Peppermint Mocha – A Beautiful Mess

Peppermint Mocha is probably the holiday drink I feel most nostalgic for. For me, this is the drink I drink while driving around town or finishing my holiday shopping. This annual ritual feels like living in a cozy Nancy Meyers movie to me. Of course, you can make this drink every day, but I tend to save it for special moments. Perhaps that’s why my peppermint mocha recipes tend to be decadent.

Classic mochas (when I make them) tend to be more espresso-ish and chocolatey, but peppermint mochas take the gloves off. Yes, this one has espresso in it, but when you make it at home, it tastes like peppermint hot chocolate with whipped cream. 🙂

Related: Eggnog Latte, Gingerbread Latte, Pumpkin Spice Latte, Chai Latte, Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, 35+ Coffee Recipes, Espresso Martini.

material

• espresso
• Milk – or milk substitute
• Chocolate syrup – or hot chocolate mix
• peppermint extract
• Whipped cream – optional

I also like to decorate with mini candy canes or crushed candy canes. Peppermint bark also makes a nice addition.

direction

First, pour chocolate syrup into a mug. I like to add it at the bottom so it mixes with the hot espresso. But I also like to drizzle a little on the sides of the mug. If you are using a pack of hot chocolate mix instead, you can mix this with hot milk.

Next, make espresso. Pour the espresso shot into the prepared mug.

Next, steam the milk. You want to heat the milk and create foam on top of it. If your espresso machine has a whisk, you can do this all in one step. If not, you may need to heat the milk and then froth it by hand or use a frother. milk frother. If using hot chocolate mix, add it during this step and mix well.

Pour hot milk into the espresso. The bubbles will naturally sink to the top. Top with whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and other garnishes.

home espresso machine

We’ve tried many espresso makers over the years, and here are our favorites at various price points and skill levels.

• Cafe fully automatic espresso machine – my current machine. Whole beans are used, so using high-quality beans will yield high-quality espresso. It automatically creates espresso shots (no barista skills required) and includes a milk frother wand to heat and froth milk. I got this machine for Christmas a year ago and I use it almost every day and love it. There are 3 colors available.
• stovetop espresso – This is the cheapest way to make espresso at home. It is more labor intensive and also requires a method of grinding the beans for best results. However, this is a classic method and can be very effective if done well.
• breville barista touch – I once bought this for my best friend as a wedding gift and she said she loved it. Although it is a high-end machine and requires barista skills to operate, it is an excellent home espresso maker.
• Nespresso Virtuo – For those who want an espresso maker that uses pods, this is my favorite. Depending on the pod you use, you can make espresso or coffee.

offer suggestions

It’s a very festive drink, so why not make some Christmas cookies with it?