Few drinks are as festive and delicious as a peppermint mocha. With its rich chocolate flavor, cool minty finish, and velvety milk foam, this seasonal favorite brings cozy coffee shop vibes straight to your kitchen. The best part? You don’t need barista training to make one. With the right ingredients and a little know-how, you can craft a peppermint mocha at home.
At a Glance
- What’s in a Peppermint Mocha?
- Best Coffee for a Peppermint Mocha
- How to Make Mocha Syrup
- How to Make Peppermint Syrup
- How to Make a Peppermint Mocha at Home
- How to Make an Iced Peppermint Mocha
- How to Make a Non-Dairy Peppermint Mocha
- How to Make a Peppermint Mocha Without an Espresso Machine
What’s in a Peppermint Mocha?
Peppermint mocha is an espresso-based beverage made with mocha or chocolate syrup, peppermint syrup, and steamed milk. It’s sometimes topped with whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, or crushed candy canes for a festive finish.
A peppermint mocha is essentially a twist on the classic café mocha. The mocha originated in Italy, named after the Yemeni port city of Mocha, once famous for exporting naturally chocolate-toned coffee beans. The peppermint version adds a seasonal spin, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it year-round.
What Is the Best Coffee for a Peppermint Mocha?
The right coffee is key to making a great peppermint mocha, and a medium to dark roast tends to complement peppermint and chocolate best. These roasts often feature natural cocoa, caramel, and nutty notes that blend seamlessly into the bittersweetness of the mocha syrup. Look for beans from regions like Latin America or blends with chocolate-forward profiles.
For a hot peppermint mocha:
Our Belly Warmer blend is a robust, dark coffee reminiscent of classic diner brews. Espresso made with Belly Warmer holds up well in drinks with lots of flavor, like a peppermint mocha. The bittersweetness of the coffee balances perfectly with both the mocha and peppermint syrups.
For an iced peppermint mocha:
Our Blue Boy blend is a little lighter than the Belly Warmer blend, and maintains its balanced flavor profile even when iced. The tasting notes of chocolate and graham crackers blend beautifully with the refreshing combo of mocha and peppermint.
For a decaf peppermint mocha:
Prefer to skip caffeine in the evenings? Our Unwind Decaf blend is perfect for a peppermint mocha without the caffeine boost. This blend also has notes of chocolate and a roasty flavor that surpasses any other decaf coffee you’ve ever tried.
Shop our best-selling coffee blends →
How to Make Mocha Syrup
Homemade mocha syrup adds rich, authentic chocolate flavor to your peppermint mocha. It takes just a few pantry staples and about 10 minutes.
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, whisk together cocoa powder, sugar, and water.
- Place over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring until smooth and glossy.
- Let it simmer for 3–5 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and salt.
- Cool completely before storing in a sealed jar or bottle in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
How to Make Peppermint Syrup
Peppermint syrup is equally easy to make at home, allowing you to control the sweetness and intensity of the mint flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine sugar and water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves.
- Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Add ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract, then taste and adjust (peppermint extract is potent!).
- Store in a clean glass jar or bottle in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Learn how to make more coffee syrups at home →
How to Make a Peppermint Mocha at Home
If you have an espresso machine at home, you can enjoy a peppermint mocha all year-round with this easy peppermint mocha recipe.
Learn how to make a peppermint mocha without an espresso machine →
Ingredients
- 1–2 shots of espresso (or ½ cup of strong brewed coffee)
- 1 cup milk of your choice (whole, oat, almond, or coconut)
- 1–2 tablespoons mocha syrup
- ½–1 tablespoon peppermint syrup
Instructions
- Brew espresso. Aim for a strong, concentrated base to stand up to the sweetness.
- Steam the milk. With the steam wand, carefully heat and froth the milk.
- Add syrups to your mug, then add the hot espresso. Swirl lightly to combine.
- Pour the steamed milk into the mug, making sure the espresso and syrup combine. Make some latte art if you’re feeling brave!
- Enjoy. Garnish with some whipped cream or enjoy as-is.
How to Make an Iced Peppermint Mocha
When you’re craving something refreshing, the iced version delivers the same festive flavor with an invigorating chill.
Ingredients
- 2 shots espresso
- ¾ cup milk of choice
- 1–2 tablespoons mocha syrup
- ½ tablespoon peppermint syrup
- Ice
Instructions
- Mix the base. In a glass, combine hot espresso, mocha syrup, and peppermint syrup. Stir well and allow to cool slightly.
- Add milk. Pour in milk and mix until fully blended.
- Ice and enjoy. Add ice, then top with whipped cream and a drizzle of mocha, or grab a straw and enjoy on its own.
How to Make a Non-Dairy Peppermint Mocha
A peppermint mocha doesn’t need dairy to be rich and satisfying. With high-quality plant-based milks, you can create a version that’s every bit as delicious and indulgent.
Best Non-Dairy Milks for a Peppermint Mocha
- Oat milk: The top choice for texture and flavor. It steams beautifully and adds natural sweetness that complements chocolate and espresso.
- Almond milk: Light and nutty, with a thinner texture; perfect if you prefer a less heavy drink.
- Coconut milk: Adds a subtle tropical richness that pairs surprisingly well with peppermint and dark chocolate.
- Soy milk: Classic and reliable; creates stable microfoam and a smooth mouthfeel.
Tips for a Perfect Non-Dairy Peppermint Mocha
- Use barista-style plant milks, which are designed to steam and froth without separating.
- Skip the dairy-based chocolate syrup. Stick to a homemade mocha recipe that only uses cocoa.
- Be cautious with peppermint extract; plant milks tend to carry flavor differently, so start small and adjust.
How to Make a Peppermint Mocha Without an Espresso Machine
No espresso machine? No problem. You can still make a delicious peppermint mocha with a few easy alternatives with plenty of flavor.
1. Use Strong Brewed Coffee
Brew your coffee at about double strength by using a 1:12 coffee-to-water ratio (about 2 tablespoons of coffee per 6 ounces of water). French press, pour-over, or drip methods all work, so long as the coffee is brewed strong.
2. Try a Moka Pot or Aeropress
Both are excellent low-cost tools that produce espresso-like results.
- Moka pot: Creates a bold, slightly syrupy coffee with deep flavor.
- AeroPress: Use the inverted method with fine-ground coffee for a concentrated, smooth shot.
3. Use Iced Coffee or Cold Brew Concentrate
You can also use strongly brewed iced coffee or cold brew concentrate as a base for a peppermint mocha. Make your cold brew or iced coffee like normal and add the mocha and peppermint syrups to desired taste.
4. Froth the Milk Without a Steamer
You can warm your milk on the stove or in the microwave and froth it using:
- A handheld milk frother
- A French press (pump the plunger up and down until the milk doubles in volume)
- A whisk, for a simple but effective method
Learn how to steam milk for a latte →
Make Your Own Peppermint Mocha Anytime
Making a peppermint mocha at home is simple once you understand the basics. Whether you prefer the classic hot version, an iced variation, or a dairy-free twist, the steps are easy to follow and totally customizable.
With homemade syrups, alternative brewing methods, and flexible milk options, you can create a peppermint mocha that fits your taste and your setup. Start with a flavorful, well-balanced coffee, adjust the sweetness and strength to your liking, and enjoy a café-style drink from your own kitchen.
Whether you prefer yours hot and comforting or cold and refreshing, the right beans bring everything together. Explore Methodical’s coffee collection to find the perfect roast for your peppermint mocha.
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