Skinny Peppermint Mocha Recipe
This Skinny Peppermint Mocha is a delicious, calorie-wise version of the Starbucks holiday coffee drink complete with candy canes, whipped cream and mint syrup!
This post is sponsored by PC Black Label – thanks for supporting the brands that help keep my blog up and running!
I don't know about you but I am completely in the holiday mood now that we are about a month away from Christmas! My roommate and I have our Christmas decorations up, and I'm getting into complete cozy mode for the rest of the season, which will definitely involve plenty of these Skinny Peppermint Mochas!
I grabbed one recently at one of my favourite coffee shops while out and about doing some holiday shopping and I guess you could say it's been a while since I indulged in one since I only just noticed how pricey they are! $6 for a peppermint mocha?! No thank you!
I love my fancy coffee drinks and they're a great way to get in the holiday spirit, but I just can't justify the price or the calories. What's a girl to do? Well, make her own homemade peppermint mocha, and make a healthier version!
Aside from these homemade peppermint mochas, downtown Toronto really is the place to be if you want to get in the holiday spirit. We've got this giant outdoor Christmas market in the Distillery District that everybody highlights on Instagram (it's practically obligatory) and just about everywhere you go there are lots of lights and decorations.
Even the CN Tower is lit up red and green, it's so cool!
With the end of the year coming up fast, I've got a special giveaway available to readers thanks to my partnership with PC Black Label! If you've been following along with my blog this year, then you'll know I’ve been working with President’s Choice and their PC Black Label for the past two years in a row – they send me a surprise black box full of amazing ingredients and then I get to develop a new recipe with them!
And of course we'd love for you to get in on the action and learn to #PlayWithYourFood too! Keep scrolling to find out how to win a PC Black Label black box of your very own as well as a $50 PC gift card – I told you this is the best time of the year!
I love PC Black Label because the products are aimed at passionate foodies who love experimenting in the kitchen. The products are inspired by current food trends that encourage you to think outside the box to create something delicious at home. I've received everything from squid ink pasta to pizza sauce and pickled hot peppers.
This month, I received PC Black Label Fig Cabernet Wine Jelly, PC Black Label Pure Peppermint Extract and PC Black Label Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Bean in my PC Black Label black box, and immediately the peppermint extract stood out to me as the clear choice in making something special for the holidays.
How to Make a Skinny Peppermint Mocha
Now the key to making this Skinny Peppermint Mocha is by using non-dairy milk and cocoa powder instead of real chocolate to keep the calorie count down. Technically you can use any type of milk in your peppermint mocha though, so don't be afraid to use what you have on hand! I just prefer almond milk because it's super low in calories and it also blends well with the cocoa powder and coffee, though coconut milk would also be amazing.
You'll want to make the peppermint syrup first though, and it's SO easy. You'll be able to store the syrup in a mason jar in the fridge so you can enjoy peppermint mochas all month long – it's basically just a blend of sugar and boiling water, then you'll add a tablespoon of peppermint extract to the mix.
A little bit of the peppermint syrup goes a long way and the cocoa powder adds the chocolate flavour. Top with 2 espresso shots and you have a delish Skinny Peppermint Mocha in no time!
Don't you sometimes wish Christmas could be as magical a time when you're an adult? Nowadays, special occasions feel like they just fly by in such a rush! That's why I love to be able to stretch out the celebrations and take a little bit of me time with this sort of mocha latte.
Enjoy one or two while you're wrapping presents or completing other activities that lead up to the holidays. You'll feel great about saving money and still indulging in one of your favourite coffee recipes at home!
And if you're looking for more delicious coffee recipes, I have some iced coffee recipes that are perfect for year round drinking (yes, I'll drink iced coffee even in a blizzard!!!), and you will also love this Cinnamon Dolce Latte.
Will you be making your own Homemade Skinny Peppermint Mocha?
And of course you'll also want to join in on this awesome giveaway for a chance to win your very own black box! All you have to do is let me know what you would make with the ingredients from this month's PC Black Label black box – make sure you use the hashtags #PCBlackLabel and #PlayWithYourFood in your entry! Enter via the Rafflecopter box below!
For more inspiration and for the full collection of products, visit pc.ca/blacklabel!
Homemade Peppermint Mocha (Video!)
Ingredients
- 3/4 cups 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!
Nutrition
I love making coffee shop favorites at home. Can’t wait to try this version of one of my holiday faves!
Thanks so much Allison, let me know if you do!
I am not a regular coffee drinker but I think I could get used to drinking this mocha on a regular basis. It’s almost like dessert. What a treat. Happy Holidays!
This is totally like a dessert – you could always leave the coffee out 🙂
Your photography is gorgeous and this mocha drink is so colourful and festive.
Thank you so much Charla!
Mmmm. That looks like Christmas in cup! I love that you layered on mint plus MORE mint and chocolate and MORE chocolate. And I hope you enjoy your slower paced Christmas season this year.
Thanks so much Annemarie! I’m hoping it slows down at least 😉
This looks like the perfect treat to make the cold weather bearable during the winter. I admittedly spend way too much money on coffee, so this is perfect!
Thanks Kara! OMG tell me about it. I had a bad Starbucks addiction for a little while there. Didn’t help I lived right across the street from one!
This is yummy drink during cold winter months! I could have it everyday all winter. And I love your videos!
Thanks so much Ilona!! 🙂
I’m not a usual coffee drinker but I do indulge in cold coffees once in a while – I think i’ll make this very soon. Looks so festive – love those colors
Oh I LOVE cold coffee Veena! I seriously need to try this iced!
I love this time of year so much just like you. I enjoy holiday decorating even more when I have a delicious treat like this in my hand. It looks so good! Great video!
Aww thanks Karen! I know, I feel like holiday food and drink just make the traditions of this time of year so much more special!
Oh my goodness that mug-o-mocha looks incredible! Happy Holidays to you!
Thanks Debra! Happy holidays to you as well! 🙂
I definitely remember pinning this somewhere! So beautiful and just how PSL people wait in anticipation for fall, I wait for December so I can drink Peppermint Mochas! Now I don’t have to hand all my money over to Starbucks.
Aww thank you so much Meg, your comment made my day <3 Seriously, I have a drink for every season. It's bad. Hahaha
How nice would it be to make a peppermint mocha at home rather than spending $47 at Starbucks for one! Thanks for sharing 🙂
I make a holiday batch of fudge every year. I’d love to try a mint version. #PCBlackLabel #PlayWithYourFood
This skinny Peppermint mocha sounds awesome! What a perfect way to use this peppermint extract! I can’t wait to try it out. That fig wine jelly also sounds exquisite. I’d pair that with some cheese. Maybe put it on top of some cheese (maybe goat?) that’s baked in a little tenderflake phyllo in a muffin tray? Easy app for the holidays! Thank you again for sharing your recipe! #PCBlackLabel #PlayWithYourFood
#PCBlackLabel #PlayWithYourFood I would use the peppermint extract to make chocolate mint pinwheel cookies!
I’d like to try the PC Black label maple syrup on some weekend pancakes! #PCBlackLabel #PlayWithYourFood
I’m excited to try the PC Black Label Peppermint Extract so I can recreate this drink! #PCBlackLabel #PlayWithYourFood
I’d use the Fig Cabernet Wine Jelly to make an appetizer. I’d roast goat cheese on mini baguette crisps then add a dollop of the jelly. #PlayWithYourFood #PCBlacklabel #giveaway
A Peppermint Mochas would be nice this time of year
PC has new toffee covered cashews I would love to try! I cant wait to try this drink I will make it with fresh baked short bread cookies!
I would love to make a peppermint mocha at home.
I would like to try PC Black Label Blonde Chocolate Dessert Sauce (http://www.presidentschoice.ca/en_CA/products/productlisting/pc-black-label-blonde-chocolate-dessert-sauce.html), and would probably use it to make a cake frosting.
#PCBlackLabel #PlayWithYourFood
Perfect Christmas treat can’t wait to try
I would use the peppermint extract along with crushed candy sticks in ice cream.
I would actually like to try to make the homemade peppermint mocha from this blog post! I would use PC Black Label peppermint extract. #PCBlackLabel #PlayWithYourFood
I would like to use the PC BLACK LABEL MADAGASCAR BOURBON VANILLA BEAN to make Crème Brûlée #PCBlackLabel #PlayWithYourFood
I’d like to try the peppermint extract when baking cookies this Christmas.
I would love to try PC Black Label peppermint extract and use it to make candy cane fudge #pcblacklabel #playwithyourfood
That mocha looks amazing . Would love to try the peppermint . Perfect for the holidays.
I’d try the mushroom and black truffle pesto on a pizza! #PCBlackLabel #PlayWithYourFood
mmm I would use it to make peppermint brownies, they are so yummy, #PCBlackLabel #PlayWithYourFood
I’d try the mocha alongside the jelly and crackers – and now I’m hungry! #PCBlackLabel #PlayWithYourFood
I would love to try PC Black Label peppermint extract by adding it to brownies
Oh it would be so amazing to get some PC Black Label Peppermint Extract! I would use it to make my annual peppermint patties, candy cane bark and truffles. #PCBlackLabel #PlayWithYourFood
I also would put PC Black Label peppermint extract in chocolate pudding or in a chocolate bark recipe! #PCBlackLabel #PlayWithYourFood
Yes, I would like to try the Black Label peppermint extract. I’m not so much on peppermint in my coffee, but hot peppermint chocolate is a weakness of mine. Anything with peppermint and chocolate.
I’m excited to try the PC BLACK LABEL PURE PEPPERMINT EXTRACT. Perfect for hot chocolate and brownies! Everything would taste like Christmas! #pcblacklabel #playwithyourfood
I would love to try PC Black Label Lemon curd fruit filling to make lemon curd squares.
I would use the PC Peppermint extract to flavour the custard/icing layer of my Christmas Nanaimo bars.
Sorry, I forgot to include #PCBlackLabe #PlayWithYourFood with my previous comment! I would use the PC Peppermint extract to flavour the custard powder/icing layer of my Christmas Nanaimo bars
I would use the peppermint extract for my Christmas bark! #PCBlackLabel #PlayWithYourFood
i want to try the black label truffle oil
I would love the PC black label peppermint extract to make mint sugar cookies #PCBlackLabel and #PlayWithYourFood
I would use the Peppermint Extract to make peppermint white chocolate bark with candy cane pieces and I would use the Apricot riesling wine jelly on brie and waffer crackers
forgot to add #PCBlackLabel #PlayWithYourFood to my comment
#PCBlackLabel #PlayWithYourFood I would love to try the Black Label pancake syrups, so many flavours, to use on pancakes and waffles. love to try the Blackberry! Also with holiday baking ahead the extracrs would be great to try!
#PCBlackLabel #PlayWithYourFood peppermint extract in my hot chocolate
I will be hosting a cookie exchange and I know the Peppermint Mocha will be a hit with my girlfriends, especially so when it has the word skinny in it! #PCBlackLabel and #PlayWithYourFood
I would love to use PC Black Label Peppermint Extract and use it to make chocolate mint hot chocolate drinks! Yum 🙂 Happy Holidays! #pcblacklabel #playwithyourfood
#PCBlackLabel #PlayWithYourFood The peppermint looks good!
the peppermint would be great for my Christmas themed playdough for my students and me for hot cocoa. #PCBlackLabel #PlayWithYourFood
I would love to try the PC Black Label peppermint extract in almond bark #PCBlackLabel #PlayWithYourFood
I’d try to make the peppermint latte, of course, and now that it’s time for me to soon start my holiday baking I’d use the PC Black Label Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Bean in lieu of my – gasp – artificial vanilla extract. #PCBlackLabel #PlayWithYourFood
I would love to try the Madagascar Bourbon vanilla bean! #PlayWithYourFood #PCBlackLabel
I’d use the peppermint along with shaved Black Label Belgian Dar.k Chocolate, and make my own mocha coffee. #PCBlackLabel #PlayWithYourFood
I’d love to try the PC Black Label peppermint extract in peppermints. 🙂 Seems basic I know, but I’ve never made candy and I’d love to try making those minty pillow candies a restaurant in my hometown used to have at the door to take when you left. #PCBlackLabel #PlayWithYourFood
Can’t wait to try this mocha, love coffee ! Your pictures are beautiful
Love to make some Chocolate Peppermint Bark! #PCBlackLabel #PlayWithYourFood
I would make hubby a candy cane latte with this. #PCBlackLabel #PlayWithYourFood
I do a lot of baking. I think the Madagascar Bourbon vanilla bean! #PlayWithYourFood #PCBlackLabel would be great for my gumdrop cake.
I would love to try the PC Black Label peppermint extract in Brownies!! Yummy!! #PCBlackLabel #PlayWithYourFood
I would make peppermint chocolate bark #PCBlackLabel and #PlayWithYourFood
PC Black Label peppermint extract would be great to use to make cookies #pcblacklabel #playwithyourfood
I would definitely buy the PC Black Label Marinara Pasta Sauce! #PCBlackLabel #PlayWithYourFood
I LOVE cold coffee Veena
I would use the PC Black Label peppermint extract in my Christmas cookies.
#Oh my this looks so good I would love to try to make it at home
#pCBlackLabel #PlayWithYourFood
#PCBlackLabel #PlayWithYourFood I would use the peppermint in my Christmas cookies.
Peppermint chocolate cookies
I would love to try this new peppermint drink…great for the holidays!
The mug o mocha looks devine, not sure I could stop at one cup lol. #PCBlackLabel #PlayWithYourFood
There are so many PC products and PC Black Label products I love and want to try (the quality is always super-high and its a premium product). But I do really want to try the PC Black Label Peppermint Extract; I would incorporate it into my Peppermint Candy Cane Brownies, or into my famous Peppermint Christmas Gin and Tonic drink. On a side note, my little sister is pregnant and I make a peppermint tea for her to deal with the nausea, so this would be perfect. Thank you! #PCBlackLabel #PlayWithYourFood
I like the sounds of the Black Label Cabernet Wine Jelly #PCBlackLabel #PlayWithYourFood
I would use the PC Black Label Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Bean in my sugar tart instead of my artificial vanilla extract. #PlayWithYourFood This mocha drink is so beautiful and festive!
I love PC Black label Maple syrup
I would use the Pure Peppermint Extract to make Dark Chocolate Peppermint Patty Cookies! #PCBlackLabel #PlayWithYourFood
I would love to make the homemade peppermint mocha #PCBlackLabel #PlayWithYourFood
I make chocolate mint patties every couple of years and could definitely use the peppermint extract in that. #PCBlackLabel #PlayWithYourFood
I would love to try the PC Black Label Peppermint Extract so I can try to make this drink! It looks delicious #PCBlackLabel #PlayWithYourFood
With the PC Black Label Peppermint Extract I think I would love to make some Candy Cane fudge #PCBlackLabel #PlayWithYourFood
I would use the Pure Peppermint Extract for some peppermint whipping cream on top of chocolate pie 🙂 #PCBlackLabel #PlayWithYourFood
I’d love to try the Madagascar Bourbon vanilla bean! I think it would be amazing in some of my holiday baking.
I forgot to include the #PCBlackLabel and #PlayWithYourFood in my last post! I’d love to try the PC Black Label Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Bean.
#PCBlackLabel #PlayWithYourFood I would use the peppermint extract to make chocolate mint shortbread cookies
I would love to use PC Black Label peppermint extract to make chocolate peppermint cookies. #PCBlackLabel #PlayWithYourFood
There are many Black Label products I’ve yet to try but the Fig Cabernet Wine Jelly speaks to me and now I want to cook, I can picture this drizzled over pan friend chicken or salmon on a bed of wild rice, tossed into roasted vegtable bits, topped with diced nuts. So many idea’s!
I would try this with fudge. Thanks for the chance.
I would love to try the PC Black Label Peppermint Extract.. I would use it to make some chocolate peppermint cookies. #PCBlackLabel #PlayWithYourFood
I love PC!!! I’d love to try the PC BLACK LABEL CHERRY TOMATO AND FENNEL SAUCE and i would use it in my bolognese. Fennel is so good for the tummy and I can already imagine the delicious taste it would add
#PCBlackLabel #PlayWithYourFood
The peppermint extract sounds awesome. PC Black Label also has some interesting products with bacon. mmmmm…. bacon.
I’d love to try the Pc Black label lemon curd filling to make a layer cake. #PCBlackLabel #PlayWithYourFood
I’d love the PC Black Label Peppermint Extract to make mint Nanaimo Bars! #PCBlackLabel #PlayWithYourFood
Looks delicious! Mmmm want to try.
I would use the peppermint extract to make candy cane cookies! They have been a family favourite for years. #PCBlackLabel #PlayWithYourFood
I would get the PC Black Label Spicy Horseradish Prepared Mustard to serve with roasted beef. #PCBlackLabel #PlayWithYourFood
I would like to try the PC Black Label peppermint extract to make some chocolate peppermint fudge #PCBlackLabel #PlayWithYourFood
I’d use the PC Black Label peppermint extract to make some peppermint cake!
#PCBlackLabel #PlayWithYourFood
I would the PC Black Label peppermint extract in a peppermint cheesecake #PCBlackLabel #PlayWithYourFood
I would use the PC Black Label peppermint extract to make some minty fudge. #PCBlackLabel #PlayWithYourFood
I would like to try the PC BLACK LABEL 100% PURE ROASTED ALMOND OIL. and use it in my salads #PCBlackLabel #PlayWithYourFood
i would use the peppermint in my baking such as fudge #PCBlackLabel #PlayWithYourFood
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
I would use the #PCBlackLabel peppermint extract to add to homemade browniies for a holiday twist. #PlayWithYourFood
I would love to make fudge with PC Black Label peppermint extract. I’m sure it would be amazing. #PCBlackLabel #PlayWithYourFood
The Spicy cheese twists would be fun and Vanilla ice cream sandwiches. #PCBlackLabel and #PlayWithYourFood