How to Make a Starbucks Style Peppermint Mocha at Home

Here’s a simple recipe to make a Starbucks-style Peppermint Mocha at home:

Ingredients:

• 1 shot of espresso (or ½ cup of strong brewed coffee)
• 1 cup of milk (whole milk, 2%, or a milk alternative)
• 1-2 tablespoons peppermint syrup
• 1-2 tablespoons chocolate syrup (or melted chocolate)
• Whipped cream (optional, for topping)
• Crushed peppermint candies or chocolate shavings (optional, for garnish)

Equipment:

• Espresso machine or coffee maker (for strong coffee)
• Milk frother or saucepan (to heat and froth the milk)

Instructions:

For a Hot Peppermint Mocha:

1. Brew the espresso: Prepare a shot of espresso using your espresso machine. If you don’t have one, brew a strong cup of coffee (about ½ cup).

2. Heat the milk: Warm the milk in a saucepan over medium heat or use a milk frother to heat and froth the milk. If using a saucepan, whisk the milk vigorously to create froth.

3. Mix the syrups: In a large mug, add 1-2 tablespoons of peppermint syrup and 1-2 tablespoons of chocolate syrup (adjust to taste). Stir to combine.

4. Add espresso: Pour the shot of espresso (or strong coffee) into the mug with the syrups. Stir well to mix the flavors.

5. Add the steamed milk: Pour the heated milk into the mug, holding back the froth with a spoon. Then spoon the froth on top.

6. Top with whipped cream: For an extra indulgent treat, add a generous dollop of whipped cream on top.

7. Garnish: Drizzle some extra chocolate syrup over the whipped cream and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies or chocolate shavings for decoration.

For an Iced Peppermint Mocha:

1. Brew the espresso: Prepare a shot of espresso and let it cool slightly.

2. Mix the syrups: In a tall glass, combine 1-2 tablespoons of peppermint syrup and 1-2 tablespoons of chocolate syrup. Stir to mix.

3. Add ice: Fill the glass with ice.

4. Pour cold milk: Add about ¾ cup of cold milk to the glass.

5. Add the espresso: Pour the cooled shot of espresso over the milk and ice. Stir well to combine.

6. Top with whipped cream: Add whipped cream on top, if desired.

7. Garnish: Drizzle extra chocolate syrup over the whipped cream and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies or chocolate shavings.

Tips:

• You can find peppermint syrup in grocery stores or make your own by combining water, sugar, and peppermint extract.
• For an extra rich mocha, you can use melted chocolate instead of syrup.
• Adjust the amount of peppermint syrup to match your preferred level of minty flavor.
• If you want a dairy-free version, use a plant-based milk like almond, oat, or coconut milk, and check if your chocolate syrup is dairy-free.

This recipe will give you a delicious Peppermint Mocha, perfect for the holiday season or whenever you're craving that festive flavor!