Description
This Healthy Peppermint Mocha is a delightful and nourishing beverage combining warm milk, rich espresso, refreshing peppermint, and a touch of cacao and maple syrup. Perfect for a cozy morning or afternoon pick-me-up, it offers a balanced blend of sweet and minty flavors with a healthy twist using natural sweeteners.
Ingredients
Scale
Milk Base
- 1 cup milk (regular or dairy-free)
Flavorings
- 1/4 cup espresso (1 large 1–2 oz shot)
- 1/8 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cacao powder
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
Instructions
- Heat the Milk: In a small saucepan or microwave, gently warm the milk until it is hot but not boiling, preparing it to blend seamlessly with the other ingredients.
- Add Flavorings: Whisk in the peppermint extract, cacao powder, and maple syrup into the warm milk thoroughly to combine the minty, chocolate, and sweet flavors evenly.
- Froth the Milk Mixture: Continue whisking the mixture until it becomes warm and frothy; if using a microwave, a milk frother helps to incorporate air for a creamy texture.
- Combine with Espresso and Serve: Pour the warm, frothy milk mixture into a mug and top it with the prepared espresso shot. Stir gently if desired, then enjoy your healthy peppermint mocha.
Notes
- You can substitute the milk with any plant-based alternative like almond, oat, or soy milk to make it dairy-free.
- Adjust the peppermint extract quantity based on personal preference; it is quite potent.
- For stronger coffee flavor, use a double espresso shot instead of one.
- Maple syrup is used as a natural sweetener; honey or agave syrup can be used as alternatives.
- To enhance frothiness without a milk frother, vigorously whisk or shake the milk mixture in a sealed jar before heating.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: peppermint mocha, healthy coffee drink, cacao mocha, peppermint coffee, maple syrup mocha
