As soon as the air turns crisp and the holiday lights start to twinkle, one flavor combination seems to take over coffee shops everywhere — peppermint and chocolate. There’s something about the cool freshness of peppermint blended with the rich, comforting taste of cocoa that instantly feels like Christmas in a cup.
If you’re a fan of Starbucks’ famous Peppermint Mocha, you’ll be thrilled to know that it’s easy (and affordable!) to make your own version at home. With just four simple ingredients — water, sugar, cocoa powder, and peppermint extract — you can whip up a delicious Peppermint Mocha Syrup that turns any cup of coffee, latte, or hot chocolate into a festive holiday treat. Let’s dive into how to make it and a few fun ways to enjoy it all season long.
? Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Mocha Syrup
There’s no need to wait in line or spend extra money at the coffee shop when you can create your own peppermint mocha magic at home. This syrup is:
Perfectly festive – it brings the spirit of the holidays straight into your mug.
Simple and quick – made with pantry staples in about 10 minutes.
Customizable – you can adjust the sweetness or intensity of the peppermint to your taste.
Versatile – use it in coffee, hot chocolate, desserts, or even cocktails.
Once you make a batch, you’ll wonder why you ever bought flavored syrups again!
? Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple and classic. You only need four ingredients — and chances are, you already have most of them at home:
1 cup of water
1 cup of granulated sugar
2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon of peppermint extract
That’s it! These ingredients come together to form a smooth, chocolatey syrup with the perfect hint of peppermint.
??? How to Make Peppermint Mocha Syrup
Making this syrup couldn’t be easier. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a jar of holiday cheer ready in no time:
Combine the water, sugar, and cocoa powder.
In a small saucepan, add the water, sugar, and cocoa powder. Whisk the mixture over medium heat until the sugar completely dissolves and the cocoa is fully incorporated. You should have a smooth, glossy mixture.Simmer gently.
Once everything is combined, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent any sticking or burning. The syrup will start to thicken slightly as it cooks.Add the peppermint extract.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract. Be careful — peppermint extract is strong, so a little goes a long way!Cool and store.
Allow the syrup to cool completely, then transfer it to a glass jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid. Store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
? How to Use Your Peppermint Mocha Syrup
Once you’ve made your syrup, the fun begins! Here are some delicious ways to use it:
? Peppermint Mocha Latte
The classic! Brew a strong cup of coffee or espresso, then add 1–2 tablespoons of peppermint mocha syrup and top with steamed milk. Garnish with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or crushed candy canes for a festive touch.
? Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Stir a spoonful of syrup into a mug of hot milk or hot chocolate for a minty twist on a winter classic.
? Peppermint Mocha Milkshake
Blend vanilla or chocolate ice cream with a splash of milk and a few tablespoons of syrup for a cool, creamy treat that tastes like the holidays.
? Dessert Drizzle
Drizzle the syrup over brownies, cheesecake, or ice cream. It adds a gorgeous shine and rich flavor that’s irresistible.
? Pro Tips for the Best Peppermint Mocha Syrup
Adjust sweetness to taste. If you prefer your drinks less sweet, reduce the sugar slightly or use a darker cocoa powder for a more intense chocolate flavor.
Use high-quality cocoa powder. The flavor of the syrup depends heavily on the cocoa you use, so pick a good unsweetened brand like Ghirardelli or Hershey’s Special Dark.
Don’t overdo the peppermint. It’s easy to go from “festive” to “toothpaste” — so start with 1 teaspoon and taste before adding more.
Store it right. Keep it in the fridge in a sealed jar or squeeze bottle. It’ll stay fresh for about 2 weeks — perfect for the entire holiday season.
? Make It a Homemade Gift
This syrup also makes a wonderful DIY holiday gift! Pour it into a small glass bottle or mason jar, tie it with a festive ribbon, and add a handwritten tag that says “Peppermint Mocha Syrup – Add to coffee or cocoa for instant holiday joy!”
Pair it with a cute mug or a small bag of coffee beans, and you have a thoughtful, homemade present that friends and family will love.
Peppermint Mocha Syrup
Make a smooth and chocolate-y peppermint mocha syrup!
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
Notes
- In a small saucepan, combine water, sugar, and cocoa powder.
- Whisk over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in peppermint extract. (Be careful not to add too much — it’s strong!)
- Let the syrup cool completely.
Transfer to a jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
To Use: Add 1–2 tablespoons of syrup to coffee, espresso, or hot chocolate.
Stir well and top with steamed milk, whipped cream, or chocolate shavings for a festive touch.
Other Peppermint Mocha Treats to try
We love a good peppermint mocha treat over here! Here are some other chocolate+peppermint combos to try:
- Peppermint mocha latte
- Peppermint chocolate cake roll
- Peppermint hot chocolate
- Peppermint mocha cheesecake
Did you make this recipe? I’d love for you to leave a review in the comments below or the recipe card above. Want to try it later? Pin the image below to your favorite coffee board!
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