Starbucks Peppermint Mocha Coffee Recipe (Copycat) (2024)

ByDonna Elick

5 Comments

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Starbucks Peppermint Mocha is a frothy, festive delight! Slow down and enjoy it at home, not in a rush on-the-go, with my super simple peppermint mocha recipe. Each sip of that smooth, rich chocolatey flavor, the notes of peppermint, and the pillowy whipped cream is leisurely and luxurious – perfect for when you’re home for the holidays!

Starbucks Peppermint Mocha Coffee Recipe (Copycat) (1)

When it comes to coffee drinks, this is perfect for the holiday season. Making Starbucks copycat recipes like this is a breeze and perfect this time of year. There’s a reason why this is the favorite drink on the menu!

If your sweet tooth is kicking and you want an easy recipe, this delicious Starbucks Peppermint mocha is a slam dunk hit.

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Starbucks Peppermint Mocha

Don’t waste your time in the drive thru this Christmas season!

Instead, spend just 5 minutes in the kitchen to whip up a couple steaming mugs filled to the brim with a peppermint mocha latte — the sweet minty aftertaste with deep mocha creates a beautiful balance that’ll perk you right up!

Speaking of seasonal, did you know the white chocolate mocha frappe from Starbucks™ isn’t seasonal?

I didn’t know until I ordered one on Red Cup Day (Be sure to order the toasted one)!

And as far as Starbucks copycats go, you’d be well off to learn how to make their vanilla cold foam for that curated coffee house taste.

For a personal favorite of mine, try my Maple Latte Recipe!

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Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

  • Coffee – Only a strong brew will do! To make a strong coffee, use 2 tablespoons of your grounds of choice to 4 cups of water.
  • Whole Milk – Replace the milk in the peppermint mocha recipe with half and half or heavy cream for a thicker, creamier drink.

    Keep in mind it’s pretty creamy already!

  • Candy Cane – So you should crush a few and then leave two (or more if you’re making multiple batches) for stirring.

    How cute is that? An alternative peppermint candy can be used to make the peppermint mocha latte itself, but try to use the canes to really sell that presentation!

  • Granulated Sugar – White granulated sugar is best. The molasses-like flavor of brown sugar isn’t too compatible with our other ingredients.

    And while I haven’t tried alternative sugars to make a peppermint mocha latte, please feel free to do so – and let us know how it goes!

  • Optional Toppings – Oh the options!

    Whipped cream and chocolate shavings are classic, but a handful of mini marshmallows and more crushed peppermint candies would also be beyond adorable on top!

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How to Make A Starbucks Peppermint Mocha

Heat the coffee, milk, sugar, peppermint candy, and cocoa powder in a small saucepan over medium heat.

Stir continuously until the candy melts and the pot is warm or hot.

Pour the latte into two mugs, add your toppings, and viola! That’s it! Were you expecting something more complicated?

Peppermint Mocha Recipe Tips & Substitutions

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Storing A Peppermint Mocha From Starbucks

Wow, a copycat drink recipe that you can actually make ahead of time! That’s right – you can store the melted mocha mixture in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. Without toppings, that is!

Reheat it right on the stovetop once more and serve like you would fresh!

Starbucks Peppermint Mocha FAQ

Does a peppermint mocha taste like coffee?

The Starbucks peppermint mocha does have a hint of coffee flavor, for sure, but it isn’t the main player by any means.

Rather, it’s more like a rich and creamy peppermint hot cocoa with a deep mocha flavor. The coffee enhances these flavors rather than overshadowing them.

What is in a peppermint mocha at Starbucks?

The original Starbucks peppermint latte is made with espresso, steamed milk, their own sweet mocha sauce, and a peppermint syrup. You probably already knew that it’s topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings – their “dark chocolate curls,” as they call them.

What I love about my peppermint mocha recipe is that it uses common ingredients for a nostalgic taste. It’s rich and indulgent, but totally accessible and has a classic holiday vibe!

Is Starbucks peppermint mocha seasonal?

Yes – Starbucks holiday drinks are only available for a limited time. This generally starts at the beginning of November until supplies run out.

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Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.

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Other Starbucks Copycat Recipes

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Starbucks Peppermint Mocha Coffee Recipe (Copycat) (12)

Starbucks Peppermint Mocha Coffee Recipe (Copycat)

Donna Elick

Starbucks Peppermint Mocha is a rich, robust drink with a smooth mocha taste. Enjoy this DIY peppermint mocha recipe in just 5 minutes!

5 stars from 3 reviews

Tried this recipe?Please comment and review!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Course Drink

Cuisine American

Method Stovetop

Servings 2

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup brewed coffee, strong
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 candy cane, or 3 Starlight mints
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons cocoa powder

Optional Toppings

  • crushed peppermint candies
  • candy cane, place in the mug for stirring
  • whipped cream
  • marshmallows
  • chocolate shavings

Instructions

  • To a small saucepan set over medium heat, add the coffee, milk, sugar, candy cane (or candy), and cocoa powder. Stir to combine.

  • Continue stirring until the candy melts and the mixture is warm/hot.

  • Divide between two mugs and add your desired toppings. Enjoy!

Donna’s Notes

For strong coffee, use 2 tablespoons of coffee grounds to 4 cups of water.

This will keep good in the fridge, without the toppings, for 2-3 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 182cal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 49mg | Sugar: 31g | Fiber: 2g | Calcium: 158mg | Iron: 1mg

All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Starbucks Peppermint Mocha Coffee Recipe (Copycat) (13)

Originally published December 2022, updated and republished December 2023

Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link your price will remain the same and The Slow Roasted Italian will automatically receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting us, it helps us keep creating new recipes.

Starbucks Peppermint Mocha Coffee Recipe (Copycat) (14)

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Starbucks Peppermint Mocha Coffee Recipe (Copycat) (2024)

FAQs

What coffee does Starbucks use for peppermint mocha? ›

From there, the team refined the recipe, finding the perfect combination of rich Starbucks espresso with bittersweet mocha sauce, peppermint syrup, and steamed milk, topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of red sugar sprinkles.

What syrup does Starbucks use for their peppermint mocha? ›

Now Starbucks uses their peppermint syrup to flavor this drink, and you can definitely make your own peppermint syrup or purchase it. But if you'd prefer not to make or purchase a specialty coffee syrup, the peppermint flavoring is a nice alternative.

What is the formula for peppermint mocha? ›

In a small saucepan, heat milk over medium heat to desired temperature. You may also use a milk frother. Remove from heat and add cocoa powder, honey, vanilla extract and peppermint flavor, mixing until cocoa powder is dissolved. Pour evenly into two large mugs, and stir in espresso shots.

How many pumps of peppermint are in a peppermint mocha from Starbucks? ›

A grande peppermint mocha at Starbucks has 4 pumps each of peppermint syrup and mocha sauce.

Did Starbucks change their Peppermint Mocha? ›

A Taste Team Came Up With The Peppermint Mocha

The drink was inspired by the prevalence of peppermint candies during the holiday season. The Peppermint Mocha has remained a hit over the years, ever since it first became available in 2002 -- and the recipe has remained basically unchanged for two decades.

How to order Starbucks peppermint mocha? ›

So, to get your Peppermint Mocha fix, all you have to do is order a regular Starbucks Mocha, and then request a few pumps of peppermint syrup. Similarly, you can also order a Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha at any time during the year, giving you another variation of a Peppermint Mocha to try whenever you please.

Can you get Starbucks Peppermint Mocha all year? ›

However, despite its holiday theme — and the fact that it's considered a seasonal drink — there is actually a way to order it all year long. That's because Starbucks stocks up on both mocha sauce and peppermint syrup year-round, even though the chain doesn't keep its Peppermint Mocha on the menu.

What company makes Starbucks syrups? ›

What brand of syrup does Starbucks use for coffee? Fontana makes Starbucks syrups and sauces. The differences between the Fontana branded and the Starbucks branded syrups and sauces are very minimal, but they are different.

Does Starbucks do Skinny Peppermint Mocha? ›

A Skinny Peppermint Mocha is just 100 calories for a Tall beverage.

Can I put peppermint extract in my coffee? ›

Finally, you can try using peppermint extract for a particularly strong wintery taste. All you need is a drop or two of the extract to give your coffee a fresh and minty flavor, but you can always add more. Remember to start with a small amount and gradually increase it to your liking.

What is a peppermint mocha latte made of? ›

Heat cocoa powder and 1/4 milk in a small saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave for 30 seconds, until cocoa powder, dissolves when stirred. Remove from heat and stir in espresso and peppermint syrup. Add sweetener if using. Pour into a large mug or divide into two small mugs.

Is there milk in Peppermint Mocha Starbucks? ›

The drink combines Starbucks espresso with bittersweet mocha sauce, peppermint syrup, and steamed two percent milk and is topped with whipped cream and dark chocolate curls.

What is in a Starbucks peppermint mocha coffee? ›

directions
  • Combine 3 Tbsp Baking Cocoa with 3 Tbsp warm water to make into a rich syrup. ...
  • Add espresso.
  • Add Peppermint syrup.
  • Steam milk and add to remainder of cup.
  • Garnish with whipped cream and sugar crystals.

Who has the best peppermint mocha? ›

Overall, the Starbucks peppermint mocha was much better than Dunkin's. The only downside is that it is more expensive. If you're looking to try a peppermint mocha, I would recommend going to Starbucks. It is worth the cost for a nice holiday drink.

How many shots of espresso are in a grande peppermint mocha? ›

A tall Peppermint Mocha has one shot of espresso with 3 pumps of peppermint syrup and mocha sauce each. A grande cup has two shots of espresso with four pumps of the sauce and syrup and a venti cup has two shots of espresso with five pumps of the sauce and syrup.

Is Starbucks peppermint mocha light roast? ›

MORE ABOUT THIS COFFEE

Rich chocolaty notes meet minty joy in this heartwarming treat. Together our lightest roast and winter's celebrated flavors create a festive favorite with just the right amount of cocoa-peppermint sweetness.

Can I still order Peppermint Mocha at Starbucks? ›

However, despite its holiday theme — and the fact that it's considered a seasonal drink — there is actually a way to order it all year long. That's because Starbucks stocks up on both mocha sauce and peppermint syrup year-round, even though the chain doesn't keep its Peppermint Mocha on the menu.

Is a peppermint mocha latte coffee? ›

For starters, a latte is a coffee beverage made with 1/3 espresso and 2/3 steamed milk, with a layer of fine foam. A peppermint mocha latte is a latte made with chocolate syrup and peppermint.

What's in Starbucks holiday blend? ›

MORE ABOUT THIS COFFEE

This coffee was created for celebrations and gatherings. We combined bright, lively Latin American and smooth, earthy Indonesian beans and roasted them to bring out their full flavors. Layered, balanced and sweet with herbal and maple notes. Enjoy it anytime you want to take in the season.

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