Peppermint Mocha Coffee Drink (Printable)

A cozy blend of chocolate, peppermint, and espresso for a flavorful winter coffee experience.

# What You'll Need:

01 - 2 shots (2 fl oz) espresso or 3/4 cup (6 fl oz) strong brewed coffee

02 - 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

03 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

04 - 1/4 cup (2 fl oz) hot water

05 - 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract

06 - 1 cup (8 fl oz) whole milk or any milk alternative

07 - Whipped cream for topping

08 - Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder for garnish

09 - Crushed peppermint candies for garnish

01 - In a small saucepan, whisk cocoa powder, sugar, and hot water over medium heat until smooth and dissolved, about 2 minutes.

02 - Stir in the milk and heat until steaming but not boiling, then remove from heat.

03 - Add peppermint extract and brewed coffee or espresso, stirring well to blend flavors.

04 - Divide the mixture evenly between two mugs.

05 - Top with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and crushed peppermint candies if desired, then serve immediately.

01 -

It tastes like a fancy café drink but takes ten minutes, no fancy equipment required.
The peppermint sneaks up on you—not overwhelming, just a cool whisper that makes the chocolate taste richer.
Two servings means you can make it for someone else, which somehow makes it taste better.

02 -

Don't add the peppermint extract to hot water alone—it will evaporate and leave you with a ghost of flavor instead of that cool punch you want.
Whole milk makes a visible difference here because the fat carries the chocolate and peppermint flavors in a way skim milk just can't match.

03 -

Invest in real peppermint extract from a baking supply store, not the artificial stuff that tastes like mouthwash—the difference is genuinely shocking.
Cocoa powder quality matters more than chocolate bars here because the cocoa is the whole flavor story; splurge on a good Dutch-process version if possible.