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If you’re a fan of Starbucks’ iconic Peppermint Mocha, you’re in for a treat! Today, we’re bringing the magic of this beloved holiday beverage right into your kitchen. Our Copycat Starbucks Peppermint Mocha recipe is not just easy to make but is also packed with the rich, indulgent flavors that make this drink a winter favorite. Whether you’re curling up with a good book or sharing moments with loved ones, this homemade version will add a special touch to your holiday moments.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
- Holiday cheer in a cup-offering a perfect balance of rich chocolate, bold coffee, and a refreshing peppermint twist.
- Incredibly easy to make-saving you a trip to Starbucks and letting you customize it to your liking.
- Guaranteed crowd-pleaser -Whether you’re enjoying a quiet morning or sharing it with friends this drink brings the essence of the holiday season to your table.
Copycat Starbucks Peppermint Mocha Ingredients
- Milk
- Granulated sugar
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- Espresso or Strongly Brewed Coffee
- Crushed Candy Cane
- Whipped Cream
- Mini Candy Canes
*Scroll to Printable Recipe Card below for detailed amounts!
How to Make Copycat Starbucks Peppermint Mocha
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 1
- To a medium saucepan, add milk, sugar, cocoa powder, and finely crushed candy cane.
- Heat over medium-high heat and stir consistently, until mixture is steamy, and candy canes are melted.
- Remove from the heat, pour in espresso and stir until combined.
- Pour into your favorite mug and top with whipped cream and festive holiday candy canes.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
How to Store Copycat Starbucks Peppermint Mocha:
To keep your peppermint mocha tasting as fresh as when you first made it, store any leftovers in the refrigerator in a sealed container. It’ll stay good for up to 2-3 days.
How to Reheat Copycat Starbucks Peppermint Mocha:
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Remember to stir it well, as the ingredients might have settled at the bottom.
Helpful Tips & Substitutions
Can This Be Frozen?
If you want to freeze some then give it a whirl but I recommend making it fresh each time.
Can This Be Made Ahead of Time?
This recipe comes together quickly so making it ahead of time isn’t necessary. But if you have your heart set on it then prepare it as per the recipe, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat it.
Substitutions & Variations
- Dairy-free version – substitute the milk with almond, soy, or oat milk.
- Try using a sugar substitute if you’re watching your sugar intake
- For an extra chocolatey version, add more cocoa powder or even a bit of chocolate syrup.
- For a nuttier twist, add a dash of almond extract.
Helpful Cooking Notes
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for a richer flavor.
- Crush the candy cane finely to ensure it melts easily and distributes evenly.
- For a stronger peppermint flavor, add a few drops of peppermint extract.
- To keep the whipped cream from sinking, let the mocha cool slightly before adding it on top.
Try Some of our Other Favorite Drink Recipes
INGREDIENTS
- ¾ cup Milk
- 2 tbsp. Granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tbsp. Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- ½ cup Espresso or Strongly Brewed Coffee
- ½ a Candy Cane, crushed finely
- Whipped Cream, for topping
- Mini Candy Canes or extra Crushed Candy Canes, for topping
INSTRUCTIONS
- To a medium saucepan, add milk, sugar, cocoa powder, and finely crushed candy cane.
- Heat over medium-high heat and stir consistently, until mixture is steamy, and candy canes are melted.
- Remove from the heat, pour in espresso and stir until combined.
- Pour into your favorite mug and top with whipped cream and festive holiday candy canes.
NOTES
Storage and Reheating Instructions
How to Store Copycat Starbucks Peppermint Mocha:
To keep your peppermint mocha tasting as fresh as when you first made it, store any leftovers in the refrigerator in a sealed container. It’ll stay good for up to 2-3 days.How to Reheat Copycat Starbucks Peppermint Mocha:
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Remember to stir it well, as the ingredients might have settled at the bottom.Helpful Tips & Substitutions
Can This Be Frozen?
If you want to freeze some then give it a whirl but I recommend making it fresh each time.Can This Be Made Ahead of Time?
This recipe comes together quickly so making it ahead of time isn’t necessary. But if you have your heart set on it then prepare it as per the recipe, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat it.Substitutions & Variations
- Dairy-free version – substitute the milk with almond, soy, or oat milk.
- Try using a sugar substitute if you’re watching your sugar intake
- For an extra chocolatey version, add more cocoa powder or even a bit of chocolate syrup.
- For a nuttier twist, add a dash of almond extract.
Helpful Cooking Notes
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for a richer flavor.
- Crush the candy cane finely to ensure it melts easily and distributes evenly.
- For a stronger peppermint flavor, add a few drops of peppermint extract.
- To keep the whipped cream from sinking, let the mocha cool slightly before adding it on top.