Nothing says the holiday season quite like a warm, rich peppermint mocha, a drink that combines the velvety smoothness of chocolate with the refreshing kick of peppermint. This cozy treat is perfect for curling up by the fire, sharing with friends, or simply enjoying a quiet morning. Using Snowy Elk Coffee as the base, this peppermint mocha will be the highlight of your winter mornings. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of brewed Snowy Elk Coffee (We recommend using our Moose Bell Espresso for a deep, bold flavor that stands up beautifully to the peppermint and chocolate.)
- 1 cup milk (any milk of choice: dairy, almond, oat, or soy work well)
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder (or 1 oz of melted dark chocolate for a more decadent taste)
- 2 tbsp sugar (or sweetener of your choice, adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp peppermint extract (you can add more for a stronger minty taste)
- Whipped cream (optional but highly recommended for that coffeehouse touch)
- Crushed candy canes or chocolate shavings (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Brew Your Snowy Elk Coffee: Start by brewing 1 cup of your favorite Snowy Elk Coffee. We love using Moose Bell Espresso for this recipe, as its rich, robust flavor perfectly balances the sweetness of the chocolate and the freshness of the peppermint.
2. Heat and Froth the Milk: In a small saucepan, warm your milk over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. If you want that coffee-shop foam, use a frother to add some texture to the milk. For a shortcut, you can microwave the milk for 1-2 minutes and then froth.
3. Make the Chocolate Mixture: In a mug, mix together the cocoa powder (or melted dark chocolate) with sugar. Pour in the brewed coffee and stir well until the chocolate and sugar are completely dissolved.
4. Add the Peppermint: Stir in the peppermint extract. Be careful—a little goes a long way! Add more to taste, but start small to avoid overpowering the drink.
5. Combine and Serve: Pour the frothed milk into the mug with the chocolate-coffee mixture, stirring gently to combine.
6. Garnish: Top with whipped cream for an extra festive touch, and sprinkle crushed candy canes or chocolate shavings over the top.
7. Sip & Enjoy: Wrap your hands around this delightful peppermint mocha and savor the blend of flavors that only Snowy Elk Coffee can bring to your cup.
Tips for the Perfect Peppermint Mocha
- Experiment with Chocolate: Using high-quality dark chocolate or cocoa powder makes a big difference! If you prefer a creamier drink, try milk chocolate.
- Adjust Sweetness: Everyone’s sweetness preference is different, so feel free to adjust the sugar. For a lower-calorie option, substitute sugar with stevia, monk fruit, or honey.
- Make it Extra Minty: If you love a stronger peppermint flavor, try adding a tiny bit more peppermint extract or topping your mocha with peppermint syrup.
Why Snowy Elk Coffee?
Our Moose Bell Espresso and other roasts bring out bold, rich notes that complement chocolate and peppermint beautifully. Using high-quality coffee is essential for making any coffee drink truly exceptional, and Snowy Elk Coffee’s commitment to quality roasting makes all the difference in this peppermint mocha.
Enjoy your peppermint mocha this holiday season and bring the festive spirit to your mornings with Snowy Elk Coffee!