Peppermint Mocha Recipe

Indulge in the holiday spirit with a homemade Peppermint Mocha, a warm and cozy beverage that's perfect for winter gatherings. With a refreshing peppermint syrup made from scratch and a rich blend of chocolate and coffee, this drink is guaranteed to delight your senses and bring festive cheer to your day.

Ingredients

💧 1 cup water
🍚 1 cup granulated sugar
🌼 1 tsp Lone Goose Bakery Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Bean Extract
🍬 1 tsp peppermint extract
☕️ 2 shots espresso or 1/2 cup of strongly brewed coffee
🍭 2 tbsp homemade peppermint syrup or 3 tbsp for a sweeter drink
🍫 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
🥛 1 cup milk or a non-dairy alternative, skim milk used
🍦 Optional: whipped cream, Reddi-Wip
🍬 Optional: crushed candy cane pieces

Instructions

1- Making the Peppermint Syrup:

In a small or medium saucepan, combine 1 cup water and 1 cup granulated sugar. Place on medium heat.
Stir the mixture occasionally as it heats for about 5 minutes, until it reaches a low boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and add 1 teaspoon of Lone Goose Bakery vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract.
Stir well to combine, then let the syrup cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 weeks.

2- Making the Peppermint Mocha:

In a double-walled glass mug, add 2 tablespoons or 3 for a sweeter taste of the prepared peppermint syrup.
Add 1 tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder on top.
Brew 2 shots of espresso directly into the mug, or add 1/2 cup of strongly brewed coffee if an espresso machine isn't available.
Heat 1 cup of milk using the steam wand of an espresso machine, or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Pour the steamed milk into the mug with the coffee, syrup, and cocoa. Stir everything thoroughly.
Top with a swirl of Reddi-Wip whipped cream and a sprinkling of crushed candy cane pieces, if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes syrup, 5 minutes mocha
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 1
Equipment: Gas Stove Top, Pyrex-style glass measuring cup, Small/medium saucepan, Wooden spoon, Breville Barista Express or similar espresso machine, STAR COFFEE stainless steel milk pitcher, Long, thin metal stirring spoon

Cooking Tips: