Best Homemade Peppermint Mocha Latte
Best Homemade Peppermint Mocha Latte
This Best Homemade Peppermint Mocha Latte is the perfect warm, + cozy thing to indulge in during the winter months. Believe it or not, peppermint + mocha (chocolate) flavors are a THING and will surely become your newest obsession during the Holiday season! Literally whipped together in a few short minutes, this homemade latte comes fully dairy-free, vegan, + gluten-free. Enjoy this caffeine-filled cup of goodness every morning with a nice bit of warmth for those cooler months.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links via Amazon for products that I wholeheartedly love.
Honestly, I never thought that I would be mentioning Peppermint + Mocha because I'm not a huge fan of peppermint, but this Best Homemade Peppermint Mocha Latte definitely was an exception! Both flavors are SO AMAZING together and I now understand the idea of #PeppermintLatteDay.
This latte definitely tops the list, right up there with my most favorite hot latte-----Toasted Coconut Honey Latte. I don't know about you, but homemade lattes seem to be the best thing for me at the moment, especially since I have full control over the ingredients and unique twists that I often enjoy doing. Usually, I enjoy a nice Chai Latte or Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso Latte from Starbucks, however, it's been so refreshing to try new + bold flavors, some of which are inspired by classic Starbucks flavors like this one.
Of course, if you're into iced coffees and lattes, this Dairy-free Iced Mocha Latte is one to try! It's made with plant-based dairy-free milk and has a gentle spice from the cinnamon. When you make this drink at home, you can control the sweetness and flavor to make it entirely your own -- better than any fancy coffee shop if you ask me.
3 Ways to Spruce Up this Peppermint Mocha Latte.
If you're thinking about making this Homemade Peppermint Mocha Latte more than once or are looking to spruce things up, here are a few ways that you can switch things up:
TIP #1: Double up on the Coffee or Chocolate. Who doesn't love a good burst of flavor by adding more.
TIP #2: Twist things up by using white chocolate instead! Still get the same richness of chocolate, but by using white chocolate.
Tip #3: Make this latte a "Skinny Version", which means less calories by using 1% or 2% milk and a sweetener replacer.
How To Make Homemade Peppermint Mocha Latte
When it comes to making this Homemade Peppermint Mocha Latte it's truly fairly simple. You'll add everything to a saucepan over medium-high heat and whisking as it's heating up until smooth. Once warm and smooth, stir in your sweetener and the peppermint extract and it's ready to be transferred into your mug.
For extra coziness and pizazz, top your latte with coconut whipped cream, marshmallows, chopped chocolate + candy canes. Wallah! Sip and enjoy!
Ingredients for the Best Homemade Peppermint Mocha Latte
The key to the best, freshest-tasting peppermint mocha latte at home is high-quality ingredients. Here's what you need for this homemade latte:
- Organic cocoa powder. You can also use cacao powder for a stronger flavor.
- Maple syrup. This sweetens the latte. Best to get pure maple syrup which is organic and high-quality.
- Peppermint extract. This helps balance out the rich chocolate flavor and adds that minty taste. Just a teaspoon is needed.
- Cinnamon. Adds a warm note and amplifies the chocolate flavor.
- Espresso powder. I like to use a high-quality espresso powder from Delallo, but instant coffee works too. Feel free to use cold brew or freshly-brewed coffee, if preferred! About ½ cup of either would do!
- Almond milk. You can use any plant-based, or dairy-based milk you like. You can also make your own almond milk, if desired.
- Chocolate. I like to use vegan chocolate bars and chop them up, however, you can use chocolate chips as well!
- Candy canes. I like to add chopped candy canes as a topping for a festive feel and look.
- Marshmallows. I love using vegan marshmallows from Dandies Marshmallows, either mini or jumbo.
- Coconut whipped cream. For a nice smoothness after every sip, I like to top with coconut whipped cream. Make your own or use a store-bought version like So Delicious Dairy-Free.
What You’ll Love Most About This Peppermint Mocha Latte.
Very easy to whip together and uses minimal main ingredients.
Ready in less than 30 minutes TOTAL—-including prep.
Warm and comforting with every sip.
Loaded with delicious Fall/Winter spices + flavors.
All dairy-free, vegan, + gluten-free.
Makes for the perfect sweet treat for the entire family----once you remove the coffee!
SHOP MY FAVORITE DRINKWARE ITEMS AND ACCESSORIES!
Here, I’ve curated a list of drinkware and mocktail essentials that I use to achieve my favorite drinking experiences, especially with this Best Homemade Peppermint Mocha Latte. Everything from my fave glassware, saucepan, mugs, wooden spoons, and more. SEE THEM HERE!
What is Mocha, Anyway?
Mocha is simply a mere combination of coffee (usually espresso) and chocolate (either powder or a syrup) followed by milk or cream. That short + sweet. Haha.
Why Add Espresso to this Latte?
OK, so when it came to the coffee or caffeine element, I chose to use espresso powder. Honestly, before this year, I never really used espresso powder, however, since using it in this Vegan Brownie Cookie Dough Cake, which I had the pleasure of collaborating with my friend, Britt from the Banana Diaries.
Ever since then, I've been loving the burst of decadence that it adds to anything chocolate. It's almost as if it brings out the rich flavor more. Of course, I had to add it to this latte so that I could gain the same decadence and richness with the pops of peppermint flavor in every sip.
The awesome thing about espresso powder is that it dissolves quickly into your baking or warm drink needs just like Instant coffee.
What Kind of Plant-Based Milk is Best for Lattes?
This recipe will work with any plant-based milk you love. And making your own is easier than you think! If you’d like to switch things up with the type of plant-based milk that you use—–that’s totally fine! The world of plant-based milk is constantly expanding. From the classics like coconut milk, cashew milk, soy milk, sesame milk, and almond milk, we now have delicious options like oat milk, and even potato and quinoa milk.
Need A Pick-Me-Up without Coffee?
I decided to do a bit of research and I found a few great healthy alternatives to coffee. Now, you’ll be surprised to know that these options give you the same added boost that you need along with some other additional benefits, so be sure to give them a try when you get a chance.
Common FAQs for this Peppermint Mocha Latte.
CAN YOU ADD OTHER TYPES OF COFFEE TO THIS IF DESIRED?
Absolutely! Feel free to add 2 shots of espresso or a ½ cup of freshly strongly brewed coffee if you’d like.
WHAT IS THE CONSISTENCY OF THIS LATTE?
This latte is so easily drinkable and not thick in texture at all. This drink is lighter and has a beautiful creamy and foaminess to it due to the melted marshmallows on top. SO GOOD!
CAN I SUBSTITUTE MARSHMALLOWS WITH ANOTHER TOPPING?
Definitely! For added pizzazz, you can add frothed milk or you can drink it with Cocowhip or nothing at all. The possibilities are endless.
IS THERE OTHER METHODS TO MAKING THIS?
Yup. While I enjoy the slow and true cooking method of using my stovetop, you can make this latte within your blender. Some high-tech blenders like the Vitamix has a heating mode which allows you to blend and warm at the same time, which is one way to do it. Of course, if you’re like me, then using your stovetop is just as easy.
More Decadent Chocolate Recipes to Try!
- Best Vegan Chocolate Cake
- Creamy Homemade Caramel Hot Chocolate
- Homemade Vegan Oat Milk Chocolate Bars
- Chocolate Sweet Potato Cupcakes
- Big Bakery-Style Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Triple Chocolate Protein Overnight Oats
MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
If you make this Best Homemade Peppermint Mocha Latte, tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea
Best Homemade Peppermint Mocha Latte
Ingredients
LATTE:
- 2 cups Almond milk, unsweetened (You can use your fave plant-based milk!)
- 2-3 Tbsps pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup organic cocoa powder
- 2 tsps espresso powder
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Pinch of ground cinnamon
- 1 (8oz.) bar vegan dark chocolate bar, chopped (You can also use vegan-friendly chocolate chips)
TOPPINGS:
- Coconut whipped cream
- Chopped candy canes
- Vegan marshmallows, mini or jumbo
- Chopped vegan chocolate
Instructions
TO MAKE THE LATTE:
- In a saucepan over medium-high heat, add together the milk, espresso powder, coco powder, and chopped chocolate, whisking them to combine and bring to a boil, about 1-2 minutes. Once fully combined and smooth, add in the maple syrup, cinnamon, and peppermint extract, stir to combine and let it boil for another minute. Remove from heat.
- To serve, pour the latte mixture carefully into mug(s) and top with coconut whipped cream, marshmallows, followed by chopped chocolate and candy canes, if desired.
- Sip and enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
- WHAT PLANT-BASED MILKS ARE GOOD FOR THIS RECIPE? You can always use your fave or one of the following: Almond, coconut milk, homemade oat milk (froths/foams VERY WELL), homemade cashew milk, flax milk, potato milk, etc.
- IS THERE OTHER METHODS TO MAKING THIS? Yup. While I enjoy the slow and true cooking method of using my stovetop, you can make this latte within your blender. Some high-tech blenders like the Vitamix has a heating mode which allows you to blend and warm at the same time, which is one way to do it. Of course, if you’re like me, then using your stovetop is just as easy.
- EQUIPMENT: Here, I’ve curated a list of drinkware and mocktail essentials that I use to achieve my favorite drinking experiences, especially with this Best Homemade Peppermint Mocha Latte. Everything from my fave glassware, saucepan, mugs, wooden spoons, and more. SEE THEM HERE!
Nutrition
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Best Homemade Peppermint Mocha Latte.
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