The Starbucks holiday drink that I miss most here in Asia is the Peppermint Mocha. You can actually get them in Hong Kong but I don't live anywhere near there! I lucked out the past 2 years to be through there for a few days during December and enjoyed them. Not this year though. So what did I do? Figured out how to make my own, of course! Its actually SUPER EASY. You just need peppermint extract or extract powder. For me, that is not easily available locally, but I always keep it stocked for things like mint brownies and peppermint patties. After you make a mint simple syrup, its just a matter of mixing that with some cocoa and coffee or espresso! I hope you enjoy these peppermint mochas as much as me this Christmas season!
Mint Simple Syrup
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
1 tsp mint extract (liquid or powder)
Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan. Stir together over medium-high heat until sugar is melted and just starting to bubble around the edges of the pan. Turn heat to low and stir in extract. Simmer for about 5-10 minutes. Remove from heat. Cool and store. This can be kept at room temperature with no problem.
Peppermint Mocha
1 Tbs cocoa, slightly heaping
1 Tbs hot water
Double shot of espresso or about 3/4-1 cup strongly brewed coffee
Steamed or warmed milk
1-2 Tbs mint syrup
Start by putting cocoa in the mug. Add hot water and mix together. Add a tablespoon or two of mint syrup--you'll have to figure out what suits your taste. Pour in coffee or espresso and warmed or steamed milk. Stir well. Top with whipped cream for extra yumminess! I use less milk when making it with brewed coffee than I do when making it with espresso.
Variation: Place a miniature (14g) Dove Chocolate bar (or other brand, I just happened to have milk chocolate Dove ones) in the bottom of your cup instead of the cocoa. Pour hot coffee over it, and stir until melted. Add mint syrup and milk. Very yummy!
Enjoy!
you just made my day with this sara beth!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad, Megan!! :) I've been enjoying them for a few weeks now....glad to share the love! If any CD based ladies NEED some mint extract I have like 4 jars of the powder stuff--it works great in this!
ReplyDeleteAny idea where to find mint extract in the US? :)
ReplyDeleteI have always just bought it in the grocery store. McCormick makes it. I have also bought a powder kind by Adam's Extracts on Amazon. The powder worked nicely in this but I generally prefer the liquid kind in things like mint brownies or peppermint patties.
ReplyDeletewe are also in China and this is my wifes favorite drink as well. I use some melted candy canes, saved from Christmas last year, for the peppermint flavoring. Its seems to work well...
ReplyDeleteGreat idea if you have candy canes! I have crushed candy canes in hot cocoa mix before for mint hot chocolate. I actually saw a few candy canes at a local bakery here in Chengdu the other day (Rosa). That's the first time I've seen them outside of the import stores.
ReplyDeleteWe have a Roasa's right below us, and our boys love those candy canes! You can buy the peppermint candy canes on taobao as well..
ReplyDeletei have some pure mint extract -- is that right? or do i need peppermint extract? looked on the mccormick website and they sell both, so just wanted to make sure. thanks!
ReplyDeleteSome people would say there is a difference, Angie. (Like in HK they have mint mocha, not peppermint mocha, at Starbucks--some friends didn't like them as good, but I think it all tastes great!) I use them interchangeably though. So yes, pure mint extract will work great!
ReplyDeleteokay, thanks, sara beth! excited to make this tonight!
ReplyDeleteI had some mint essense but it tastes like medicine! I am going to use 1 1/2 cups fresh mint instead! I found it on another site! Blessings,
ReplyDeleteDebbie
Oh too bad Debbie! I think the mint leaves are a great idea if they are available! I've only seen them once or twice at Metro during the summer here and not in a year or two.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the recipe - I've been trying to make my own but never thought about using a simple syrup first. Thanks for making my holiday a little better!
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