If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, festive drink that tastes like a holiday hug in a cup, you just found it. This Peppermint White Mocha Recipe is hands down one of my favorite treats to whip up, especially when I want a little pick-me-up with a peppermint twist. Whether you prefer it hot to warm you up or iced to cool you down, this recipe nails that perfect balance of creamy white chocolate and crisp peppermint flavor that’ll have you coming back for seconds (and thirds). Let me walk you through how to make it exactly like I do at home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Customizable Sweetness: You control how sweet or minty it gets by adjusting the syrups to your taste.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it piping hot in winter or ice-cold all year round.
- Simple Ingredients: No fancy equipment needed—just quality coffee, syrups, and milk.
- Impress Your Guests: It’s a festive, eye-catching drink that’s perfect for parties or cozy nights in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together like the perfect trio. I always opt for good quality white chocolate syrup and fresh peppermint simple syrup to make the flavors pop—trust me, it makes all the difference. Plus, you get to choose your favorite type of coffee and milk for a personalized touch.

- White Chocolate Syrup: Use a rich, creamy syrup or melt a good white chocolate bar for a natural feel.
- Peppermint Simple Syrup: Freshly made or store-bought, this adds that cool burst of peppermint you’ll crave.
- Espresso or Strong Coffee: Espresso gives the authentic café taste; strong brewed coffee works great too.
- Milk of Choice: Milk or any plant-based alternative will add that creamy element—choose what you love!
Variations
I love tweaking this Peppermint White Mocha Recipe depending on the season and who I’m serving. Don’t be shy to personalize it — that’s part of the fun and makes it feel special every time you make it.
- Make it Dairy-Free: I switched to almond milk once, and the nutty undertone paired beautifully with peppermint—so tasty and creamy.
- Iced Version: On a hot day, I add cold brew concentrate and lots of ice for a refreshing twist that feels indulgent but cool.
- Extra Peppermint Kick: When guests come over, I sprinkle crushed candy canes on top for crunch and festive vibes.
- Less Sweet Option: If you prefer less sugar, just dial back the syrup amounts—still delicious but less cloying.
How to Make Peppermint White Mocha Recipe
Step 1: Mix Your Base Flavors
Start by combining 1 to 3 tablespoons of white chocolate syrup and peppermint simple syrup in your favorite mug. Then add two shots of freshly brewed espresso or strong coffee. Stir these together really well. Trust me, this is where the magic begins—getting that base smooth and flavorful sets you up for perfection.
Step 2: Choose Your Temperature
If you’re going hot, steam about 8 ounces of milk until it’s beautifully frothy and creamy. Pour it right over the espresso mix, giving it one last gentle stir. If iced, just add 8 ounces of cold milk and plenty of ice cubes instead. Stir it well so everything melds together with that cool, minty richness.
Step 3: Garnish and Enjoy
Now for the fun part—toppings! I love adding a generous swirl of whipped cream, a drizzle of more white chocolate syrup, and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes on top. It makes it look festive and tastes incredible with every sip. Drink up immediately while it’s fresh and dreamy!
Pro Tips for Making Peppermint White Mocha Recipe
- Control Your Sweetness: I learned early to start with less syrup and add more if needed—it’s easy to overdo the sweetness otherwise.
- Fresh Peppermint Simple Syrup: Making your own syrup is surprisingly simple and results in a much brighter peppermint flavor than store-bought.
- Espresso Quality Matters: Using freshly pulled shots really elevates this drink; cold brew concentrate works well, but no shortcuts on espresso if you can help it.
- Steam Milk Properly: Be careful not to overheat your milk—it kills the creaminess. Aim for around 140°F for best texture and sweetness.
How to Serve Peppermint White Mocha Recipe

Garnishes
When it comes to garnishing, I keep it festive and fun. Whipped cream is my absolute favorite because it adds a lush, creamy layer on top. Then, a white chocolate drizzle or crushed peppermint candy gives it that special finish that looks as fabulous as it tastes.
Side Dishes
I always pair my peppermint white mocha with something simple like a buttery shortbread cookie or a slice of gingerbread—both balance the sweetness and add to the cozy holiday vibe. If you want something heartier, a warm cinnamon roll works like a charm too.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I like serving the peppermint white mocha in clear glass mugs so guests can see all the beautiful layers and garnishes. Adding a candy cane on the rim or a sprig of fresh mint makes it Instagram-ready. I even use peppermint candy as a stir stick for that extra pop of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I don’t usually recommend storing this drink once mixed because it’s best fresh, but if you do have leftover espresso mixture (the syrup and coffee combo), you can keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just heat and add fresh milk when ready to enjoy again.
Freezing
I’ve tried freezing the espresso and syrup blend in ice cube trays, which worked great for quickly making iced mochas later. Freeze the cubes, then blend with milk and ice when you want a quick peppermint mocha treat without starting from scratch.
Reheating
To reheat leftover espresso and syrup mixture, warm gently on the stove or microwave in short bursts—avoid boiling. Then, steam fresh milk or heat milk separately and combine to keep the texture smooth and creamy.
FAQs
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Can I make this Peppermint White Mocha Recipe without espresso?
Absolutely! If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can use strongly brewed coffee or cold brew concentrate as a delicious substitute. Just adjust the amount to get the intensity you prefer.
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How do I make peppermint simple syrup at home?
Making peppermint simple syrup is easy: combine equal parts water and sugar, heat until sugar dissolves, then add crushed peppermint leaves or peppermint extract. Let it steep, strain, and chill. You’ll get a fresh, vibrant flavor every time!
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Can I use dairy-free milk in this recipe?
Definitely! Almond, oat, cashew, or coconut milk all work wonderfully and give the drink a unique creamy texture and flavor that pairs well with the white chocolate and peppermint.
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What’s the best way to serve this drink during the holidays?
Serve it with whipped cream, white chocolate drizzle, and crushed candy canes for that classic peppermint mocha look. Using clear mugs or glassware enhances the layered look and adds to the festive presentation.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Peppermint White Mocha Recipe brings a little festive magic to my kitchen, whether I’m settling down for a quiet night or entertaining friends. It’s that perfect blend of creamy, sweet, and refreshing that feels special without being complicated. I hope you give it a try and make it your own—the best part is how easy it is to adjust and personalize. Cheers to cozy moments and delicious sips!
Print
Peppermint White Mocha Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A festive and creamy Peppermint White Mocha that can be enjoyed hot or iced. This delicious coffee drink combines the rich flavors of white chocolate and peppermint with espresso and your choice of milk, perfect for the holiday season or any time you crave a sweet, minty coffee treat.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 – 3 Tablespoons white chocolate syrup (or 1 ounce of high-quality white chocolate bar)
- 1 – 3 Tablespoons peppermint simple syrup
- 2 ounces espresso (or 3 ounces strongly brewed coffee or cold brew coffee concentrate for iced latte)
- 8 ounces milk of choice
Optional Garnish
- Whipped cream
- Drizzle of white chocolate syrup
- Crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Combine syrups and espresso: In a mug, mix 1 to 3 tablespoons of white chocolate syrup (or 1 ounce melted from white chocolate bar), 1 to 3 tablespoons peppermint simple syrup, and 2 shots (2 ounces) of espresso. Stir thoroughly to blend the flavors.
- Prepare hot peppermint white mocha: Steam 8 ounces of your preferred milk until hot and frothy. Pour the steamed milk over the espresso mixture, stirring gently to combine the drink.
- Prepare iced peppermint white mocha: Fill the mug with ice cubes, add 8 ounces of your preferred milk, and stir well to mix all ingredients and chill the beverage.
- Add garnish: Optionally, top with whipped cream, a drizzle of white chocolate syrup, and sprinkle crushed candy canes for a festive and appealing presentation.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy your peppermint white mocha hot or cold for a refreshing coffee experience.
Notes
- This recipe yields one drink but can easily be multiplied for more servings.
- Nutrition facts are based on using 1 tablespoon of white chocolate syrup, 1 tablespoon peppermint simple syrup, and 8 ounces of whole milk.
- Adjust the amount of syrups according to your desired sweetness.
- Espresso can be substituted with strongly brewed coffee or cold brew coffee concentrate for iced versions.
- Use milk of choice to suit dietary preferences (dairy or plant-based).
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 drink (approximately 10 ounces)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 25mg


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