Peppermint Mocha

The perfect balance of mint and chocolate, this 4 ingredient Homemade Peppermint Mocha can be whipped together in 5 minutes or less. No espresso machine needed AND you’ll save money with this easy recipe!

Looking for a great gift idea for the mocha lovers in your life? Try these Peppermint Mocha Hot Chocolate Bombs next!

I’ve done a pretty good job of breaking my coffee shop habit over the years. By keeping a jar of homemade coffee creamer on hand, I can usually satisfy my craving for something sweet, creamy and caffeinated at home. 

Even so, I sometimes find myself really, really wanting a Starbucks Peppermint Mocha. Maybe it’s the Christmas music everywhere, the needed pick-me-up when I’m holiday shopping or my increased need for caffeine and sugar during this busy time of year, but that red cup starts calling my name. Forget the pumpkin spice latte, I want my Peppermint Mocha Latte!

Instead of dropping a wad of cash on a minty mocha latte at the coffee shops several times a week, I learned how to make an amazing copycat in my own kitchen. This homemade peppermint mocha is perfectly chocolatey with just the right zip of peppermint. Making this drink is quicker than a Starbucks run — and a lot less expensive.
AND no additional people or crowd fighting involved. It’s a TOTAL win-win!

Peppermint Mocha Ingredients 

Whole milk: I love the creaminess of whole milk, but you can use any milk you like. Dairy free milk makes a tasty option for a vegan/lactose free option. 

Strong coffee: I used regular drip coffee brewed at double strength. Espresso is great here, if you have it. 

Semi-sweet chocolate: Squares of chocolate or chocolate chips will work. 

Peppermint syrup: Find pre-made bottles of this simple syrup in the coffee aisle of your grocery store or make your own from scratch. 
Alternatively, you could use peppermint extract, but you’ll probably only need ¼ – ½ teaspoon and might need to add a touch of sweetener. I would just purchase the pre-made syrup as its’ already sweetened.

Optional toppings: Go the extra mile and swirl some fresh whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, chocolate shavings and crushed peppermint candies onto your peppermint mocha!

How to Make Starbucks Peppermint Mocha 

Warm the ingredients:  Combine the regular milk, chocolate and coffee in a small saucepan. Stir over medium heat until the chocolate is melted and small bubbles form on the surface. 

Add  peppermint: Turn the heat off and let the contents of the pan cool for about 2 minutes. Remove the pan from the stovetop and whisk in the peppermint syrup.

Serve: Pour the peppermint mocha into a mug. Top with whipped cream and any other garnishes you like before serving! 

DIY Latte Variations 

This Peppermint Mocha recipe is extremely versatile! Try some of these fun ideas for customizing your coffee drink even more.

Add sea salt: A sprinkle of sea salt is an easy way to enhance the taste of the chocolate in this recipe. Add it to the milk before heating for an extra boost for flavor. 

Milk chocolate: For a sweeter mocha, swap the semi-sweet chocolate with pure milk chocolate. 

Make it extra strong: Replace ¼ cup of the milk with more brewed coffee or espresso if you like a stronger coffee flavor. 

Other topping ideas: Cocoa powder, sprinkles, white chocolate syrup are more fun topping ideas for peppermint mochas. 

Want frothy milk: Place the contents of the peppermint mocha in a glass jar sealed with a lit. Shake for a minute or two to replicate the foamy quality of steamed milk in the Starbucks version.
BUT, If you REALLY want some fabulous frothed milk, have I got the item for you?! Use this fantastic Instant Pot Milk Frother!! I got one for an early Christmas present and love, love, LOVE it!! It’s great for making hot chocolate, too!

White chocolate: Try my Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha recipe if you’re a white chocolate fan. 

DIY Mocha Recipe FAQ

Can I make this ahead of time? 

This peppermint mocha is best enjoyed while it’s still hot. I don’t recommend making it ahead of time because the ingredients will separate and need to be recombined on the stove top. 

Can I make this iced? 

For an iced peppermint mocha, you will need to substitute the solid chocolate for chocolate syrup. Instead of heating the ingredients on the stove top, you can stir, shake or blend them together to combine, then serve over ice. 

How many servings does this peppermint mocha recipe make?

This peppermint mocha recipe will fill two 10 oz. mugs. You can easily halve the recipe for a single serving or double it to make 4 servings. 

How can I make this dairy free?

Use nondairy milk like oat milk, almond milk or soy milk for a dairy free version of this Starbucks Peppermint Mocha. Plain unsweetened varieties of nondairy milk work best. Vanilla flavored versions will also taste great, but make your mocha a bit sweeter. 

Can I make it sugar free?

If you want this sugar free, use a sugar free peppermint syrup and sugar free chocolate in the recipe. I have not tested it with sugar free products, so I can’t vouch for the results, but they should work just fine! 

Peppermint Chocolate Recipes

Desserts with chocolate and peppermint are always a welcome sight this time of year!

If you love this flavor combination with your coffee, be sure to make a batch of my Peppermint Chocolate Biscotti before the year is up. The crispy, crunchy Italian breakfast cookies are absolutely ideal with an espresso or brewed coffee on chilly winter mornings. 

These Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are another must-try recipe to add to your baking list. We always include them in our annual Christmas cookie trays, along with a few Double Chocolate Peppermint Kisses. This Chocolate Peppermint Cream Pie is a delightfully easy Christmas dessert idea too. 

This super easy for 3-Ingredient Peppermint Bark is one you’ll be making all season long. It’s perfect for gift giving, munching or adding to the dessert table.

Recipes for Coffee Lovers

Save time and money making your cafe favorites at home with these other easy recipes. 

Coffee Milk

Almond Candy Bar Frozen Coffee

Shamrock Farms Cold Brew Coffee

Homemade Dulce De Leche Coffee Creamer

Cookie Butter White Chocolate Mocha

Homemade French Vanilla Coffee Creamer

Peppermint White Chocolate Coffee Creamer

Gingerbread Biscotti

Cranberry Macadamia Scones

Orange Cranberry Coffee Cake

Cinnamon Sour Cream Coffee Cake

This holiday season, skip the coffee shop and enjoy your own peppermint mocha right at home with just a few simple ingredients. It’s the perfect holiday drink with the flavor of peppermint candy canes!

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