Description
This Easy Peppermint Mocha recipe delivers a delightful holiday-flavored coffee beverage that's quick and simple to make at home. Using basic ingredients like cocoa powder, sugar, milk, coffee, and a candy cane, you can create a festive drink without espresso or store-bought syrups.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 full-size candy cane
- 1 tablespoon (5g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon (12g) granulated sugar (plus more to taste)
- 1 tablespoon water
- ¼ cup milk (any percentage)
- ¾ cup hot strongly brewed coffee
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream (optional)
- Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
- Crush the Candy Cane: Place the candy cane in a zip-top bag and gently crush it into small crumbs using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
- Make Chocolate Syrup: In a small pot, combine the unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and water. Heat over medium heat while whisking continuously until a smooth chocolate syrup forms.
- Add Milk and Candy Cane: Whisk in the milk and add the crushed candy cane pieces. Heat the mixture, stirring often, until the milk is steaming and the candy cane has fully dissolved. Lower the heat if the milk starts to simmer before the candy is dissolved. Whisk vigorously to slightly foam the milk.
- Assemble the Mocha: Pour the hot brewed coffee into an 8-ounce mug. Add in the milk mixture and heavy cream if desired. Stir and taste, adding more sugar if needed.
- Finish and Serve: Top your peppermint mocha with whipped cream if you like. Serve immediately and enjoy your festive drink!
Notes
- This recipe uses a candy cane to infuse natural peppermint flavor—no need for peppermint extract or syrups.
- Use any milk percentage you prefer, including non-dairy alternatives for customization.
- Adjust sugar levels to suit your taste preferences.
- The heavy cream is optional for a richer texture but can be omitted for a lighter drink.
- Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
