Starbucks Peppermint Mocha

This Starbucks Peppermint Mocha is a rich, chocolatey coffee with a refreshing peppermint flavor. It’s a perfect holiday drink that you can make at home in just a few minutes!

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Ingredients Needed:

Mocha Syrup:

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder

Peppermint Syrup:

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons peppermint extract

Individual Coffee Serving:

• 2 teaspoons peppermint syrup
• 1 tablespoon mocha
• 4 ounces of espresso or strong coffee
• 8 ounces 2% milk steamed
• 2 tablespoons whipped cream

Optional:

• 2 teaspoons chocolate syrup
• 1 teaspoon peppermint candy crushed

How To Make Peppermint Mocha?

1. Make the peppermint syrup: Add 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar to a pot and bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, add 2 teaspoons peppermint extract, and let it cool. Store in a sealed container in the fridge. (For longer storage, mix in 1 teaspoon vodka to help preserve it.)
2. Make the mocha syrup: In a saucepan, whisk 1 cup sugar and 2 tablespoons cocoa powder together. Add 1 cup water, bring to a boil, and stir until smooth. Let it cool, then store it in the fridge.
3. Prepare the coffee: In a mug, mix 2 teaspoons of peppermint syrup and 1 tablespoon of mocha syrup. Add 4 ounces of hot espresso or strong coffee.
4. Steam the milk: Heat 8 ounces of milk in the microwave for 30-45 seconds. Froth using a milk frother or shake in a jar for 5-10 seconds to create foam.
5. Assemble the drink: Pour the steamed milk into the mug and stir gently. Top with whipped cream, drizzle with chocolate syrup and sprinkle crushed peppermint candy if desired.

Recipe Tips:

• Use Freshly Brewed Espresso for the Best Flavor: Fresh espresso or strong coffee gives the richest taste. Instant coffee won’t give the same deep flavor, so always brew fresh for the best results.
• Don’t Overheat the Milk: If milk gets too hot, it won’t froth well and can taste burnt. Keep it between 150-160°F for a creamy, smooth texture. If you don’t have a thermometer, heat until it’s warm but not boiling.
• Make Syrups in Advance for Quick Drinks: Prepare peppermint and mocha syrups ahead of time and store them in the fridge. This way, you can make a peppermint mocha in minutes whenever you crave one.
• Shake or Froth the Milk for a Coffee Shop Feel: If you don’t have a milk frother, pour warm milk into a jar, close the lid, and shake for 5-10 seconds. This creates a foamy texture similar to what you get at Starbucks.
• Layer Ingredients for a well-mixed Drink: To blend the flavors evenly, add syrups first, then coffee, and stir well before adding steamed milk. This ensures every sip has the perfect balance of chocolate, peppermint, and coffee.

How To Store & Reheat Leftovers?

• Refrigerate: Let the peppermint mocha cool down first. Then, store it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Stir before drinking, and warm it up if you like.
• Reheat: Pour the peppermint mocha into a small pot. Warm over low heat, stirring often, until heated through. Do not let it boil, or the milk may separate.

Nutrition Facts:

• Calories: 276 kcal
• Total Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 27mg
• Sodium: 134mg
• Potassium: 499mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 34g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 27g
• Protein: 9g