Easy Homemade Peppermint Mocha/Hot Chocolate (+ Lower Sugar Option)
Make your own winter tradition AND save money with homemade peppermint mochas or peppermint hot chocolate! So good and easy to adjust to your tastes and make lower sugar.
Servings: 3 cups syrups
Calories: 241kcal
Equipment
- small saucepan
- jars and/or bottles
Ingredients
Chocolate Syrup:
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder
- 3/4 – 1 cup sugar lower amount makes a "dark" chocolate syrup
- pinch salt
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- Optional: 1½ teaspoons peppermint extract if making lower sugar option
Peppermint Syrup (Omit for Lower Sugar Option):
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure peppermint extract
To make one serving of Peppermint Mocha or Hot Chocolate:
- 1/2 cup warmed milk 1 cup for hot chocolate
- 1/2 cup strong coffee omit for hot chocolate
- 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup -OR chocolate peppermint syrup for lower sugar version
- 1 tablespoon peppermint syrup -OMIT for lower sugar version
- Optional for serving: whipped cream or marshmallows, crushed peppermint candies
Instructions
Chocolate Syrup:
- Mix cocoa, sugar, and salt in a small saucepan. Stir in enough boiling water to form a smooth paste. Stir in remaining water.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring often. Let simmer 2-3 minutes (I like the longer time as it makes the syrup a bit thicker), stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and add the vanilla (and peppermint extract for lower sugar version). Let cool.
- Scrape it into a bottle or jar and store in the refrigerator 4-6 weeks.
Peppermint Syrup (if using):
- Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and stir for 4-5 minutes until sugar is completely dissolved (mixture should be clear).
- Remove from heat and add the peppermint extract. Let cool and then pour into glass containers to store in the refrigerator.
To make a serving of peppermint mocha or hot chocolate:
- Mix warmed milk, coffee (if using), and syrup(s) in a large mug.
- Top with your choice of whipped cream or marshmallows and crushed peppermint candies.
Notes
Make Ahead: The syrups both last in the refrigerator 1-2 months.
Nutrition information is for an individual peppermint mocha serving.
Nutrition
Serving: 1cup | Calories: 241kcal | Carbohydrates: 48.4g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1.7g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 93mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 41.9g
