rewrite this title How to Make a Peppermint Mocha

Every time Christmas rolls around, I start to have visions of a peppermint mocha. I unapologetically enjoy all things coffee, but fancy coffee drinks can be a real budget breaker (not to mention full of sugar). Thankfully, there’s an easy and delicious peppermint mocha recipe you can make at home with wholesome real food ingredients.

You won’t even miss the $7 Starbucks peppermint mocha!

A Healthy Peppermint Mocha Recipe

In college, I frequented coffee shops for my caffeine fix. Now that I’m older, and hopefully a little wiser, I usually make my coffee at home with organic beans.

I don’t miss mainstream coffee shops at all since I can even make fancy coffees like pumpkin spice or vanilla lattes at home. They taste just as good as the conventional version, or better in my book. I love that I can use real food ingredients that give my brain and body a boost. 

I often get asked, “how do you get it all done with a blog and so many kids?” The answer is I don’t do it all myself, but also having a structured schedule and eating enough healthy fats. This recipe is packed with brain-boosting fats and it keeps me energetic, but not jittery, all day.

Peppermint Mocha Ingredients

Baristas at the popular coffee shop chain use espresso, peppermint syrup, and milk to make their famous peppermint mocha coffee. I feel like this homemade version is even better. It won’t taste exactly the same as Starbucks or other coffee shops, but I like it more.

You could add some dairy-free almond milk, oat milk, or grass-fed cow milk to the recipe if you prefer. However, I’ve found that with the healthy fats it’s ultra creamy and doesn’t even need the added milk!

Want something even faster to have on hand when a peppermint mocha craving hits? Try my peppermint mocha creamer recipe to add to your morning coffee. 

How to Make a Homemade Peppermint Mocha

I almost always include a tablespoon of butter, coconut oil, and/or MCT oil in my coffee. It’s the perfect way to get healthy fats and extra benefits.

I often use mushroom coffee from Four Sigmatic for the extra superfood benefits as well. I promise it doesn’t taste like mushrooms, just great coffee! They also have a delicious reishi mushroom hot chocolate that would also make a yummy addition to this recipe.

I’ve made variations of this recipe with coffee, decaf coffee, chai tea, and herbal teas. They’re all delicious! All you need is some brewed coffee, a few ingredients, and a blender to make your own peppermint mocha in just a few minutes.

A word of warning: If you aren’t used to consuming coconut oil, start slowly. Coconut oil and MCT oil can cause short-term nausea if you aren’t used to them. They both have immune boosting, metabolism boosting, and yeast-fighting properties. But if you jump in too fast your stomach might rebel!

Topping it Off

I don’t always add toppings to my drinks, but some people love the extra decoration. If you want to make your holiday season drink a little fancier, then add some garnish. I like some of these crushed natural candy canes on top when I need something fancy for guests. Some healthy white chocolate or dark chocolate curls also go great on top.

Add a little dollop of grass-fed whipped cream or whipped coconut cream if desired. Some homemade marshmallows are also a great topping option!

Essential Oil Safety

This recipe calls for natural peppermint extract or 1 drop of peppermint essential oil. Since peppermint extract is made with essential oil diluted in alcohol, either way, you’ll be consuming the plant oil. Some people prefer one form over the other though.

There is some concern that peppermint oil in medicinal or supplemental amounts can reduce breast milk production. And pregnant women (especially first trimester) are recommended against ingesting essential oils. The amount included in this recipe (especially if using peppermint extract) is minimal, in culinary amounts, and generally considered safe for most people. 

A Whole Latte Love

If you aren’t a mint person or want to skip the peppermint, try these variations instead:

Are you a fan of peppermint mochas? Ever made your own lattes before? Leave a comment and let me know!