Get ~festive~ with this homemade peppermint mocha! It is so easy to make and tastes just as good as the one you get at your favorite coffee shop. This is one of my favorite drinks to make during the holiday season or that time of the month when you may be craving something extra chocolatey. Unlike some coffee shop versions, this recipe is low in sugar, uses minimal ingredients that you can feel good about, and is dairy-free! 

With the holiday season upon us, it can be difficult to not want to overindulge in all your favorite seasonal treats. Although I love a good coffee shop peppermint mocha during this time of year, my body and my wallet don’t appreciate the extra sugar and money these delicious treats entail. Not to mention, extra sugar during your menstrual cycle can cause increased symptoms such as bloating, acne breakouts, digestive issues, mood swings, decreased energy, headaches, and cramps. However, I still wanted to enjoy this annual holiday drink without all of the potential drawbacks, so I decided to make my own! This homemade version will allow you to have your favorite treat any time you like without causing you to have a sugar crash or to break the bank.

Although chocolate sauce is a common ingredient in most mochas, I opted for cocoa powder for all of its amazing health benefits. Cocoa is high in antioxidants, magnesium, and polyphenols which have been shown to reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, lower blood sugar levels, improve cholesterol, and improve mood. Who wouldn’t want to add this superfood to their morning coffee? Be sure you are getting 100% cocoa powder for this recipe to reap all of these amazing health benefits! 

Peppermint is another ingredient that packs a punch in just a small dose when it comes to health benefits! Peppermint specifically helps with easing digestion, such as upset stomach, bloating, and nausea. It also has been shown to aid in headache tension relief, clear sinuses, improve sleep, and have antibacterial properties. Adding peppermint to my diet through tea, smoothies or this delicious peppermint mocha has aided relief of a lot of my PMS symptoms in the past!

Lastly, there are many health benefits to gain from drinking coffee. While this is a highly debated topic, I think coffee consumed in moderation can be beneficial for many. A few health benefits to gain from coffee are increased metabolic rate, high levels of antioxidants and essential nutrients, lower risk of brain deteriorating illnesses, and aids in liver detoxification. It is easy to go overboard on the coffee, so be sure you are taking into account your tolerance levels when making this recipe. 

Whether you’re on the go with holiday parties, gift exchanges, or family travel, this delicious peppermint mocha will satisfy your cravings and give you the energy you need without the downsides of extra sugar and dairy consumption through this holiday season!

What You’ll Need

Makes 2 Servings

1 ½ cups of freshly brewed coffee 

1 ½ cups of nut milk of choice 

2 tbsp maple syrup or sweetener of choice 

Pinch of salt 

4 tbsp cacao powder 

1 tsp vanilla 

1 tsp peppermint extract 

Optional Additions:

1 scoop of collagen 

Method

Add all ingredients to a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until completely mixed together. For foam, pour beverage into your blender or frother and pulse for 30 seconds. Serve with some dairy free whip cream on top and a candy cane! 

Enjoy!