This Skinny Peppermint Mocha recipe is a calorie-friendly version of the famous Starbucks holiday drink that you can make year-round at home!
How to make a peppermint mocha
- Make the mint syrup.
- Add milk, cocoa powder and mint syrup to a mug.
- Microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- Brew two espresso shots.
- Add espresso to the milk mixture.
- Top with whipped cream and crushed candy canes and enjoy!
Ingredients and substitutions
- Almond milk – you can use any kind of milk but almond milk keeps the calorie count low.
- Cocoa powder – you could also melt chocolate chips at the bottom of your cup while microwaving, but it’ll increase the calories.
- Mint syrup – peppermint syrup might work just cut down on the amount or it’ll be too sweet.
- Espresso shots – you can use 1/3 to 1/2 cup of regular or decaf brew coffee instead.
- Light whipped cream – or a dairy-free alternative.
- Candy cane – crushed up peppermint candies would also be yummy.
What type of milk to use
I prefer to use a non-dairy milk like almond milk in order to keep the calorie count down. One cup of almond milk is just 30 calories compared to the 120 calories that cow's milk provides. You can choose any type of milk, but it just depends on how rich of a drink you want. Coconut milk and cashew milk are also great options!
Can you use real chocolate?
Yes you can! If you want a richer drink, cut the cocoa powder in half and add 1/2 tbsp of chocolate chips to the bottom of your cup of milk when microwaving. Stir everything together – you may need to microwave for an extra minute so that the chocolate chips get fully melted. I try to use a high-quality dark chocolate over milk chocolate if I use real chocolate so that it doesn't taste too sweet.
How many calories in a Starbucks peppermint mocha?
The Starbucks peppermint mocha has a whopping 440 calories for a Grande size (473 mL) whereas this skinny version only has 110 calories. You still get that delicious festive flavour but without the high calorie count, so you can enjoy your favourite holiday drink guilt-free!
Does peppermint mocha have caffeine?
Starbucks’ peppermint mocha has about 95 mg of caffeine and this skinny recipe calls for two shots of espresso. You can opt for a caffeine-free version by using decaf espresso.
More specialty coffee recipes
- Dalgona Coffee
- Homemade Nutella Latte
- Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew Coffee
- Starbucks holiday drinks (5 recipes!)
Meal prep tools for this recipe
- I use 16oz mason jars as cups and storage containers for the mint syrup
- Pick up some coffee beans or pre-ground coffee such as Lavazza
- You may need a coffee grinder if you're using fresh whole beans
Skinny Peppermint Mocha Recipe {Starbucks Copycat}
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup almond milk (can use any milk though)
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp mint syrup (see below)
- 2 espresso shots
- Light whipped cream (optional)
- 1/2 Candy cane, crushed
Mint syrup
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp mint extract
Instructions
- Make the mint syrup by mixing together boiling water, sugar and mint extract. Set aside - this syrup will last up to a month in the fridge so you can enjoy a skinny peppermint mocha all December long!
- Add milk, cocoa powder and mint syrup to a mug, then microwave 1-2 minutes (will depend on the power of your microwave and how hot you want your mocha). Stir well before and after microwaving.
- While milk mixture is in microwave, brew 2 espresso shots. Add shots to the milk mixture, then top with whipped cream and crushed candy canes (both optional toppings), then serve and enjoy!
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Nutrition
Mary Beth says
I made this with almond extract and it was delicious
Taylor Stinson says
I’m so happy you enjoyed 🙂
samantha says
The Spicy cheese twists would be fun and Vanilla ice cream sandwiches. #PCBlackLabel and #PlayWithYourFood
Travelbuds says
I would love to make fudge with PC Black Label peppermint extract. I’m sure it would be amazing. #PCBlackLabel #PlayWithYourFood
Soozle says
I would use the #PCBlackLabel peppermint extract to add to homemade browniies for a holiday twist. #PlayWithYourFood
Soozle says
I would love to try the #PCBlackLabel PC BLACK LABEL FIG CABERNET WINE JELLY and use it on top of baked brie for a great app! #PlayWithYourFood