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Best Copycat Starbucks Peppermint Mocha: Easy Holiday Drink

copycat Starbucks peppermint mocha - featured image

This copycat Starbucks peppermint mocha is a quick and easy holiday drink that uses a peppermint tea bag for a gentle, natural mint flavor. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings and comes together in under 10 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups whole milk (or oat milk for dairy-free)
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1 cup strong brewed coffee
  • 1 peppermint tea bag
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or canned coconut cream for dairy-free)
  • 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (optional)
  • Crushed candy cane (for garnish, about 1 tablespoon per cup)
  • Chocolate shavings (optional)

Instructions

  1. Brew 1 cup of strong coffee using your preferred method. Set aside.
  2. Pour 2 cups of whole milk into a small saucepan. Add the peppermint tea bag. Heat over medium-low heat until steaming (about 3-4 minutes). Remove from heat and let steep for 2 more minutes. Remove tea bag and squeeze gently.
  3. Add 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar to the warm milk. Whisk vigorously until completely smooth (about 30 seconds).
  4. Divide the brewed coffee between two mugs. Pour the hot chocolate milk mixture over the coffee and stir gently to combine.
  5. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (if using). Whip with an electric hand mixer until soft peaks form (about 1-2 minutes).
  6. Top each mug with whipped cream, sprinkle with crushed candy cane, and add chocolate shavings if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, use oat milk and canned coconut cream. For extra chocolatey flavor, add 1 tablespoon of dark chocolate chips while heating the milk. For an iced version, cool the coffee and chocolate milk mixture, then pour over ice. The chocolate milk mixture can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: copycat Starbucks, peppermint mocha, holiday drink, easy, quick, peppermint tea, hot chocolate, coffee