Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions About Peppermint Mocha Recipe
- More Recipes You Will Love
- Peppermint Mocha
Whip up a larger batch of our Hot Chocolate Crock Pot Recipe and you'll be prepped for the holiday season.
Why You Will Love This Peppermint Mocha Recipe
- Festive Flavor: A mix of chocolate, coffee and peppermint brings holiday magic to every mug.
- Quick and Simple: Only three ingredients and ready in minutes.
- Easy to Customize: Use espresso or strong coffee, dairy or dairy-free options.
- Great for Gatherings: Serve in mugs with whipped cream and crushed candy canes for an instant crowd-pleaser.
- Homemade Goodness: A homemade version of your favorite holiday drinks makes it easier to enjoy any time of year.
Ingredients
With just a couple simple ingredients, and even less time, you'll have this hot drink ready and waiting in minutes.
See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.
- Hot Chocolate: The base to this recipe, rich and creamy with enough sweetness to balance the drink.
- Espresso Shots: Balances the richness of the hot chocolate. If you do not have espresso, use a strong brewed coffee instead.
- Peppermint Syrup: Add the fresh, cool minty flavor. Can be substituted for peppermint extract if needed.
For this mocha recipe, you'll want to have on hand a 12-ounce mug, measuring cups and spoons. If you don’t have as espresso machine at home, I love using my Moka pot.
Substitutions and Variations
This peppermint mocha latte is easy to adjust to your preferences.
- Coffee Base: Use strong brewed coffee instead of espresso or go with decaf if you prefer. Cold brew works well for an iced version.
- Peppermint Flavor: Swap peppermint syrup for extract; start with ½ teaspoon and adjust to taste.
- Dairy-Free Options: Make it with oat, almond, coconut (not canned), cashew or soy milk.
- Sweetness & Flavor Boosts: Adjust sugar with simple syrup, or add vanilla, cinnamon, or mocha syrup for a twist.
- Toppings & Garnish: Finish with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, crushed peppermint candy canes for that coffee shop feel.
How to Make a Peppermint Mocha
This homemade peppermint mocha recipe comes together quickly with minimal fuss.
In a mug pour hot chocolate, 2 shots of espresso and 1-2 tablespoons of peppermint syrup (depending on strength of peppermint flavor).
Stir well. If desired, top with whipped cream and crushed candy canes.
Hint: If using leftover hot chocolate, heat up on the stove top versus the microwave to retain your heat longer.
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How to Serve our Peppermint Mocha Recipe
This cozy drink deserves an equally festive presentation. Here are a few ways to elevate this easy recipe.
- Glassware: Choose a large holiday mug to keep your drink warm; pre-warm it with hot water for extra heat retention.
- Garnish Options: Top with whipped cream for creaminess and a coffee shop touch, then sprinkle crushed peppermint candies for a festive finish.
What to Serve with a Peppermint Mocha
Here are a few breakfast items, sweet bakes and holiday treats to enjoy alongside your peppermint mocha.
- Holiday Treats: Chewy ginger molasses cookies, Crockpot Christmas candy, cake mix Christmas cookies, peppermint bark, peppermint brownies.
- Coffee pairings: Espresso chocolate chip cookies, espresso Irish coffee, caramel mocha, Irish coffee with Baileys, gingerbread latte.
Top Tips
These simple tips will help you make the perfect peppermint mocha every time.
- Use Quality Peppermint Syrup: It makes a big difference in flavor depending on the peppermint syrup you use, buy a quality brand.
- Warm your Mug: Pour a bit of hot water into your mug, let it sit, and dump before pouring in your drink.
- Make a Batch: This recipe easily scales for multiple servings, just multiply the ingredients and mix in a small saucepan over low heat.
Frequently Asked Questions About Peppermint Mocha Recipe
Do you have questions about peppermint mocha drink recipe?
Typically, yes. If you make it with a naturally decaffeinated espresso or coffee then you can control the caffeine content.
A classic mocha combines espresso, chocolate, and steamed milk. Our version uses hot chocolate for convenience, then adds espresso and peppermint to give it that festive holiday twist.
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Peppermint Mocha
Equipment
- 1 12-ounce Mug
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients
- ¾ cup hot chocolate
- ¼ cup espresso or ½ cup strong coffee
- 2 tablespoon peppermint syrup
Instructions
- In a mug pour hot chocolate, 2 shots of espresso and 1-2 tablespoons of peppermint syrup (depending on strength of peppermint flavor).
- Stir well. If desired, top with whipped cream and crushed candy canes.
Notes
- If using leftover hot chocolate, heat up on the stove top versus the microwave to retain your heat longer.
- It makes a big difference in flavor depending on the peppermint syrup you use, buy a quality brand.
- Pour a bit of hot water into your mug, let it sit, and dump before pouring in your drink.
- This recipe easily scales for multiple servings—just multiply the ingredients and mix in a small saucepan over low heat.
Nutrition
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Eva Filer says
I love having a batch of hot chocolate in the fridge to make this in the mornings in the wintertime. Every time my sister comes over we heat it up on the stove and brew some fresh coffee and espresso to make a nice hot cup!