A Candy Cane White Mocha Latte is my favorite festive drink to make at home!
Just brew espresso, mix in white chocolate and peppermint syrups, then add frothed warm milk.
Top with whipped cream and crushed candy canes for that perfect holiday touch.
A milk frother creates extra creaminess, but a whisk works too!
This recipe can easily be customized with dairy-free options or even made into an iced version.
The full recipe holds even more delicious secrets.
Ingredients
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- Milk
- White chocolate syrup
- Espresso or strong coffee
- Peppermint syrup or peppermint extract
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Crushed candy cane pieces (optional)
- For a delightful crispy texture, consider pairing your latte with crispy air fryer shishito peppers for a unique snack experience.
Recommended Tools
Preparing a delicious Candy Cane White Mocha Latte at home is simple when you have the right equipment on hand. These kitchen tools will help you brew, froth and garnish your festive holiday drink just like the ones from your favorite coffee shop but at a fraction of the cost. To complement your latte, consider enjoying it alongside a serving of Delicious Vegan Overnight Oats for a wholesome breakfast.
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- Espresso Machine:
Creates the perfect shot of espresso that forms the base of your white mocha latte.
- Milk Frother:
Quickly transforms regular milk into the creamy, frothy texture that makes lattes special.
- Large Coffee Mug:
Provides enough space for all the ingredients plus room for whipped cream on top.
- Small Saucepan:
Perfect for warming milk gently without scalding it.
- Measuring Spoons:
Ensures you add the right amount of syrups for a perfectly balanced flavor.
- Candy Cane Crusher:
Helps create those festive crushed candy cane pieces for garnishing your holiday drink.
- Espresso Machine:
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Instructions for Candy Cane White Mocha Latte
Ready to make your festive Candy Cane White Mocha Latte? Let’s jump right in!
First, brew 1 shot of espresso or about 6 oz of strong coffee – this will be our caffeinated base that cuts through all that sweet goodness!
While that’s brewing, warm 1 cup of milk (any type works great!) and froth it if you can.
Don’t have a frother? No worries! Just whisk it vigorously or shake it in a sealed jar, then microwave for 30 seconds.
Grab your favorite mug and add 2 tablespoons of white chocolate syrup to the bottom. This is where the magic starts!
Now add 1 pump of peppermint syrup (or ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract if that’s what you have).
Pour your freshly brewed espresso or coffee right over these syrups and give it a good stir to make sure everything is well mixed.
That heavenly aroma? That’s the holidays in a cup!
Next, gently pour your warmed, frothy milk over the coffee mixture. Look at those beautiful layers forming!
Time for the fun part! Top your creation with a generous swirl of whipped cream and sprinkle those festive crushed candy cane pieces on top.
They’ll slowly melt into your drink, adding more minty flavor with each sip!
Take that first sip and feel the holiday spirit wash over you.
Isn’t that just amazing? Adjust the peppermint to your liking next time – some like it subtly minty, others want that candy cane punch!
For an extra festive touch, consider serving this latte alongside a delicious Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dip, perfect with cookies or fruits.
Pro Tips
Melt the white chocolate syrup with a tablespoon of the warmed milk before adding the espresso to prevent clumping and ensure a perfectly smooth, well-integrated mocha base. This technique is similar to the way mocha coffee is prepared to achieve a rich and decadent flavor profile in overnight oats.</p
Substitutions & Variations
The basic Candy Cane White Mocha Latte recipe serves as a fantastic foundation for creative adaptations that can transform the flavor profile while maintaining its festive essence.
- Vegan Version: Substitute dairy milk with oat milk or coconut milk and use dairy-free white chocolate chips melted with a splash of vanilla extract instead of traditional white chocolate syrup.
- Matcha Candy Cane: Replace the espresso with 1 teaspoon of matcha powder for a green tea twist that pairs surprisingly well with the peppermint and white chocolate flavors.
- Iced Variation: Cool the coffee completely before combining with white chocolate and peppermint syrups, then pour over ice and top with cold frothed milk for a refreshing chilled version.
- Raspberry White Mocha: Add 1 tablespoon of raspberry syrup alongside the peppermint for a fruity undertone that complements the white chocolate beautifully.
- Caramel Peppermint: Drizzle caramel sauce along the inside of the mug before adding other ingredients and finish with a caramel drizzle on top of the whipped cream for a sweet buttery contrast.
- Spiced White Mocha: Add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to the white chocolate mixture for a warming spiced variation that enhances the winter flavor profile.
- Seasonal Add-ins: Consider incorporating colorful ingredients like pomegranate seeds or crushed candy canes for an extra festive touch that not only looks appealing but adds texture to your latte.
Leftovers & Storage Tips
Although freshly made lattes always taste best, you don’t need to toss any leftover coffee from your festive creation!
I’ve found that storing it in an airtight container in your fridge works wonders for up to 2 days. Just reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave at 50% power.
Don’t forget – the candy cane pieces will dissolve over time!
Serve at Holiday Gatherings
Candy Cane White Mocha Latte
A festive holiday latte combining rich white chocolate with refreshing peppermint flavor.
- 1 cup milk (warm, any type)
- 2 tbsp white chocolate syrup (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 shot espresso or 6 oz strong brewed coffee
- 1 pump peppermint syrup (or ½ tsp peppermint extract)
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Crushed candy cane pieces (optional)
- Brew espresso or strong coffee.
- Warm and froth milk.
- In a mug, combine white chocolate syrup and peppermint syrup.
- Add espresso or coffee and stir well.
- Pour frothed milk on top.
- Garnish with whipped cream and crushed candy cane bits if desired.
