I came across this peppermint mocha recipe on Youtube as a Starbucks hack from Bobby at FlavCity. If you are curious to see his video I will link it here. To sum up the video, he shows that 1 Grande Peppermint Mocha from Starbucks has a HUGE amount of sugar, 54GRAMS to be exact. Yes you read that right, 54 Grams! That is an insane amount of refined sugar to consume in 1 drink.

Bobby shows his peppermint mocha recipe hack at Starbucks in the video, but I decided to use it as inspiration and create my own at home version to try during December. It was too good not to share.

It didn't take much to recreate his recipe hack, but I really prefer the idea of making it at home so that I can use my own coffee, because truth be told I really am not a huge Starbucks fan in the first place. I also enjoy adding whipped cream for that extra decadent touch.

Fresh Brewed Coffee

Wholemilk or milk alternative

Peppermint essential oil

Dark chocolate

Whipped cream

Fancy toppings ( completely optional )

This peppermint mocha recipe is really so simple you can't mess it up. You could also use your own creative license and use different flavored chocolate, or a milk chocolate and add some fun toppings of your choice.

Brew your favorite coffee, whether it is an espresso or a filter coffee like I used.

Add a block ( or 2 ) of your favorite dark chocolate. You could experiment with a mint flavor for an extra minty kick.

Add milk and stir well for the chocolate to melt.

Add only 1 - 2 drops of peppermint essential oil ( it is strong so use a light hand ). You can use peppermint essence for baking if you prefer.

Stir and top with whipped cream.

Have some fun and decorate your mocha with sprinkles, grated chocolate, a chocolate wafer or a peppermint candy cane.

I tried to keep my version as low in sugar as possible. Dark chocolate has less sugar and I chose to not add any sweetener. If you have a serious sweet tooth, try adding a half teaspoon of honey or drop or 2 of liquid stevia.

I think this recipe will definitely be a new family favorite over the holiday season. It ticks all of the boxes for a warm, comforting drink. It is both decadent from the rich chocolate, and slightly refreshing from that peppermint hit.

It is a fun drink to make with the kids too, and you can adjust it to suit their taste. My girls enjoy the the taste of peppermint and had no problem chugging this down. I have no guilt giving them this decadent treat that has minimal sugar ( I only use dark chocolate ) that gets the thumbs up.

I plan on using this recipe as a new family tradition on Christmas Eve and having a sort of DIY station for decorating your mocha. Whipped cream, chocolate shavings, sprinkles and definitely a Christmas cookie on the side.

I hope that you enjoy this recipe and bring it into your holiday traditions this year. Let me know what you think of it once you try it because it definitely shouldn’t be kept only for Christmas!