Homemade Peppermint Mocha recipe with coffee, peppermint extract and crushed candy canes. This tastes like the one from Starbucks!
If you were wondering where I have been this past week, I have been hard core relaxing. That means eating LOTS of sugar, seeing old friends and sleeping in! Seriously, last night was the first night in MONTHS where I got over 8 hours of sleep. And it was glorious. I wouldn’t change a thing.
Another great thing about going home for the holidays is that everyone wants to make food for you or go out to eat. I haven’t baked something since the first day we got here. Now we have too much food and leftovers that if I made anything now, I am sure it would go to waste.
But I can always make my own peppermint mocha so I don’t need to go all the way to Starbucks for my fix.
This peppermint mocha is so easy to make, that I don’t think I will be making the walk in the cold to my local coffee shop any time soon. I like my mochas on the less sweet side, so there might not be much sugar if you like the Starbucks version. I would suggest experimenting with the amount of sugar you put in, adding 1 teaspoon at a time.
Also remember you will be adding whipping cream to it. That sweetens the drink up quite a bit. But if you are leaving out the whipping cream, maybe add a couple more teaspoons of sugar.
I have been drinking this almost every day back in Toronto to warm up after being outside in the snow. It is my favorite drink when the holiday season rolls around. But now that I’m in Vancouver, I have yet to make it here.
So if you are spending the Christmas season in a cold place, you should make this as a warm treat. You will never need to stop at Starbucks again, and it will save you some $$$. Win win, right?
Peppermint Mocha Ingredients
You just need a couple of simple ingredients to make this delicious Starbucks peppermint mocha. All you need is:
- whole milk
- strong coffee
- unsweetened cocoa powder
- white sugar
- peppermint extract
- whipped cream
- peppermint candy canes
That’s it!
Tips
Make it vegan. Instead of using regular milk, use your favorite non-dairy milk. I would recommend using either oat milk, coconut milk or cashew milk. You can use soy milk or almond milk, however it won’t be as creamy as a typical mocha.
Healthy peppermint mocha: for a healthier version with fewer calories, use nonfat milk and less sugar.
Add your favorite toppings. In addition to whipped cream, you can add crushed peppermint candies, chocolate sauce or chocolate shavings on top.
More Coffee Drinks
Like this delicious Peppermint Mocha latte? Then you will love some of my favorite beverage recipes for coffee lovers:
- Maple Latte – made with maple syrup, this is an easy recipe for a sweetened latte.
- Honey Iced Coffee – when it is warm out, I love to replace my morning cup of coffee with this iced coffee.
- Healthy Pumpkin Spice Latte – in theme with recreating Starbucks drinks, this is a healthier version of their classic latte.
If you try this recipe, let me know! Rate it, leave a comment and tag me with #atasteofmadness on Instagram! I always love seeing what you are creating!

Peppermint Mocha
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup milk
- 3/4 cup strong brewed coffee
- 2 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tsp granulated sugar
- 2-3 drops peppermint extract
- whipped cream
- crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Pour the milk, coffee, cocoa powder and sugar in a microwave safe mug. Stir, and microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until hot.
- Stir in the peppermint extract to your desired taste. Top with whipped cream and crushed candy canes.
I really like mocha, this is great for less than a quarter of the price.
So true! Definitely saves me money making it at home 🙂
This peppermint mocha looks so good! Will have to give it a try!
I hope you do. It is super tasty!
The peppermint mocha from Starbucks happens to be one of my favorite drinks, but I have never tried to make it myself! Seems pretty easy!
Me too!! It really is, so I don’t need to brave the snow to get my fix 😉
A little peppermint mocha makes everything better. It’s one of our favorite treats during the winter season.
Same here! 🙂