Peppermint Mocha: A Holiday Tradition
As the holiday season approaches, many of us find ourselves reminiscing about our favorite festive drinks. For me, the peppermint mocha is the one that evokes the most nostalgia. It’s a drink that I associate with driving around town, finishing up my holiday shopping, and feeling cozy.
The peppermint mocha is a far cry from the classic mocha, which is often more espresso-forward. When I make it at home, I like to think of it as a peppermint hot chocolate with whipped cream. It’s a decadent treat that’s perfect for special occasions.
The Perfect Recipe
To make a delicious peppermint mocha, you’ll need the following ingredients:
* 1 shot of espresso
* 1 ½ cups of milk (or a milk alternative)
* ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract
* 3 tablespoons of chocolate syrup (or a hot chocolate mix)
* Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
1. Start by adding the chocolate syrup to your mug. I like to add most of it to the bottom, as it will mix with the hot espresso. You can also drizzle some up the sides of the mug for extra flavor.
2. Make your espresso and pour it into the prepared mug.
3. Steam the milk until it’s hot and creates a foam on top. If you have an espresso machine with a frothing wand, you can do this all in one step. Otherwise, you can heat the milk and froth it by hand or use a milk frother.
4. Add the hot chocolate mix to the milk during the steaming process, if using.
5. Pour the hot milk into the espresso, and the foam will naturally settle on top.
6. Top with whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and other garnishes, such as a mini candy cane or crushed candy canes.
Serving Suggestions
Why not make some Christmas cookies to go along with your peppermint mocha? Try making some snowball cookies, soft and chewy gingerbread cookies, or meringue cookies. You can also try making peanut butter blossoms or pinwheel cookies.
Home Espresso Machines
If you want to make a peppermint mocha at home, you’ll need an espresso machine. Here are some of our favorite options at different price points and skill levels:
* Cafe Automatic Espresso Machine: This is my current machine, and it’s a great option for those who want a high-quality espresso without having to be a barista.
* Stovetop Espresso: This is the cheapest way to make espresso at home, but it requires some labor and a way to grind your beans for best results.
* Breville Barista Touch: This is a higher-end machine that requires some barista skills, but it’s an excellent option for those who want a high-quality espresso.
* Nespresso Vertuo: This is a great option for those who want an espresso maker that uses pods.
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