It only takes a matter of days for grocery stores and restaurants to pull down their Halloween decorations and sprinkle tinsel and "Happy Holidays" signs. Starbucks is always one of the first, with their holiday coffee drinks debuting on November 4 this year. It's always a highlight to taste the first peppermint mocha of the season, but did you know you can enjoy the holiday flavor year-round? So whether you want it iced during the summer months or steaming hot during the holidays, Starbucks peppermint mocha can be enjoyed whenever you are craving a minty holiday drink.
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What is in a Peppermint Mocha?
The classic peppermint mocha recipe from Starbucks includes espresso, steamed milk, four pumps of mocha sauce which is coffee-flavored chocolate syrup, and four pumps of peppermint syrup. They are usually served with whipped cream and a sprinkling of dark chocolate sprinkles. Sweet like a candy cane, it's one of the most popular drinks Starbucks serves during the holidays.
You can also order it dairy-free with oat milk, almond milk, or soy milk as well as order it as a hot chocolate or as a frappucino. You can also "secret menu" a peppermint mocha cold brew if you ask the barista for pumps of peppermint and mocha in your cold brew order. Add in a pump or two of white chocolate to bring the drink over the top!
Is there a difference between Peppermint Mocha and Peppermint Latte?
Yes! If you are not a big fan of chocolate you can skip the mocha sauce and ask for pumps of peppermint syrup in your latte. You can even make this at home with sugar-free syrup.
Torani Sugar-Free Syrup, Peppermint
What is Starbuck's Peppermint Mocha's nutritional information?
According to Starbuck's website, A 16 fl oz serving size contains 16g total fat, 45 mg cholesterol, 63g total carbohydrate, 4g dietary fiber, and 50% of your daily value of saturated fat. It's not as healthy as a cup of coffee, but it is fun to drink once in a while!
How To Make Peppermint Mochas at Home
Skip the trip to the coffee shop and make your own coffee at home with either strong coffee from your coffee maker, instant coffee, or espresso made in your espresso machine.
KLARSTEIN Espressionata Gusto
While you can make your own mocha sauce on the stovetop with chocolate chips and cocoa powder, I really recommend using Ghirardelli chocolate sauce to always keep on hand. You'll also need peppermint syrup or peppermint extract if you do not want any additional sweeteners. Any way you make it, it'll be minty and filled with holiday cheer.
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