Easy Homemade Copycat Starbucks Peppermint Mocha
This homemade copycat Starbucks peppermint mocha is the real deal, made with a quick and easy homemade syrup. It’s the perfect cozy holiday drink that comes together in under 15 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup milk (whole, oat, or almond)
- 1 shot of espresso or 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee
- 2–3 tablespoons homemade peppermint syrup
- Whipped cream (for topping)
- Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, whisk together water, granulated sugar, and cocoa powder until fully incorporated.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently with a whisk. This takes about 3-4 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in peppermint extract and a pinch of salt.
- Let the syrup cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then pour through a fine-mesh strainer into a glass jar. Cool completely before sealing.
- While the syrup cools, brew a strong cup of coffee or pull a shot of espresso.
- In a small pot, warm the milk over medium-low heat until steaming but not boiling. Optionally, use a milk frother for foam.
- In a mug, add 2-3 tablespoons of peppermint syrup. Pour in hot coffee and stir until dissolved.
- Pour in warm milk and stir gently.
- Top with whipped cream and garnish with crushed candy canes or peppermint candies if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Be careful not to boil the syrup too vigorously to prevent sugar crystallization. The syrup can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks. Adjust peppermint extract to taste; start with 1 teaspoon. For a dairy-free version, use oat or almond milk. For an iced version, cool the syrup completely and serve over ice with cold milk and cold brew.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug (12 ounces)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 40
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 11
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 48
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 9
Keywords: peppermint mocha, copycat Starbucks, homemade, holiday drink, coffee, chocolate, mint