Description
A quick and easy homemade Peppermint Mocha using simple ingredients like cocoa powder, candy cane, and strong brewed coffee to create a festive and comforting holiday drink.
Ingredients
Scale
Base 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
Optional Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream
- Whipped cream for topping
Instructions
- Crush Candy Cane: Place the candy cane in a zip-top bag and crush it into small crumbs using a meat mallet or rolling pin to help it dissolve easily later.
- Make Chocolate Syrup: In a small pot over medium heat, combine cocoa powder, 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 frequently, until the milk is steaming and the candy cane has dissolved. If the milk starts to simmer before the candy is fully dissolved, lower the heat. Whisk vigorously to create a slight foam.
- Combine with Coffee: Pour hot strongly brewed coffee into an 8-ounce mug, then add the milk and chocolate mixture along with heavy cream if using. Stir well.
- Adjust Sweetness and Serve: Taste the drink and add more sugar if desired. Top with whipped cream if preferred. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade peppermint mocha.
Notes
- This recipe uses a crushed candy cane to add natural peppermint flavor—no need for peppermint extract or syrup.
- Use any milk type, including plant-based alternatives, to suit dietary needs.
- Heavy cream is optional but adds richness and creaminess to the mocha.
- Adjust sugar according to your taste preference since the candy cane adds sweetness.
- Use freshly brewed strong coffee to get the best mocha flavor.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives and skip whipped cream or use a nondairy topping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
