Description
A quick and indulgent homemade Peppermint Mocha that combines the flavors of chocolate, peppermint, and coffee without the need for espresso or store-bought syrups. Made with simple ingredients like cocoa powder, crushed candy cane, milk, and brewed coffee, this comforting drink is perfect for holiday mornings or cozy afternoons.
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 Candy Cane: Place the candy cane in a zip-top bag and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to crush it into small crumbs to release the peppermint flavor.
- Make Chocolate Syrup: In a small pot, combine cocoa powder, 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, then add the crushed candy cane pieces. Heat the mixture, stirring often until the milk is steaming and the candy cane has dissolved. Reduce heat if the milk starts to simmer too quickly, and whisk vigorously to create a light foam on the milk.
- Combine with Coffee: Pour the hot, strongly brewed coffee into an 8-ounce mug. Add the hot milk mixture and stir in the heavy cream if using.
- Sweeten and Serve: Taste the mocha and add additional sugar if desired. Top with whipped cream if preferred, then serve and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- This recipe doesn’t require espresso or specialty syrups; the crushed candy cane provides natural peppermint flavor.
- You can use any type of milk—dairy or plant-based—but whole milk provides a creamier texture.
- For a richer drink, adding heavy cream is optional but highly recommended.
- If you want a vegan version, substitute milk and whipped cream with plant-based alternatives and omit heavy cream.
- Adjust sweetness to taste after combining with coffee, as coffee strength can vary.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
