Starbucks Peppermint Mocha

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:

1. Combine water and sugar and bring to a boil in a medium-sized pot. Stir until sugar is dissolved.
2. 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:

1. Whisk together cocoa powder and sugar, then add to a small saucepan with water.
2. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. 
3. 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:

1. 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.
2. Double the amount of ground coffee and prepare it as usual with your everyday coffee maker. 
3. 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:

1. Combine the two syrups and your coffee or espresso in your mug.
2. 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.
3. 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

• Williams Sonoma Peppermint Bark
• Oreos Dipped in White Chocolate
• Rocky Road Candy

Be sure to check out more of my Christmas recipes and the best copycat Starbucks recipes right here on CopyKat.com!

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