Starbucks Peppermint Mocha Recipe (Easy Copycat)

Why You’ll Love This Starbucks Peppermint Mocha Recipe

• No espresso machine needed. We use strong brewed coffee instead of espresso, so you can make this recipe with your regular coffee maker.
• Simple pantry ingredients. Peppermint extract replaces peppermint syrup, so there’s no need to make a separate syrup first.
• Rich chocolate flavor without mocha sauce. Unsweetened cocoa powder and sugar create a delicious mocha flavor using ingredients you probably already have on hand.

Can You Put Peppermint in Coffee?

Absolutely! Peppermint and coffee are a classic flavor combination. Add chocolate and steamed milk, and you have the rich, minty flavor of a peppermint mocha.

What is Peppermint Mocha Coffee?

A peppermint mocha is a coffee drink made with coffee or espresso, chocolate, peppermint flavor, and steamed milk. Starbucks makes theirs with espresso, peppermint syrup, and mocha sauce. This homemade version uses strong brewed coffee, cocoa powder, and peppermint extract for similar flavor with ingredients you probably already have.

Ingredient Notes

Just a few simple ingredients are all you need to make this homemade Starbucks Peppermint Mocha.

• Coffee: Brew your coffee about twice as strong as you normally would so the chocolate and milk don’t overpower the coffee flavor.
• Milk: Whole milk makes the richest peppermint mocha, but 2%, skim, oat, almond, cashew, or soy milk all work well.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Use regular unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the drink without changing the flavor.
• Peppermint Extract: A little goes a long way. You’ll find it in the baking aisle with the other extracts and spices.
• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla gives the best flavor, but imitation vanilla also works.
• Whipped Topping: Use your favorite whipped cream or whipped topping for a coffeehouse-style finish.
• Peppermint Candies: Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes add festive color and crunch, but they’re optional.
• Chocolate: Finish with chocolate shavings, chopped chocolate, mini chocolate chips, or a drizzle of chocolate syrup.

How to Make a Starbucks Peppermint Mocha

1. Combine the coffee, milk, cocoa powder, sugar, peppermint extract, and vanilla in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, whisking occasionally, until hot and the cocoa and sugar are dissolved. Do not boil.
2. Pour into a coffee mug and top with whipped cream, crushed peppermint candies, and chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips, if desired.

Recipe Tip: Heat the mixture gently over medium heat so the milk doesn’t scorch and the cocoa powder dissolves completely.

How to Make a Skinny Peppermint Mocha

With just a few simple swaps, you can make this peppermint mocha a little lighter. Even as written, this homemade version has less sugar and fewer calories than a typical coffee shop peppermint mocha.

Try one or more of these easy swaps:

• Replace the sugar with your favorite sweetener, such as honey, pure maple syrup, agave, or a zero-calorie sweetener. 
• Use skim milk.
• Replace the regular whipped cream with light whipped topping or low-fat whipped cream. 
• Skip the garnish of peppermint candy and chocolate. 

Frequently Asked Questions

More Homemade Coffee Recipes to Try

• Brown Sugar Oat Milk Coffee – A creamy homemade coffee drink with brown sugar and oat milk.
• Maple Syrup Coffee – Naturally sweetened hot or iced coffee with rich maple flavor that’s ready in minutes.
• Caramel Coffee – An easy homemade caramel coffee made with simple pantry ingredients.
• Vanilla Coffee – A classic vanilla coffee recipe that’s smooth, lightly sweetened, and easy to customize.
• Cafe Mocha – A rich homemade mocha made with brewed coffee, cocoa powder, and milk.