How to Make a Peppermint Mocha at Home: A Winter Treat

Peppermint is the perfect flavor to enjoy during the winter season, and one of the most common ways to indulge in its deliciousness is through a peppermint mocha. Whether you've got a hankering for a Starbucks-style peppermint mocha or you're excited to try making your own version, crafting a homemade peppermint mocha is a delightful and easy activity to do at home.

Why Peppermint Instantly Makes You Think of Winter

Peppermint has been a staple flavor associated with winter for many years. Its cooling properties and holiday scent make it a natural choice for the cold season. Here's a brief look at the history of the candy cane, a beloved peppermint confection: One story dates back to 1670 in Cologne, Germany, where a local choirmaster sought to keep children occupied during a holiday church service. He asked a candy maker to create sugar sticks, which were then given to the children. These sticks were bent into the shape of a shepherd’s hook. Another origin story traces back to the United States. It is believed that a candy maker in Indiana was the first to bend one end of a sugar stick into a hook-like shape. This popular candy had its mass production revolutionized by Bob McCormack, a candy maker from Georgia, who began mass-producing candy canes in the 1920s at his factory in Albany, Georgia.

The Peppermint Everything Holiday Season

Today, peppermint flavor can be found in a plethora of winter treats, from peppermint bark to mochas. Its aromatic and delicious nature pairs perfectly with both food and beverages, making it a go-to flavor for the holiday season. Mint leaves, in particular, create a cool sensation in the mouth, evoking the feeling of cold and snowy winter weather.

Make a Homemade Delicious Instant Peppermint Mocha

With this simple recipe, you can enjoy a homemade peppermint mocha right from the comfort of your home. Here's a step-by-step guide to creating your very own delicious and warming treat:

Ingredients

1/2 cup oat milk 2 tbsp brown sugar 1 tbsp cocoa powder 1 cup coffee (prepared with 2 tsp Waka Instant Coffee made from 1 cup of hot water) 1/2 tsp mint extract 1/4 tsp vanilla extract Whipped cream Chocolate shavings Candy cane crumbles

Instructions

In a small saucepan, combine the milk, cocoa powder, brown sugar, mint extract, and vanilla extract. Heat the mixture over medium heat until the sugar has fully dissolved. In a separate mug, mix the Waka Instant Coffee with hot water and stir thoroughly. Add the brewed instant coffee into the saucepan and mix for about 30 seconds. Serve in a large, clear mug. Top with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and candy cane crumbles.

Enjoy Your Winter Treat

By following these simple steps, you can create a delicious and warming peppermint mocha. Whether you're sipping it on a chilly evening or sharing it with friends and family, it's a perfect way to embrace the spirit of the season.

Cheers,

David from Waka Coffee