There’s something magical about wrapping your hands around a steaming mug of peppermint mocha holiday bliss as snow falls outside. This recipe has been my December morning ritual ever since my college days, when my roommate and I would stay up late wrapping gifts, then reward ourselves with this rich, minty treat at sunrise. The combination of deep chocolate, bright peppermint, and strong coffee creates the perfect holiday wake-up call. It’s better than any coffee shop version—and ready in just 10 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Mocha Holiday Bliss Recipe
This isn’t just any coffee—it’s a full-blown holiday experience in a mug! Here’s why it’s my go-to December drink:
- Instant cheer: Ready faster than unwrapping presents (just 10 minutes!)
- Rich & balanced: The cocoa-peppermint combo makes every sip feel like a cozy hug
- Your rules: Want it sweeter? Add sugar. Prefer it minty? Extra extract!
- Festive magic: Those candy cane crumbs on top? Pure holiday joy
Ingredients for Peppermint Mocha Holiday Bliss
Grab these simple ingredients – half of them are probably already in your pantry! The key is using pure peppermint extract (trust me, imitation tastes like toothpaste) and good cocoa powder for that deep chocolate flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee (hot – I use French press for extra richness)
- 1 cup milk (whole milk makes it ultra-creamy, but any kind works)
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder (unsweetened, the darker the better)
- 2 tbsp sugar (or more if you’ve got a sweet tooth!)
- 1/4 tsp peppermint extract (pure – this tiny bottle lasts years!)
- Whipped cream for topping (optional but oh-so-festive)
- Crushed peppermint candy for garnish (red-and-white bits make it pretty)
How to Make Peppermint Mocha Holiday Bliss
This recipe is so easy you could make it half-asleep on Christmas morning (I’ve done it!). Just follow these simple steps for that perfect balance of chocolate, coffee, and peppermint magic.
Step 1: Brew & Heat
Start by brewing your coffee strong – I use about 2 tablespoons of grounds per cup for that rich flavor. While that’s going, pour milk into a small saucepan and heat over medium until it’s steaming hot (about 3-4 minutes). Don’t let it boil – you want tiny bubbles around the edges, not a full roiling boil.
Step 2: Mix Flavors
Now the fun part! Whisk cocoa powder and sugar into the hot milk until every last lump disappears – you’ll know it’s ready when the mixture looks smooth as velvet. Take it off the heat and stir in that glorious peppermint extract (careful, it’s potent – that 1/4 teaspoon is exactly right). The aroma alone will put you in the holiday spirit!
Step 3: Assemble & Garnish
Pour your strong coffee into your favorite holiday mug, then gently stir in the peppermint-chocolate milk mixture. Top with a cloud of whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes if you’re feeling fancy (and let’s be real – you should always feel fancy in December). The first sip will transport you straight to holiday happiness!
Tips for Perfect Peppermint Mocha Holiday Bliss
After making this drink every winter for a decade (and a few peppermint disasters along the way), here are my hard-won secrets:
- Taste as you go: Start with 2 tbsp sugar, then add more after mixing – cocoa bitterness varies!
- Splurge on cocoa: Cheap powder tastes chalky. My favorite is the deep, dark Dutch-process kind.
- Baby your milk: Heat it slowly and stir often. Boiled milk gets that weird skin – ick!
Bonus tip: Always warm your mug first with hot water. Cold mugs steal the cozy!
Peppermint Mocha Holiday Bliss Variations
This recipe is like your favorite holiday sweater – comfy but ready for some fun accessories! Here are my favorite ways to mix it up:
- Dairy-free delight: Swap regular milk for almond or oat milk – just as creamy!
- Chocolate upgrade: Use dark cocoa powder or melt in real chocolate chunks for extra richness
- Extra kick: Add a shot of espresso if you need serious holiday energy
- Adult version: A splash of peppermint schnapps turns it into a merry cocktail (after noon, of course!)
Serving & Storing Peppermint Mocha Holiday Bliss
This drink is best served immediately while it’s piping hot and the whipped cream is still fluffy! If you somehow have leftovers (unlikely in my house), you can refrigerate just the coffee-milk base for up to a day. When ready to enjoy again, gently reheat on the stove – microwaving tends to make the milk separate. Pro tip: Make a double batch of the base in the morning to enjoy a second cup in the afternoon when the holiday hustle wears you out!
Peppermint Mocha Holiday Bliss Nutritional Info
Here’s the scoop on what’s in your festive cup (using whole milk and all the toppings): roughly 180 calories and 5g fat per serving. But remember – estimates vary based on your exact ingredients! Swap milk types or skip whipped cream to adjust the numbers to your liking. The important thing? It’s pure holiday happiness in every sip.
FAQs About Peppermint Mocha Holiday Bliss
Can I make this peppermint mocha vegan? Absolutely! Just swap the regular milk for your favorite plant-based version – almond and oat milk work beautifully. And skip the whipped cream or use coconut whipped topping instead. The peppermint and chocolate flavors shine through just as bright!
How can I reduce the sugar? I get it – sometimes you want less sweetness. Try cutting the sugar in half and adding a pinch of stevia, or go sugar-free with monk fruit sweetener. The cocoa and peppermint will still give you that festive flavor without the sugar rush.
What’s the best cocoa to use? Always reach for unsweetened cocoa powder – it gives you control over the sweetness. My personal favorite is Dutch-process cocoa for its deep, smooth chocolate flavor. Cheap cocoa can taste chalky, but a good quality brand makes all the difference in this holiday treat! If you are interested in other healthy drink options, check out this hibiscus tea drink recipes.
For those looking for a different kind of morning boost, you might enjoy learning about the natural Ozempic drink alternatives.
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10-Minute Peppermint Mocha Holiday Bliss Recipe – Pure Magic
- Total Time: 10 mins
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive peppermint mocha recipe to enjoy during the holidays.
Ingredients
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp peppermint extract
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Crushed peppermint candy (optional)
Instructions
- Brew a strong cup of coffee.
- Heat milk in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in cocoa powder and sugar until dissolved.
- Remove from heat and stir in peppermint extract.
- Pour the coffee into a mug and add the peppermint cocoa mixture.
- Top with whipped cream and crushed peppermint candy if desired.
Notes
- Adjust sweetness to taste.
- Use dairy-free milk for a vegan version.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: peppermint mocha, holiday drink, festive coffee