Peppermint Mocha Coffee Drink (Printable Version)

A festive blend of espresso, chocolate, and peppermint enhanced with creamy toppings and garnishes.

# What You Need:

→ Coffee & Dairy

01 - 2 shots (2 fl oz) hot espresso or strong brewed coffee
02 - 1 cup (8 fl oz) whole milk or milk of choice

→ Chocolate

03 - 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
04 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, adjust to taste
05 - 2 tablespoons semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate

→ Peppermint

06 - 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract

→ Toppings (Optional)

07 - Whipped cream, for garnish
08 - Crushed peppermint candies or chocolate shavings, for garnish

# How to Make It:

01 - In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together milk, cocoa powder, sugar, and chocolate chips until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth and steaming; avoid boiling.
02 - Remove from heat and stir in peppermint extract until fully incorporated.
03 - Prepare 2 shots of espresso or strong brewed coffee.
04 - Divide espresso evenly between two mugs.
05 - Pour hot peppermint-chocolate milk over espresso in each mug and stir gently to combine.
06 - Top each mug with whipped cream and garnish with crushed peppermint candies or chocolate shavings if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes like a fancy café drink but takes just 10 minutes from start to sip, and costs a fraction of what you'd pay out
  • The peppermint and chocolate combination feels indulgent enough for holiday entertaining but simple enough for a quiet Tuesday morning
  • You control the sweetness and strength, so whether you like it milky-soft or boldly coffee-forward, it's yours to customize
02 -
  • Don't boil the milk mixture—you'll end up with a grainy texture and the cocoa powder becomes difficult to incorporate smoothly. Medium heat is your friend here, and watching it carefully makes all the difference.
  • Peppermint extract is concentrated. I learned this the hard way by doubling it once, and the result was more like drinking a candy cane. Start with the quarter teaspoon and adjust only if you want more.
03 -
  • If you're making these for a crowd, prepare the chocolate milk base in advance and gently reheat it on the stove or in a slow cooker. This lets you focus on perfecting each cup's coffee component without rushing.
  • Invest in good whipped cream or learn to make your own—it's just heavy cream and a minute of whisking, and it elevates the entire experience from café-nice to genuinely special.

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