Cozy & Comforting, This Peppermint Mocha Will Brighten Up Your Winter Mornings

 
Peppermint Mocha Recipe

Start Your Day Off Right With This Delicious Trio of Coffee, Chocolate, and Peppermint

Mornings are never easy, and the growing darkness of winter makes getting out of bed even more difficult. This peppermint mocha gives you something to look forward to. Made with unsweetened cocoa powder for an extra punch of chocolate flavor and two shots of espresso, this drink’s richness is balanced out by the bright, refreshing taste of peppermint. Of course, we also added a hefty dollop of whipped cream on top – and some crushed candy cane, for good measure – but if you’ve got a milk frother at home, that would work well too. (P.S. A milk frother is also a great Christmas gift!) Check out our perfect peppermint mocha recipe below.

The Origin of the Mocha

While Java, Indonesia may be familiar to some coffee aficionados, “Mocha” also refers to a place with a rich coffee history. Yemen’s main port Al-Makha was the shipping point for Yemen’s coffee beans during the trade boom of the 17th century. The beans from Yemen were known for their rich, chocolate-like flavor, and eventually lent their name to the cocoa-and-coffee drink we know and love.

Instant Coffee or Espresso?

Don’t have an espresso maker? Instant coffee is a great substitute for espresso here. It’ll save you time without sacrificing flavor, and still offers plenty of caffeine. Just dissolve 1-2 tablespoons of instant coffee granules in hot water, and add the mixture in where the recipe calls for espresso.

Non-GMO Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup whole milk

  • 2 tbsp sugar

  • 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

  • 2 oz espresso

  • 1/2 tsp mint extract

  • 1/2 tsp vanilla

  • Whipped cream, for topping

  • Crushed candy cane, for topping

Directions

  1. Mix together milk, sugar, and cocoa powder in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until all ingredients are combined and mixture is simmering gently.

  2. Add espresso, mint extract, and vanilla. Remove from heat.

  3. Pour carefully into a large mug. Decorate with whipped cream and crushed candy cane.

 

 
DrinksMark Pattersonrecipes, recipe, espresso drinks, mocha, peppermint mocha, holiday drinks, holiday coffee