Description
Enjoy a quick and easy homemade Peppermint Mocha that requires no espresso machine or store-bought syrups. This festive coffee beverage blends rich cocoa, crushed candy cane, and hot brewed coffee to create a creamy, chocolatey, and minty treat perfect for the holiday season.
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 full-size 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 evenly.
- Make Chocolate Syrup: In a small pot over medium heat, combine the unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and water. Whisk 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 dissolved completely. Reduce heat if the milk starts to simmer to avoid burning. Whisk vigorously to slightly foam the milk.
- Combine with Coffee: Pour the hot strongly brewed coffee into an 8-ounce mug. Add the milk mixture and the optional heavy cream. Stir well and taste; add more sugar if desired for extra sweetness.
- Serve and Garnish: Top with whipped cream if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade peppermint mocha.
Notes
- You can use any type of milk, including dairy-free options, for a lighter or vegan-friendly version if desired.
- Optional heavy cream and whipped cream add richness but can be omitted for a lighter drink.
- If you don’t have a candy cane, peppermint extract can be used as a substitute, but the crushed candy cane provides authentic texture and flavor.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more granulated sugar according to taste.
- Use strongly brewed coffee or espresso for a bold coffee flavor that balances the sweetness and chocolate.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
