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If you love Starbucks Peppermint Mochas, but hate the price, check out this delicious copycat recipe!
We're super excited about an amazing KitchenAid giveaway! Actually, it's beyond amazing, their spectacular KitchenAid® Pro Line® Series Espresso Maker in Candy Apple Red - and it could be yours. The giveaway guidelines are explained below, but we'd love to give you a little peek into how this beautiful machine operates. Scott, with our son Nick, put together a short video, featuring the espresso maker and my favorite seasonal coffee drink, peppermint mocha.
The only place I've ever had the pleasure of enjoying a peppermint mocha is at Starbucks, but at more than $4 a pop (cha-ching!), I have to restrain myself, as our budget just doesn't allow frequent coffee indulgences. Until now, that is.
Earlier this season, while still anticipating the first beloved chocolate and peppermint coffee drink, I got an idea. Why not figure out how to make these delicious drinks at home? Although I have an espresso maker that makes a wonderful peppermint mocha, my challenge was to develop a recipe that didn't require fancy, expensive equipment.
I started out with Starbuck's Peppermint Mocha description:
A holiday classic made with our signature espresso, steamed milk, sweet mocha sauce and peppermint-flavored syrup. It's all topped off with whipped cream and dark chocolate curls.
That was a great start! They use two different sauces; a sweet mocha sauce and a peppermint flavored syrup. I did a bit of googling, tried a few different recipes and came up with my own versions. You'll find the recipes below. The mocha sauce is wonderful drizzled on ice cream and makes wonderful hot chocolate when combined with milk and heated. Add a splash of the peppermint syrup and you've got a delicious Peppermint hot cocoa, yum!
Is steamed milk simply hot milk?
Now for the steamed milk. Is steamed milk simply hot milk? No, not really. Steaming milk with an espresso machine does make it hot, but it also creates foam (microfoam) or tiny bubbles. Can this be done without an espresso machine? Yup! There are actually a few ways to steam milk without fancy equipment. One of the easiest ways is to purchase an inexpensive handheld "frother". It's battery operated and all you do is place in warm milk and give it whirrrr.
There are also fairly inexpensive frothers that both heat and froth the milk. This Kuissential Deluxe frother is rated really well on Amazon. But guess what? You can create steamed milk in a clean empty glass jar! Yup, that's all you need. Just fill the jar halfway full and shake, shake, shake until the foam has double in volume (30-60 seconds). Then remove the lid and warm the milk for 30 seconds in the microwave. The heat will actually stabilize the foam! Cool, huh?
Espresso without a fancy machine
Espresso is hard to duplicate. It's a fairly precise science, although there are some amazingly simple espresso machines that do all the work for you. We love the beautiful KitchenAid Proline Espresso Maker you see in the pictures, but on busy days (that would be most days) we use our KitchenAid Nespresso Maker. Just slip in the pod, push the button and delicious espresso appears right before your eyes! It comes with its own Aeroccino milk frother so it's super easy to make all the fancy coffee drinks at home. If you have a coffee lover on your Christmas list, this would make a lovely gift!
Don't want to invest that much? How about authentic, delicious espresso at home every day for less than $25? This stove top espresso maker works great and produces velvety espresso in less than 5 minutes.
No espresso maker and you don't want to invest in one? You're okay on this front too. You can still enjoy peppermint mochas. It won't be exactly the same, but it will still be delicious. Just brew coffee in a regular pot using fine grounds and twice as much coffee as normal. Brew the coffee and make your peppermint mochas immediately after brewing according to the directions below.
So there you have it! The syrups are super simple to make and will keep in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. You'll find lots of other ways to use them, so they probably won't last that long. They'd make a fun gift for the coffee lover on your list. Just find some fun, pretty bottles and fill them up!
The Giveaway has been completed
P.S. By the way, Nick who's our coffee aficionado (aka coffee snob) says this Peppermint Mocha is better than Starbucks!
- 2 tablespoons Mocha Sauce see recipe
- 1 tablespoon Peppermint Syrup see recipe
- 3 ounces espresso or strong coffee see blog post for different ways to make espresso
- 8 ounces steamed milk see blog post for ways to create steamed milk
- whipped cream
- crushed peppermint chocolate curls mini chocolate chips or a dusting of cocoa powder
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Combine Mocha Sauce and Peppermint Syrup in a 12-ounce cup or mug
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Add espresso
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Steam milk and add to cup.
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Garnish with whipped cream
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Sprinkle with crushed peppermint, chocolate curls, mini chocolate chips or a dusting of cocoa powder
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Serve and enjoy!
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup coffee or water
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
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In a medium size sauce pan, whisk together the sugar and the cocoa powder.
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Slowly add the coffee (or water), whisking continually until all liquid has been added and mixture is smooth.
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Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Watch pot very carefully, as you will have a huge mess if you walk away and mixture boils over. (Don’t ask me how I know this!) Simmer on low for 5 minutes.
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Cool completely then transfer to an airtight jar or bottle. Store in refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before using in coffee drinks.
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Combine water and sugar in a medium size pot and stir well. Bring mixture to a rolling boil over medium high heat. Stir to make sure all sugar is dissolved.
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Remove from heat and add peppermint extract. Allow to cool, then store in refrigerator in an airtight container. Bring to room temperature before using in coffee drinks.
Maria says
My favorite thing is spending time with my family, especially my grandchildren.
Cindy says
Getting together with family and friends to celebrate, baking and overall feeling of the season!
ginny Hartzler says
Just the recipes for the syrups alone are priceless! How long will they keep in the fridge? Or the cabinet?
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Ginny, they'll keep well for a week to 10 days, probably more - if they last 🙂
Cheryl L. says
The best part of the holiday season is sharing the warmth of family and wonderful food traditions.
Cindy Stoll says
Family time, celebrating the birth of Jesus.
Jackie says
I simply love watching Christmas movies (particularly "It's a Wonderful Life"") while wrapping Christmas gifts.
Chris Scheuer says
That sounds so cozy!
Shawn Miller says
I love getting together with family for all the extra fun activities of the holiday.
Chris Scheuer says
It is definitely one of the most special times of the year!
Abbey says
This time of year is best for spending time with family. And I love taking the time to fix our favorite holiday treats for all my family and friends. This peppermint mocha will be just the thing to serve with a nice slice of pound cake.
Chris Scheuer says
I'm with you on that one Abbey!
Jennifer says
I love this time of year because of all the pretty lights and the time we get to spend with our friends & family cooking and eating good food.
Chris Scheuer says
It is such a special and unique time of year, a time to savor what's most important!
Katrina says
My favorite thing about this time of year is being able to celebrate Christmas multiple times in multiple ways. The holiday can be remembered with reflective simplicity or with regal abundance. Last night we got together with friends for soup & salad before sharing poems and singing carols. Tomorrow we have a concert at church followed by a cookie & hot chocolate reception. Although my husband and I won't be able to travel to be with our parents and siblings this year, we will enjoy celebrating Jesus birth with our church family. We look forward to sharing a Christmas feast with friends following the morning service on Christmas Sunday.
Chris Scheuer says
Sounds like a wonderful Christmas despite not being with family. Love hearing about all your lovely merry-making 🙂
Katrina says
I smiled when I read the lines about watching to make sure that the mixture doesn't boil over. When I was teaching in Bogota, Colombia, one of my student's house helper said something similar: that the milk for hot chocolate would never boil until you turned your back. My Spanish comprehension wasn't very good at that point, but I understood! Cooking is a universal language ( :
Kim says
The birth of our Lord and Savior!
Chris Scheuer says
I agree Kim!
Pattie Tierney says
My mouth is watering just reading about that Peppermint Mocha. My favorite part of the holiday was always the quietude of Christmas night after everything was over and my husband and I could relax in front of the fire. Sadly, he passed away at the end of June, so I am trying to make new traditions this year, which is not easy.
Chris Scheuer says
So sorry to hear that Pattie, sounds like you have wonderful memories. And you're so smart to make some new, special traditions!
Lisa Breece says
My favorite thing about the holiday is all the decorations and lights.
Chris Scheuer says
I agree Lisa, there is so much beauty at this time of year!
Courtney H says
My favorite thing about the holidays is being with my family
Chris Scheuer says
So special Courtney!
Susie D says
The holidays were a rough time when I was growing up (abusive dysfunctional household). They are still hard for me, so I apply myself to trying to make good memories and good times for my children. I want them to have the good experiences I did not have. 🙂 I love my kids!
Chris Scheuer says
You're leaving a wonderful legacy for them Susie! It's a strong person who doesn't fall into the same ruts they grew up with! God bless you!
Amy says
I have an added family member - my new granddaughter! Not only does she make Christmas better, she makes every single day brighter!
Chris Scheuer says
Aww... that's so sweet Amy, I know exactly what you mean!
Dee Parker says
I love that weather has turned cooler , and I love peppermint mochas!
Chris Scheuer says
I know, we just took a long walk in the cold. It feels so good to be bundled up. A peppermint mocha would be perfect right now except it's bedtime. Maybe in the morning 🙂
Leah Kraft says
I love this time of year because it's when warm foods come back into season! Lasagnas, pot pies and chilis, oh my! I get to feel the weight of the blanks in bed, cozy up with my pup, and drink hot beverages (mulled wine anyone?). But most of all, I love connecting with friends and familly and verbalizing my appreciation and love for each of them. They make me who I am and I am so grateful!
Chris Scheuer says
Such a beautiful way to express the beauty of family and friends Leah!
mirinda says
Cold sunny days with the fire crackling and the smell of yummyness fills the air though out the house. I love to bake and when the opportunity arises to make mounds of cookies well that is where you will find me. Oh yes cant forget hot cocoa with peppermint essential oils way to delightful and tempting with all those cookies sitting around pending homes.
Chris Scheuer says
Today was that cold, sunny day here in North Carolina Mirinda!
Vero M says
I love the time spent with the family and friends. Having a big get together and exchange gifts!
Chris Scheuer says
So fun and so precious Vero!
mirinda says
Cant tell you how much I love to bake. This time of year gives me all the more reason to enjoy my time in the kitchen. Love the smell throughout the house. I especially enjoy when my family and friends rant and rave about the yummyness that finds its way out the door. Have you ever had someone tell you...every time I am around you, you smell like baked goodness. Now I am not sure how I should take that but, this time of year I think I need to bottle the smells for everyone to enjoy.
Chris Scheuer says
Haha Miranda! I love it, you're my kind of girl!
Jennifer says
Spending time with the family and doing fun activities leading up to Christmas!
Chris Scheuer says
Scott always talks about getting all the Christmas decorations out with his mom and setting them up throughout the house. It's one of his fondest memories of childhood.
Kate GR says
My favorite thing is spending time with my family. We're a small bunch, but create so much fun- laughing, eating, carrying on, telling stories! These times are very treasured in our busy lives. We can simply be together, is such a blessing.
Chris Scheuer says
That's awesome Kate! You're right, we have to treasure every moment with loved ones!
Sara says
My favorite thing about this time of year is celebrating Christmas with family, friends, and good food!
Chris Scheuer says
You're right up my alley Sara!
Sharon Reimers says
The thing I love most about the holidays is celebrating the birth of our Savior--Jesus Christ---with family and friends!! And remembering that despite the hectic nature of the season, the most important thing is to sit at His feet.
Chris Scheuer says
So true Sharon, thank you for this beautiful comment!