A peppermint mocha is the quintessential holiday and Christmas drink. It’s like sipping on a cup of winter—creamy, chocolatey, with just the right pop of mint to make it feel festive. Its perfect balance of sweet and minty notes makes it a favorite for coffee enthusiasts and those who prefer their beverages on the sweeter side.

But why limit yourself to just enjoying it at your favorite coffee shop? With a few simple ingredients and some easy steps, you can whip up a delicious peppermint mocha right in your own kitchen and customize it exactly the way you like it. Plus, it’s way more budget-friendly and fun to make your kitchen smell like a minty chocolate dream.

Here’s how to make a sweet and refreshing peppermint mocha at home!

What is a Peppermint Mocha?

A peppermint mocha is the perfect blend of two iconic flavors: mint and chocolate. You get the minty freshness, rich chocolate, plus the addition of a slightly bitter espresso. It’s a mature take on this classic and well-loved flavor, which you can find in many sweets, from ice cream, cake, cookies, and candies.

This holiday favorite drink combines espresso, milk, chocolate, ice, and peppermint syrup for a cozy yet refreshing treat. A peppermint mocha is usually served hot, but you can also get or make it cold! It’s a little sweet, a little bold, and perfectly balanced.

Is Peppermint Mocha a Hot Chocolate?

A peppermint mocha is similar to a hot chocolate, but not the same.

A peppermint mocha is a coffee-based drink with espresso, milk, chocolate, and peppermint. Adding espresso gives it a caffeine boost and a touch of bitterness that balances the sweetness of the chocolate and peppermint.

That said, if you skip the espresso, you essentially have a peppermint hot chocolate. So, while they’re closely related, the espresso turns a peppermint hot cocoa into a peppermint mocha! It’s what gives a peppermint mocha that signature mocha vibe.

What Does a Peppermint Mocha Taste Like?

If you’ve ever had a chocolate peppermint candy or bark, it’s a lot like that but creamier and more bitter, thanks to the steamed milk and espresso. But in other words, a peppermint mocha tastes like winter magic in a cup!

The chocolate adds a sweet, velvety richness, while the peppermint brings a cool, crisp contrast that makes every sip feel fresh. The coffee adds depth, making it feel more balanced and less like dessert—though it’s definitely a treat! Together, they create an indulgent drink that’s also refreshing.

Is a Peppermint Mocha Only for the Holidays?

While the peppermint mocha is iconic during the holiday season, it’s definitely not limited to it!

Sure, the combination of peppermint and chocolate feels like a winter wonderland in a cup, but who says you can’t enjoy that cozy flavor combo all year long? If you’re craving one in the middle of summer, why not treat yourself to a peppermint mocha over ice? It’s just as refreshing and keeps you cool.

Many large coffee chains, like Starbucks, make peppermint syrup available year-round, so you can order this festive drink even when it’s not listed on the menu. Just ask for a mocha with peppermint syrup and voilà! You’ve got your peppermint mocha fix, no matter the season.

How to Make Peppermint Syrup

Peppermint syrup is the key to capturing that minty freshness in your drink.

To make it at home, combine 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of water, and a teaspoon of peppermint extract in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves. Once cooled, transfer the syrup to a jar or bottle for easy use.

Homemade peppermint syrup is a game-changer because you can control the intensity of the mint flavor. Want it bolder? Add a little more extract. Prefer it subtle? Use less. It’s also perfect for adding a festive twist to other drinks like hot chocolate or tea.

Here’s a hack if you have leftover candy canes: Crush peppermint candies and dissolve in hot water to make a fast peppermint syrup!

How to Make a Peppermint Mocha

Here’s what you’ll need to make a peppermint mocha at home:

• Peppermint extract or peppermint syrup
• Sugar
• Water
• Espresso
• Cocoa powder or chocolate syrup
• Ice
• Milk

Peppermint Mocha Recipe

1. Brew espresso. Brew espresso or strong coffee and set aside.
2. Make peppermint syrup. For homemade peppermint syrup, boil water and sugar until they dissolve, then add peppermint extract. You can also dissolve peppermint candies into water instead. Let cool before use.
3. Sweeten milk. Mix chocolate syrup or cocoa powder and peppermint syrup into the milk until dissolved and well combined. If using cocoa powder, dissolve it in a little bit of hot water first.
4. Assemble drink. Add ice and sweetened milk into a separate cup, then pour over the espresso.
5. Optional garnish. Top with whipped cream and garnish with peppermint candies or chocolate drizzle.
6. Mix and enjoy!

Other Ways to Make a Peppermint Mocha

Don’t have certain ingredients at home? No problem! Here are other ways to make a peppermint mocha without worrying about buying new ingredients.

• Chocolate syrup + peppermint syrup: Combine store-bought syrups for an easy shortcut to a delicious peppermint mocha. Just be careful about how much sugar you’re adding.
• Homemade peppermint syrup + cocoa powder: Use cocoa powder for a deeper chocolate flavor and a less sweet option. Plus, you can also control how sweet your peppermint syrup is.
• Peppermint bark: Melt a piece of peppermint bark into warm espresso for an ultra easy peppermint mocha recipe.
• Peppermint hot chocolate mix: Add espresso and milk to a peppermint hot chocolate mix for an instant peppermint mocha.

Peppermint Mocha Variations

• White Chocolate Peppermint Mocha: Swap chocolate syrup for white chocolate syrup for a creamy, sweet alternative.
• Peppermint Cookies and Creme: Blend or crush Oreo cookies and add them to your drink for a cookies and creme twist. Better yet, use peppermint Oreo cookies.
• Peppermint Mocha Frappe: Blend your peppermint mocha with ice for a refreshing frappe version.
• Dark Chocolate Peppermint: Use dark chocolate syrup for a richer, less sweet flavor.
• Protein Peppermint Mocha: Add a scoop of chocolate protein powder instead of chocolate syrup.
• Peppermint Bark Mocha: Garnish with or melt peppermint bark for a luxurious finish.

Tips

Here are some tips for making a delicious peppermint mocha at home!

• Go Nondairy: If you’re skipping dairy, you can easily swap out regular milk for almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, or even coconut milk.
• Make It Caffeine-Free: Not a fan of caffeine or want to enjoy it later in the day? Use decaf espresso or coffee for a comforting, caffeine-free version.
• Experiment with Different Types of Mint: Peppermint is classic, but you can also try spearmint or a mix of mint flavors to switch things up. Just keep in mind that spearmint is milder and sweeter compared to peppermint’s sharp, bold flavor.
• Sweeten Your Way: Use honey, agave, coconut sugar, or sugar-free alternatives like stevia or monk fruit. These can subtly enhance your mocha while catering to your dietary needs.
• More Peppermint Flavor: If you’re a peppermint fanatic, add a drop of peppermint extract to your drink. Start small—peppermint extract is potent—and adjust to taste for that perfect minty kick.
• Peppermint Mocha for a Crowd: Hosting a gathering? Make a big batch of peppermint mocha in a slow cooker or on the stovetop. Prep your base with coffee or hot chocolate, add peppermint syrup, and let guests customize it with their favorite toppings. For iced versions, add it to a spouted jug for easy pouring. Perfect for holiday parties or cozy get-togethers!