Homemade Peppermint Mocha Latte

This yummy homemade peppermint mocha has your favorite chocolate and peppermint flavor combination without the sugar overload you’ll get from the coffee shop version! Perfect for winter or all year long!

From the start of the fall season through Thanksgiving, I fully embrace and adore the Pumpkin Spice Latte. No other flavor gets any love when the PSL is available.

And then turkey coma kicks in, the clock strikes twelve, and madness ensues at Walmart. That’s my cue to switch to peppermint mocha. And leave Walmart.

I’m not a huge fan of candy canes by themselves, but stick that flavor in a cup of cocoa and I’m in love! Honestly, can there be a better way to start the day than candy canes and cocoa in your coffee?

I think not.

If you’re a fan of the Starbucks peppermint mocha, try this homemade version instead!

HOMEMADE PEPPERMINT MOCHA LATTE

This peppermint mocha recipe is the perfect quick treat to enjoy on a cold day. I love that it is:

• Versatile. Bump the sweetener up or down, use dairy-free milk, and mix it with your favorite coffee.
• Better for you. This homemade version is quite a bit better for you than the Starbucks favorite, made with natural flavor, real food ingredients, and far less sugar.
• Easy to make! If you can brew coffee and stir, you can make a peppermint mocha. Perfect for all skill levels.
• Quick. I like my warm mug of coffee in the morning as soon as I wake up. This recipe is perfect for a fast cup of coffee – much quicker than waiting in line for a mocha peppermint Starbucks drink.
• Cheaper. Have you seen the price of a latte recently? This homemade version is several DOLLARS cheaper.

Yes, if you like the coffee shop flavor but want to enjoy it in your pajamas, a homemade peppermint mocha latte is for you! Coffee lovers, unite!

PEPPERMINT MOCHA RECIPE INGREDIENTS

Here’s what you’ll need to make this fantastic peppermint mocha recipe at home.

• Peppermint. This can be crushed peppermint candies or peppermint extract.
• Vanilla. You can use vanilla extract (here’s how to make it homemade) or liquid vanilla stevia.
• Cocoa Powder. Dutch-process cocoa powder is my favorite, but any rich chocolate will do. You could also stir in a Tablespoon of white chocolate chips if you prefer a white peppermint mocha.
• Coffee. Use your favorite home-brewed strong coffee. Or use a double shot of espresso if you happen to have a fancy coffee machine at home.
• Cream or hot milk. Whichever you prefer! I like whole milk.

Note: You can also add a Tablespoon of maple syrup as a natural sweetener. As written, this peppermint coffee drink is not overly sweet like a peppermint latte from the local shop, so don’t mix it up expecting that! Instead, we’re getting the flavor of chocolate and mint without the sugar overload.

HOW TO MAKE PEPPERMINT MOCHA DRINKS AT HOME

Peppermint mocha drinks can be made in 3 easy steps.

Step 1. Brew coffee.

Step 2. Add peppermint, vanilla, cocoa powder, stevia or optional maple syrup, and cream or milk.

Step 3. Stir to enjoy.

That’s it!!

Now I know this isn’t a true latte with the frothed milk, shots of espresso, peppermint syrup, and whipped cream. BUT you can enjoy this in your jammies at home without ever waiting in line. I think it’ll do for a sweet winter treat. And if you want to swirl on some Homemade Whipped Cream or top with chocolate shavings, feel free!

DAIRY-FREE PEPPERMINT MOCHA OPTIONS

Need a dairy-free peppermint mocha recipe? Try one of these delicious non-dairy milk options and mix up the peppermint mocha recipe as directed.

• Almond Milk
• Hemp Milk
• Cashew Milk
• Coconut Milk
• Peanut Milk
• Rice Milk

STARBUCKS PEPPERMINT MOCHA COPYCAT TIPS

If you have a milk frother (like this one), you can heat milk in a small saucepan over medium heat, froth the milk, and then add it to your coffee. It’s delicious! Or if you don’t have a milk frother, you can add your ingredients to a mason jar and shake well. Be sure to use a towel when holding the mason jar. It can get hot!

Would you like it iced? Just add all ingredients plus ice to a mason jar and shake well. This works best if your coffee is already cold. Or you could use an instant espresso.

This recipe works really well for hot chocolate, too. Omit the coffee and add the other ingredients to your favorite hot chocolate recipe.

MACRO-FRIENDLY PEPPERMINT MOCHA RECIPE

It’s no secret that calories in beverages can add up quickly and are honestly often a waste of your calories. But if you like your coffee with cream or flavor, homemade versions of your favorite drinks can be a more macro-friendly option for you!

Let’s break it down.

Protein. A homemade peppermint mocha isn’t going to have much protein on its own, BUT you can use it as a vehicle for your collagen or protein powder (chocolate or vanilla flavors would both work here).

Fat. Coffee itself doesn’t have fat, so the amount here will depend on which milk or cream you choose. Stick with low-fat steamed milk to keep this number low, or indulge with a splash of cream. Just be sure to track your choice accurately.

Carbohydrates. The carbs here will mostly come from any sweetener that you add. If you want to sweeten your peppermint mocha with maple syrup, you’ll add about 13g of carbs per Tablespoon. That’s still a far cry from the 63g of carbs in a medium Starbucks peppermint mocha!

MOCHA PEPPERMINT STARBUCKS COPYCAT FAQS

MORE FAVORITE SPECIALTY COFFEE DRINKS

• Pumpkin Spice Latte
• Salted Caramel Latte
• Gingerbread Latte
• Cinnamon Dolce Latte
• Pumpkin Spice Apple Cider
• Homemade Instant Hot Cocoa