Peppermint Mocha With Candy Cane Stir Stick

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I love making peppermint mochas with candy cane stir sticks during the holidays!

Just brew strong coffee, whisk chocolate chips into hot milk, add peppermint syrup and combine.

Top with whipped cream and crushed candy canes, then pop in a whole candy cane as your festive stirrer.

The candy cane slowly melts, infusing more minty goodness as you sip.

It’s the perfect cozy treat that doubles as decoration and flavor enhancer!

Contents show

Ingredients

Recommended Tools

Whipping up a delicious peppermint mocha at home is so much easier when you have the right tools on hand. These kitchen essentials will help you create that perfect holiday drink with the rich chocolate flavor and refreshing peppermint kick you love without making a mess or burning yourself.

Small Saucepan:
Essential for making the peppermint syrup and heating milk with chocolate chips until perfectly melted.
Whisk:
Helps blend the chocolate chips into the milk for a smooth and creamy texture without lumps.
Coffee Maker or Espresso Machine:
Brews the strong coffee or espresso that forms the base of your peppermint mocha.
Measuring Cups and Spoons:
Ensures you get the perfect ratio of coffee, milk, chocolate and peppermint syrup for a balanced flavor.
Insulated Coffee Mug:
Keeps your peppermint mocha hot longer while you enjoy it with your candy cane stir stick.
Candy Crusher:
Makes quick work of crushing candy canes for the perfect festive garnish on top of your whipped cream.

For a quick and healthy breakfast option, consider pairing your peppermint mocha with a nutritious meal like a smoothie or overnight oats to kickstart your day.

Instructions

Ready to make the perfect wintry treat? Let’s dive into this delicious peppermint mocha!

First, whip up your peppermint syrup by combining 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup sugar in a small pot. Simmer this sweet mixture for 5 minutes until the sugar completely dissolves.

Take it off the heat, stir in 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract, and let it cool down. This homemade syrup is way better than store-bought!

Pour 1/3 cup of strong coffee or espresso into your favorite mug – the bigger and cozier, the better! Add 2 tablespoons of your freshly made peppermint syrup and give it a quick stir.

Now for the chocolate magic! Heat 1/2 cup of milk with 3 tablespoons of chocolate chips in a small saucepan. Keep whisking until those chips melt completely and your kitchen smells like a chocolate factory.

Pour this chocolatey goodness into your coffee mug and stir everything together.

Top your creation with a generous swirl of whipped cream and sprinkle some crushed candy cane bits on top for that extra festive touch! Did you know that ovaltine powder can be a delightful addition to enhance the chocolate flavor?

The best part? Slide a candy cane right into your mug as a stir stick! As it slowly dissolves, it’ll add even more minty flavor to your drink.

Go ahead—take that first sip and feel the holiday spirit wash over you!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost in your Peppermint Mocha, crush part of your candy cane stir stick directly into the hot drink during the last minute of stirring rather than just using it as a garnish.

The heat will melt the candy particles evenly throughout the drink, creating a more intense peppermint flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully. Additionally, using spiced hot apple cider as a seasonal alternative can add a delightful twist to your warm beverage repertoire.

Substitutions & Variations

A few creative twists on the classic peppermint mocha can transform this beloved holiday drink into something uniquely yours while maintaining its festive essence.

White Chocolate Version: Replace regular chocolate chips with white chocolate chips for a creamier sweeter flavor profile that still pairs beautifully with the peppermint.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk for regular milk and use dairy-free chocolate chips for those with lactose intolerance.
Salted Caramel Twist: Add 1-2 tablespoons of salted caramel sauce to the mix and reduce the peppermint syrup by half for a more complex flavor balance.
Boozy Evening Edition: Add 1 ounce of peppermint schnapps or chocolate liqueur to create an adults-only version perfect for holiday gatherings.
Iced Peppermint Mocha: Cool the coffee and chocolate milk mixture before combining, then pour over ice for a refreshing summer holiday treat.
Spiced Variation: Add a pinch of cinnamon and a tiny dash of cayenne pepper to the chocolate mixture for a Mexican-inspired holiday drink with subtle heat.
Fresh Ingredients: Incorporating fresh mint leaves as a garnish can enhance the drink’s aroma and provide a delightful vibrant flavor profile that complements the peppermint.

Leftovers & Storage Tips

While you’re exploring different variations of your peppermint mocha, you’ll want to know how to handle any leftovers from your festive brewing session.

Store your homemade peppermint syrup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks!

If you’ve made extra chocolate-milk mixture, refrigerate it separately and reheat gently.

Just don’t store a fully assembled mocha—the flavors will muddle and separate.

Holiday Sip & Stir