Enjoy your favorite wintertime flavors from your favorite coffee chain all year round with this simple recipe that tastes just like the real thing!
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DIY Starbucks peppermint mocha
Do you find yourself craving your favorite Starbucks seasonal drinks, even when they’re not on the menu? There’s no reason to be at the mercy of the calendar. The Starbucks Peppermint Mocha is simple to recreate at home, whether you’re an experienced barista or just a lover of a good cup of joe.
What makes the Starbucks Peppermint Mocha so good?
It’s hard to beat the combination of flavors in a peppermint mocha. For many, it’s truly a taste of the holidays and wintertime! The richness and bitterness of the coffee contrast perfectly with the refreshing zing of mint and are rounded out with a powerful chocolatey boost. Don’t forget the delightful caffeine boost for those who need a bit of energy!
Why you’ll love this recipe
There’s a lot to love about this simple recipe, especially how it allows you to enjoy this formerly seasonal drink whenever a craving strikes. In addition, it’s easy to prepare two key ingredients – the peppermint and chocolate syrups – in larger batches, so you’ll have them ready for your next peppermint mocha.
It’s also easy to customize to your taste with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients you’ll need
Making a Starbucks Peppermint Mocha at home requires a handful of common ingredients and a few easy-to-find specialty ones:
- Water
- Sugar
- Peppermint extract
- Cocoa powder
- Strong coffee or espresso
- Milk (2% preferred)
- Whipped cream
- Optional toppings: chocolate syrup, crushed candy cane, or crushed peppermint candy
Ingredient notes and variations
Those looking to enjoy the holiday flavors of a peppermint mocha without the caffeine can also swap out the traditional coffee or espresso for decaf versions for an otherwise identical result.
In addition, it’s possible to whip up a “skinny” peppermint mocha by using non-fat milk and sugar-free peppermint syrup.
The key to a perfect copycat peppermint mocha is getting the syrup ratios right – start with less and adjust to taste.
How to make Starbucks peppermint mocha
The first step to a delicious homemade peppermint mocha just like Starbucks is to make the peppermint syrup:
- Combine water and sugar and bring to a boil in a medium-sized pot. Stir until sugar is dissolved.
- Remove from heat and add the peppermint extract. Allow the mixture to cool.
A teaspoon of vodka can be a useful addition to the peppermint syrup, as it helps preserve the mixture for up to four weeks when refrigerated.
Next, make the mocha syrup, which provides a rich chocolate note with a hint of bitterness to contrast with the peppermint:
- Whisk together cocoa powder and sugar, then add to a small saucepan with water.
- Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool.
Like the peppermint syrup, store your mocha syrup in the fridge.
As with many Starbucks specialty drinks, you’ll need espresso for a truly authentic recreation. Home baristas without a true espresso machine have three options:
- Invest in an inexpensive stovetop coffeemaker like the Bialetti Moka Pot. This simple yet innovative device uses steam forced over coffee grounds to generate a rich coffee flavor.
- Double the amount of ground coffee and prepare it as usual with your everyday coffee maker.
- Buy and add espresso powder to your coffee, which helps provide drip coffee a richness more typical of traditional espresso.
Make the peppermint mocha latte:
- Combine the two syrups and your coffee or espresso in your mug.
- Add steamed milk. If you don’t have a dedicated steamer, heat your milk on the stovetop or in the microwave, then place it in a sealed jar or container and shake.
- Once you’ve combined the syrups, espresso, and frothed milk, top your drink with whipped cream, chocolate syrup, chocolate shavings, peppermint crumbles, and any others your tastebuds desire.
What to serve peppermint mocha for perfect pairings
Complement your sweet, energizing peppermint mocha with your favorite baked goods, candy, and more. When available, holiday cookies can genuinely hit the spot! All of these suggestions compliment the peppermint flavor of this drink.
| Suggestions | Flavor Notes | |
| Baked goods | brownies, cookies, pound cake, | Rich & sweet |
| Holiday treats | candy cames, peppermint bark | Minty fresh |
| Chocolates | dark chocolate, truffles | Deep & complex |
| Light bites | Biscotti, shortbread | Subtle & crisp |
More Starbucks copycat recipes
- Eggnog Latte
- Pumpkin Spice Latte
- Maple Pecan Latte
- Snickerdoodle Hot Chocolate
- White Chocolate Mocha
- Honey Citrus Mint Tea
- Caramel Macchiato
- Flat White Coffee
- Cranberry Bliss Bar
- Pumpkin Bread with Pumpkin Seeds
Favorite Christmas Treats
Be sure to check out more of my Christmas recipes and the best copycat Starbucks recipes right here on CopyKat.com!
Starbucks Peppermint Mocha
Ingredients
Mocha Syrup
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
Peppermint Syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons peppermint extract
Individual Coffee Serving
- 2 teaspoons peppermint syrup
- 1 tablespoon mocha
- 4 ounces espresso or strong coffee
- 8 ounces 2% milk steamed
- 2 tablespoons whipped cream
Optional
- 2 teaspoons chocolate syrup
- 1 teaspoon peppermint candy crushed
Instructions
Peppermint Syup
- Combine water and sugar in a medium size pot and stir well. Bring mixture to a rolling boil over medium high heat. Stir to make sure all sugar is dissolved.
- Remove from heat and add peppermint extract. Allow to cool, then store in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Before using add 1 teaspoon of vodka to help preserve the syrup. The syrup will last for up to 4 weeks this way.
Mocha Syrup
- To make the mocha In a saucepan, mix together the sugar and cocoa powder. Add the water and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Remove from heat, and allow to cool. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Peppermint Mocha
- To make steamed milk, first heat milk in the microwave for about 30 to 45 seconds, and then airate by placing in a glass jar with a lid and shaking for 5 to 10 seconds to work in some air bubbles.
- Pour the syrups in a coffee mug followed by the coffee. Add the steamed milk. Top with whipped cream and chocolate syrup, if desired.
Video
Notes
- ☕ BARISTA TIP: For best results, use freshly brewed espresso
- 💡 PRO TIP: Make syrups in bulk and store for quick drinks
- 🔥 TEMPERATURE TIP: Steam milk to 150-160°F for optimal texture
Would the peppermint syrup be ok without refrigeration? Otherwise, LOVE Thai recipe! I make it over ice and add peppermint cold foam and it’s 😍
It will be ok for a few days, after that it will begin to ferment.
The mocha syrup is perfect! I found the peppermint syrup to be WAY too strong. I have found 1/16-1/8 tsp of peppermint extract to be the right amount for making the peppermint syrup.
My daughters and I absolutely love Starbucks Peppermint Mochas. This recipe is not quite perfect so I tweaked it. The chocolate syrup needs to be more intense as with the Starbucks version, there is bitter chocolate left at the bottom of the cup. I used about 6 tablespoons of cocoa powder and added a mixed tablespoon of corn starch and a tablespoon of water and brought to a boil. This gave the syrup a thicker, shiny consistency. The peppermint needs to be more intense. I used 5 teaspoons of peppermint extract. For the individual serving, I added 2 tablespoons of the chocolate and 3 teaspoons of the peppermint syrup. We have a Breville espresso machine so I used 4oz of really strong espresso. I only added about 3-4oz of frothed 2% milk. (8oz dilutes the espresso too much) I topped with whipped cream, a drizzle of Hershey’s syrup and red and white sugar crystals on top. Perfecto! Enjoy.
Can you mix the peppermint and mocha syrups ahead of time? If so, how many tbsps do you add to your coffee?
You could do this, I would add about 1 tablespoon of the combined syrup, you could add more!
Thank you Stephanie!!!
My adult son loves the Starbucks Peppermint Mocha ground coffee. And It is only sold at Christmas time. (winter), I can’t find it anywhere on the internet to buy. : (
I will try this before giving it to my son.
I really appreciate this recipe. I am going to have to change it a little to make it like he likes.
I am glad you can use this recipe.
This is one of my favorites at Starbucks, and staying home but still being able to make this is seriously amazing!!
My kids really loved it! Such a delicious holiday treat!
The Starbucks version has always been my favorite! I am So happy I found this! Thank you!