This Skinny Peppermint Mocha recipe is a calorie-friendly version of the famous Starbucks holiday drink that you can make year-round at home!

This Peppermint Mocha coffee always gets me in the holiday spirit! It’s so much better when you make it at home.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Better than a coffee shop: Enjoy a rich, cafe-quality peppermint mocha at home anytime without the coffee shop line or price tag.
- Customizable: Adjust sweetness, milk type, or chocolate level to make it just how you like it.
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 make sure you 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 like coconut whipped cream.
- Candy cane – crushed up peppermint candies would also be yummy.

How to make the perfect peppermint mocha
Step 1: Make the syrup.
Mix together boiling water, sugar and mint extract.
Step 2: Mix the ingredients.
Add the milk, cocoa and syrup to a mug and microwave.
Step 3: Brew espresso.
Brew the espresso then pour it into the mug with the the milk mixture.
Step 4: Toppings.
Top with whipped cream, crushed candy canes and enjoy!

Why this version beats Starbucks
A Grande peppermint mocha from Starbucks has around 440 calories, while this homemade skinny version comes in at just about 110 and still delivers that festive chocolate peppermint flavour. It’s also more affordable and saves you the time of waiting in line.
Frequently asked questions
What is a peppermint mocha?
A peppermint mocha is a popular holiday drink and a festive spin on the traditional mocha latte. It has all the components of the latte (aka milk and espresso), in addition to mint syrup and cocoa powder.
Does this drink have caffeine?
Yes — this recipe uses two shots of espresso. You can make it decaf if you prefer a caffeine-free version.
What does it taste like?
Peppermint mochas taste like your favourite latte with the added flavours of chocolate and peppermint. It’s rich and full-flavoured thanks to the espresso, but sweet thanks to the chocolate and mint syrup!

Storing and reheating
While you can’t store this peppermint mocha, you can make the mint syrup ahead of time! Just keep it in a mason jar or airtight container in the fridge for up to one month. If your drink get’s cold you can always heat it back up in the microwave but it’s always best to enjoy hot when you first make it.
More festive drink recipes

Skinny Peppermint Mocha Recipe
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!



Comments & Reviews
Meg | Meg is Well says
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.
Taylor Stinson says
Aww thank you so much Meg, your comment made my day <3 Seriously, I have a drink for every season. It's bad. Hahaha
Debra C. says
Oh my goodness that mug-o-mocha looks incredible! Happy Holidays to you!
Taylor Stinson says
Thanks Debra! Happy holidays to you as well! 🙂
Karen @ Seasonal Cravings says
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!
Taylor Stinson says
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!
Veena says
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
Taylor Stinson says
Oh I LOVE cold coffee Veena! I seriously need to try this iced!
Ilona @ Ilona's Passion says
This is yummy drink during cold winter months! I could have it everyday all winter. And I love your videos!
Taylor Stinson says
Thanks so much Ilona!! 🙂
Kara @ Byte Sized Nutrition says
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!
Taylor Stinson says
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!
Annemarie @ justalittlebitofbacon says
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.
Taylor Stinson says
Thanks so much Annemarie! I’m hoping it slows down at least 😉
Charla @ That Girl Cooks Healthy says
Your photography is gorgeous and this mocha drink is so colourful and festive.
Taylor Stinson says
Thank you so much Charla!
Ali @ Home & Plate says
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!
Taylor Stinson says
This is totally like a dessert – you could always leave the coffee out 🙂
Allison - Celebrating Sweets says
I love making coffee shop favorites at home. Can’t wait to try this version of one of my holiday faves!
Taylor Stinson says
Thanks so much Allison, let me know if you do!