Copycat Starbucks Peppermint Mocha: Easy & Perfect
This copycat Starbucks Peppermint Mocha is rich, chocolatey, and perfectly balanced with a cool kick of peppermint. Made with simple ingredients, it comes together in under 10 minutes and is better than the real thing.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups strong brewed coffee (dark roast recommended)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies (for garnish)
- Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Brew 2 cups of strong coffee. If using an espresso machine, pull about 4 shots. If using a regular coffee maker, use double the amount of grounds. Set aside.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk, cocoa powder, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Whisk continuously until hot and steamy, but not boiling (about 3-4 minutes).
- Remove from heat. Stir in the peppermint extract and vanilla extract. Start with 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract, taste, and add more if desired.
- Pour the hot coffee into the saucepan and whisk until well combined and smooth.
- In a small bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar with a hand mixer on medium-high speed until soft peaks form (about 2-3 minutes).
- Place candy canes in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin or mallet into small pieces.
- Pour the mocha into mugs. Top each with a dollop of whipped cream, sprinkle with crushed candy canes, and add chocolate shavings if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Don’t boil the milk to avoid scorching. Taste as you go when adding peppermint extract. Warm mugs with hot water before serving to keep the drink hot longer. The mocha base can be made up to 2 hours ahead and kept warm in a slow cooker. For a dairy-free version, use oat milk or almond milk and coconut cream for whipped topping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 26
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 8
Keywords: peppermint mocha, copycat Starbucks, hot chocolate, coffee drink, holiday drink, peppermint, mocha