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!
Video
Comments & Reviews
Marsha Arditti says
I would love to make a peppermint mocha at home.
Melissa Fowers says
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!
Robert Young says
A Peppermint Mochas would be nice this time of year
Sarah Ferguson says
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
Chelsea Fairweather says
I’m excited to try the PC Black Label Peppermint Extract so I can recreate this drink! #PCBlackLabel #PlayWithYourFood
Jay Jeworski says
I’d like to try the PC Black label maple syrup on some weekend pancakes! #PCBlackLabel #PlayWithYourFood
Melissa Faulkner says
#PCBlackLabel #PlayWithYourFood I would use the peppermint extract to make chocolate mint pinwheel cookies!
Michelle M says
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
nicoleroannef says
I make a holiday batch of fudge every year. I’d love to try a mint version. #PCBlackLabel #PlayWithYourFood
Mary Alice says
How nice would it be to make a peppermint mocha at home rather than spending $47 at Starbucks for one! Thanks for sharing 🙂