Starbucks Peppermint Mochas are my absolute favorite holiday drink. However, I’m not so fond of the way it makes me feel after drinking one. That’s why I created my very own version using only clean ingredients, that tastes just like the real thing!
This recipe is gut-friendly, and a holiday drink everyone can enjoy. It’s free from dairy, gluten, and refined-sugar, and is totally paleo and vegan! Let’s get into the details!
Starbucks Peppermint Mocha
I’m not gonna lie….I’m NOT a black coffee drinker. While I enjoy the flavor of coffee, I still like my coffee sweet and creamy. Ever since I began drinking coffee as a teenager, sugary Starbucks drinks were my go-to’s. And at the time, I actually thought I was drinking real coffee! Little did I know at the time, but what I was really drinking was sugary flavored milk, with a couple of espresso shots.
For reference, here are the ingredients in a Starbucks Peppermint Mocha… Not exactly clean, pure ingredients.
When it comes to nutrition facts, Starbucks grande Peppermint Mocha packs in a hefty 54g of sugar, and 440 nearly empty calories. We don’t normally count calories or sugar since we eat whole, real foods. However, calories and sugar definitely matter when they’re empty, and unaccompanied by fiber and other nutrients.
So as you can see, sugary Starbucks drinks aren’t exactly the epitome of a rounded, healthy diet. But luckily, you don’t have to give them up! This homemade version is just as delicious, without all the negative consequences of the original drink.
Let’s get into the ingredients.
Ingredients:
The ingredients in the original Starbucks Peppermint Mocha Recipe are all very easily replaceable, and without compromising on flavor! Here is the short list of ingredients in my version.
Dairy-Free Cream Base
The base for this recipe is a dairy-free cream or thick milk. My favorite options for a creamy mocha are cashew milk, oat milk, or coconut cream.
For brands free of additives, we love Elmhurst for cashew and oat milk, and Aroy’d for coconut cream!
If you’re looking for a homemade version, click here for our cashew milk recipe!
Cacao Powder
Cacao is the minimally processed product of cacao beans, resulting in a highly nutrient-dense, rich powder. It’s anti-inflammatory, and can even aid in reducing blood pressure, heart disease risk, and much more!
Click here for more information about cacao!
Maple Syrup
Maple syrup is a great, nutrient-dense alternative to refined sugar. It’s the perfect way to sweeten desserts and drinks without adding a distinct flavor, such as honey might. However, this is easily swappable for honey based on your sweetener preference.
Peppermint Extract
With only 2, clean ingredients, Peppermint extract is a healthy option for getting that subtle peppermint flavor in the Starbucks Peppermint Mocha Recipe!
Espresso
Just like the Starbucks Peppermint Mocha Recipe, this drink is finished off with 2 shots of espresso. You can even by Starbucks brand if you prefer the flavor of their espresso!
Now since we’ve compared the two, I hope you’re excited to try your very own, cleaned up Peppermint Mocha. Let’s get into it!
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Starbucks Peppermint Mocha Recipe
This Starbucks Peppermint Mocha Recipe is the perfect option for anyone who loves their coffee sweet and creamy, without the negative health effects.
- Cook Time: 5 min.
- Total Time: 5 min.
- Yield: 1 Serving 1x
Ingredients
- 1.5 Cups Dairy-Free Cream or Milk Base
- 3 Tbsp Cacao Powder
- 3 Tbsp Maple Syrup
- 1/2 tsp Peppermint Extract
- 2 Shots Espresso
- Optional: dairy-free whipped cream
Instructions
- Begin by adding your dairy-free cream or milk base to a saucepan, and place on low heat.
- Add maple syrup, and stir until thoroughly combined.
- Stirring constantly to avoid burning, add 1 tbsp of cacao powder at a time, until each tbsp is dissolved.
- Add in peppermint extract.
- Once all ingredients are dissolved, and liquid is heated to desired temperature, remove from heat, and set aside.
- Brew espresso, and add to a mug. Pour mixture on top of espresso, and stir thoroughly.
- If desired top with dairy-free whipped cream. Enjoy warm, or let cool, and ice!
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