How To Make A Peppermint Mocha From Scratch

'Tis the season — the season for Starbucks red cups, that is. The Starbucks holiday drinks you have come to equate with happiness, joy, and the holiday spirit are back in stores, but isn't it about time you learned how to make a peppermint mocha at home? You mastered the fall classic, the pumpkin spice latte, and now you are ready to take on everyone's favorite winter beverage, too.

The Starbucks peppermint mocha is a perennial winter favorite, and how could it not be? Rich and creamy with the perfect balance of sweet chocolate and peppermint, sipping one out of a Starbucks red cup is like sipping on winter itself. The signature drink is not only delicious, but it is addicting, too. There is nothing I crave more than a peppermint mocha to warm my hands — and my heart and soul — on a cold snowy morning.

If you are as addicted to the peppermint mocha as I am, I have good news for you: you can make a Starbucks-style peppermint mocha at home! Even better? Once you have mastered the recipe, you can add this perfect winter drink to your holiday party menu. Trust me, your guest will love you. Here's how.

Ingredients

Peppermint Syrup

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp. peppermint extract

Peppermint Mocha Latte

• 3 tbsp. cocoa powder
• 3 tbsp. warm water
• 2 tbsp. peppermint syrup
• 1 cup milk
• 2 oz. espresso or strong coffee
• Whipped cream (optional)

Directions

1. First, make the peppermint syrup. Bring one cup of water to a boil, and mix in one cup of sugar. Stir constantly until sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat, and stir in peppermint extract. Let cool.

2. In your serving mug, mix warm water and cocoa powder together until fully incorporated. Add coffee or espresso and peppermint syrup. Set aside.

3. In a small sauce pan, heat milk over medium heat. Whisk occasionally, and watch carefully to make sure milk does not burn. Once steaming and warm throughout, remove from heat.

4. Add milk to a serving mug. Top with whipped cream, if desired, and serve.

The Verdict

I used to keep hot chocolate packets in my cabinet for when I was craving a sweet winter drink, but now that I know how to make this peppermint mocha, those packets are out the window. This peppermint mocha is everything it should be — sweet, creamy, chocolatey, and minty. I like my peppermint mochas with a little extra kick, so I add an extra tablespoon or two of the peppermint syrup to my glass, but you can adjust it to fit your preferences. The peppermint syrup can be saved in an air-tight container and stored in the fridge for up to three months — that is, if it lasts that long. Trust me, once you know how to make this, you won't be able to help yourself. Winter just got a whole lot better.

For more coffee ideas, check out Bustle on YouTube.

Images: Sadie Trombetta