LATTESPeppermint Mocha
The quick answer
Combine 2 oz of espresso with 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder, 1 tablespoon of peppermint syrup, and 1 teaspoon of sugar in a mug. Steam or froth 6 oz of whole milk and pour it over. Top with whipped cream and crushed candy cane. Total time is under 10 minutes with basic equipment.
The Starbucks peppermint mocha costs $6 and peaks in December. This home version costs under $1 and tastes just as good any time of year.
The flavor base is cocoa powder mixed directly into the espresso before you add milk. One tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa dissolved in hot espresso creates a quick mocha without needing chocolate sauce. Add sugar at this stage so it dissolves while everything is still hot.
Peppermint syrup is the key variable. Store-bought options like Torani or Monin work perfectly, but a 1:1 simple syrup steeped with 10-12 fresh mint leaves for 20 minutes gets you a cleaner, less artificial mint flavor. Start with 1 tablespoon and adjust to your preference -- peppermint is easy to over-do.
Whole milk steamed to 150 degrees F gives the richest texture. A handheld frother produces enough foam for a satisfying drink. Oat milk is the best dairy-free substitute, though you may need an extra teaspoon of cocoa to balance its natural sweetness.
For an iced version, dissolve cocoa and sugar in the hot espresso first, then pour over a full glass of ice before adding cold milk. This prevents cocoa from clumping on cold surfaces.
Dial it in before you make it
Match your espresso dose and yield before you pull the shot.
Espresso Ratio Calculator
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Dose (in) | 18 g |
| Ratio | 1:2 |
| Yield (out) | 36 g |
| Yield (fl oz ref.) | 1.2 fl oz |
| Shot time guide | Aim 25–32 seconds |
fl oz reference uses 30 g per fl oz (espresso is denser than water). Dial in grind size to hit your target yield in 25–32 s.
Make it
Makes 1 drink
Ingredients
Steps
We tested this with both storebought Torani peppermint syrup and a homemade mint steep. The homemade version has a noticeably fresher flavor. Either way, this drink holds up against the cafe version -- at a fraction of the cost.
Pro tips
- Dissolve cocoa in the hot espresso before adding milk -- cocoa does not dissolve in cold liquid.
- Start with 1 tablespoon of peppermint syrup. Peppermint flavor intensifies as you sip, so less is usually better.
- For a richer chocolate flavor, use 1.5 tablespoons of cocoa or add a teaspoon of chocolate chips to melt in the hot espresso.
- Crushed candy cane on the rim adds texture and aroma -- press the whipped cream against the rim before adding the garnish.
- Leftovers? Store the mocha base (espresso plus cocoa plus syrup) in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat with fresh milk.
Frequently asked questions
What is in a peppermint mocha?
A peppermint mocha contains espresso, cocoa or chocolate sauce, peppermint syrup, and steamed milk. At home, 2 oz espresso plus 1 tablespoon cocoa, 1 tablespoon peppermint syrup, and 6 oz steamed milk covers all the bases. Whipped cream and crushed candy cane are optional toppings.
Can I make peppermint mocha without an espresso machine?
Yes. A moka pot or AeroPress produces a strong enough concentrate. You can also dissolve 2 teaspoons of strong instant coffee in 2 oz of hot water. The cocoa and peppermint syrup are bold enough to pair well with any of these methods.
How much peppermint extract should I use instead of syrup?
Use 1/8 teaspoon of pure peppermint extract as a substitute for 1 tablespoon of syrup, then add 1 teaspoon of sugar separately to compensate for the sweetness the syrup would have provided. Extract is much more concentrated, so measure carefully.
How do I make a peppermint mocha iced?
Brew 2 oz espresso, dissolve cocoa and sugar in it while hot, then add peppermint syrup. Pour over a tall glass packed with ice, then top with 6 oz of cold milk. Stir gently and add whipped cream if desired. Skip the frothing step entirely.
What peppermint syrup does Starbucks use?
Starbucks uses a proprietary peppermint syrup. The closest retail match is Torani Peppermint Syrup, which is widely available at grocery stores and on Amazon. For a cleaner flavor with no artificial aftertaste, steep a 1:1 sugar-water syrup with fresh mint leaves at home.
