A Festive Peppermint Mocha Latte You’ll Love Year-Round!

I almost forgot about this coffee recipe I whipped up during the last holiday season—it’s easy to lose track of those little gems when life gets chaotic.

But as I rummaged through my recipe notebook the other day, there it was, written in the margins with little snowflake doodles: Peppermint Mocha Latte. Instantly, memories of cozy evenings, twinkling lights, and the scent of peppermint wafting through my kitchen came rushing back..

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Festive Flavor Combo: The rich chocolatey mocha paired with refreshing peppermint creates a perfect balance of indulgence and holiday cheer in every sip.
• Cozy Vibes Anytime: It’s not just a holiday drink—it’s a hug in a mug that can brighten up any day, no matter the season.
• Healthier Than Store-Bought: By making it at home, you can control the sugar and use quality ingredients, making it a cleaner, guilt-free indulgence.
• Perfect for Entertaining: Serve this to friends and family during get-togethers, and you’ll instantly elevate the cozy factor of any gathering.
• Boosts Your Mood: The blend of coffee and peppermint is naturally uplifting, giving you the energy and cheer to tackle your day.
• Aromatic Bliss: Your kitchen will smell heavenly with the warm scent of chocolate, coffee, and peppermint wafting through the air.
• Great for Gifting: Package the dry ingredients or a jar of peppermint syrup as a DIY latte kit for a thoughtful and delicious homemade gift.

Ingredients & Equipment

This Peppermint Mocha Latte begins with espresso, the heart of the recipe. For the best flavor, choose freshly brewed espresso or a strong coffee if you don’t have an espresso machine. The quality of the coffee matters here since it’s the base that ties all the flavors together.

Next is cocoa powder, which adds a deep, rich chocolate flavor. Opt for unsweetened cocoa powder to balance the sweetness of the other ingredients and allow you to control the flavor. Avoid hot chocolate mixes, as they often contain added sugars and other ingredients that can overwhelm the drink.

For sweetness, honey is a wonderful choice because it adds a natural, subtle depth that pairs beautifully with the chocolate and coffee. If you prefer, you can swap it out for maple syrup or sugar, but honey lends a warmth that makes this recipe special.

The peppermint extract is the star ingredient, giving the drink its signature holiday flavor. A little goes a long way, so use it sparingly—too much can overpower the other flavors. Make sure to choose a high-quality extract for a clean and vibrant peppermint taste.

When it comes to milk, use whatever suits your preferences, from whole milk for a creamier latte to oat or almond milk for a dairy-free version. Heating and frothing the milk enhances the texture, so if you have a milk frother or steam wand, it’ll elevate the drink. If not, warming the milk on the stove and whisking vigorously works too.

Whipped cream is optional, but it’s a lovely indulgence that makes this latte feel extra special. You can use store-bought or whip up your own for a fresher, more decadent topping.

Finally, the crushed candy canes are the cherry on top, adding a playful crunch and a pop of holiday spirit. Choose small, colorful candy canes for a festive look and crush them finely so they melt slightly into the cream.

In terms of equipment, you’ll need a way to brew espresso or strong coffee, a small saucepan for warming the milk, and a whisk or milk frother to create that creamy texture. A sturdy mug or glass to serve it all in, topped with whipped cream and candy cane, will make it picture-perfect!

Ingredients for making Peppermint Mocha Latte:

• 1 shot of espresso (or 1/3 cup strong brewed coffee)
• 1 cup milk (any kind: dairy or plant-based)
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon honey (or your preferred sweetener)
• 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract (or to taste)
• Whipped cream (optional)
• Crushed candy canes (optional, for garnish)

How To Make Peppermint Mocha Latte

Instructions for making Peppermint Mocha Latte: 

1. Brew the coffee or espresso.
   Prepare a shot of espresso using your espresso machine or brew a strong coffee with your preferred method (French press, moka pot, etc.). Set aside.
2. Mix the cocoa and sweetener.
   In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the cocoa powder and honey. Stir well until it forms a smooth paste.
3. Heat and froth the milk.
   Slowly add the milk to the saucepan while stirring to blend it with the cocoa mixture. Heat gently until warm but not boiling. If you have a frother, froth the milk to create a creamy texture.
4. Add the peppermint extract.
   Remove the milk mixture from the heat and stir in the peppermint extract. Be careful not to add too much—start with 1/4 teaspoon and adjust to your taste.
5. Assemble the latte.
   Pour the brewed espresso into your favorite mug, then slowly add the peppermint-chocolate milk mixture. Stir gently to combine.
6. Top with whipped cream and candy canes.
   For an extra festive touch, add a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
7. Serve and enjoy.
   Sip, savor, and let the cozy holiday vibes take over!

Recommendations & Alternatives

• Use dark chocolate chips instead of cocoa powder for a richer, creamier mocha base.
• Make it iced by chilling the espresso and milk mixture, then serving over ice before adding toppings.
• Swap the peppermint extract with caramel syrup for a Peppermint Caramel Mocha Latte variation.
• Stir in a teaspoon of white chocolate syrup along with the cocoa for a “black-and-white” peppermint mocha twist.
• Add a splash of Irish cream liqueur for a boozy holiday treat (adults-only!).
• Top the whipped cream with crushed chocolate-mint cookies instead of candy canes for a unique texture and flavor.
• For a smoky depth, use a smoked sea salt sprinkle on top of the whipped cream to contrast the sweetness.