Iced Peppermint Mocha
The Iced Peppermint Mocha is a delightful and invigorating beverage that has become a seasonal favorite for many. It expertly combines the bold, robust flavor of chilled espresso with sweet, decadent chocolate syrup and a cool, sharp kick of peppermint. Topped with milk and served over ice, it's a perfectly balanced treat that's both comforting and refreshing.
Preparation
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
This beverage is classified as a flavored coffee drink. It's a non-alcoholic concoction that combines the core elements of coffee with chocolate and peppermint flavors, served chilled.
Serving
Served cold in a tall glass over plenty of ice, this is a substantial, non-alcoholic drink.
Serving size
Approx. 350-475 ml / 12-16 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Tall glass
Glass treatment
None
Backstory
The peppermint mocha combination gained massive popularity through coffee shop chains like Starbucks as a holiday special. Its success lies in the nostalgic pairing of chocolate and mint, reminiscent of classic holiday candies. The iced version was a natural evolution, allowing the beloved flavor to be enjoyed year-round or by those in warmer climates.
Origin
The modern version was popularized in the United States in the early 2000s by major coffee chains.
Iced Peppermint Mocha
The drink is most commonly known as the Iced Peppermint Mocha. Variations like Peppermint Iced Mocha or Iced Chocolate Mint Coffee simply rearrange the descriptive words but refer to the same delicious beverage.
Original name
Iced Peppermint Mocha
Alternative names
- Peppermint Iced Mocha
- Iced Chocolate Mint Coffee
Characteristics overview
This drink boasts a rich aroma of coffee and chocolate with a cool peppermint high note. The flavor is a sweet and creamy blend of mocha and mint, resulting in a smooth texture and a refreshing, cool aftertaste.
Flavor
Chocolatey, minty, coffee, sweet, rich
Aroma
Coffee, chocolate, peppermint
Taste balance
Sweet, bitter
Aftertaste
Cool, refreshing, minty, lingering coffee
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Layered light to dark brown, opaque
Texture
Smooth, creamy, liquid
Seasonality
Refreshing, festive, year-round treat
Flavor intensity & Experience
The drink's flavor profile is defined by high sweetness and creaminess from the milk and syrups, balanced by a mild bitterness from the espresso. It contains no alcohol and is not carbonated.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
You will need chilled espresso, milk of your choice, chocolate syrup, and peppermint syrup. Optional toppings include whipped cream and chocolate shavings for extra indulgence.
- Espresso60 ml / 2 ozDouble shot, freshly brewed and chilled
- Milk180 ml / 6 ozWhole milk or a plant-based alternative like oat or almond milk
- Chocolate Syrup30 ml / 1 ozOr chocolate sauce
- Peppermint Syrup15 ml / 0.5 ozAdjust to taste
- Whipped CreamTo top(optional)Optional for topping
- Chocolate ShavingsA sprinkle(optional)Optional for garnish
Ice type
- Cubed
Mixing equipments
No special equipment is needed; the drink is built directly in a tall glass and mixed with a long spoon or stirrer.
- Tall glass for building and serving
- Spoon or stirrer for mixing
Instructions
Simply combine chilled espresso and syrups in an ice-filled glass, stir, and then top with milk. Garnish with whipped cream and chocolate shavings before serving.
1. Fill a tall glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour the freshly brewed and chilled double shot of espresso over the ice.
3. Add the chocolate syrup and peppermint syrup to the glass.
4. Stir well until the syrups are well combined with the espresso.
5. Slowly pour the milk over the mixture to create a layered effect.
6. Top with whipped cream, if desired.
7. Garnish with chocolate shavings or crushed peppermint candy.
8. Serve immediately with a straw.
Garnishing
Garnish with a generous swirl of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings. For a festive variation, add some crushed peppermint candy on top.
- Whipped cream, dolloped on top
- Chocolate shavings or sprinkles, sprinkled over the whipped cream
- Crushed peppermint candy, sprinkled on top for a festive touch
Dietary Information
This drink contains caffeine and is typically made with dairy, but it can easily be adapted to be dairy-free, soy-free, nut-free, and vegan by using plant-based milk and checking syrup ingredients. It is naturally egg-free and gluten-free.
✕ Contains alcohol
✕ Caffeine-free
✕ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✕ Soy-free
✕ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
This drink is moderately high in calories and very high in carbohydrates and sugar, primarily from the syrups and milk. Exact values depend on the type of milk, syrups, and optional toppings used.
Calories
Averagely 250-350 kcal / 1046-1464 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 40-50 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 35-45 g
Sugar level
Occasions
This drink is versatile, perfect for a morning energy boost or a sweet afternoon pick-me-up. It is especially popular as a festive holiday treat but can also serve as a delightful liquid dessert after a meal.
- Morning Boost
- Afternoon Pick-Me-Up
- Holiday Treat
- Dessert Drink
Pairing suggestions
The Iced Peppermint Mocha pairs wonderfully with baked goods that complement its chocolate and coffee notes. Consider pairing it with a chocolate croissant, classic biscotti, buttery shortbread cookies, or a rich brownie for a truly decadent experience.
- Chocolate Croissant
- Biscotti
- Shortbread Cookies
- Brownies
The Ultimate Iced Peppermint Mocha Experience
The Iced Peppermint Mocha is a wonderfully refreshing and indulgent alcohol-free coffee drink. It combines bold espresso, rich chocolate, and cool peppermint, served over ice for a perfect treat. Easy to make at home, it can be customized with different milks and toppings to suit any preference. Whether as a festive holiday beverage or a year-round delight, it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
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