This Healthy Peppermint Mocha is the perfect holiday drink! Requiring only 5 ingredients, it’s easy to make, paleo, vegan, and cheaper than Starbucks!
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This Healthy Peppermint Mocha might just be my favorite winter drink. It’s super simple to make, requiring only 5 ingredients and a few minutes of time. It tastes 100x better than Starbucks and has 1/4 the amount of sugar when compared to their drinks.
Even if you aren’t looking for a ‘healthier’ recipe – this single serve Peppermint Mocha is easier to make than any of the other recipes that require making special syrups!
We LOVE DIY lattes (like hello Gingerbread Latte & Pumpkin Spice Latte !) – yes please!
What makes this latte ‘healthy’?
Let’s compare this Healthy Peppermint Mocha to Starbucks Peppermint Mocha.
- Starbucks Tall Peppermint Mocha with Almond Milk: 350 Calories, Fat: 13g, Carbs: 48g, Sugar: 42g
- Our Healthy Peppermint Mocha Latte: 63 Calories, Fat: 3g, Carbs: 7g, Sugar: 5g
I mean… do we really need to say more? Our healthy Peppermint Mocha Latte has less calories, less fat, less carbs, and less sugar than Starbucks… It’s also made with only 5 ingredients, versus Starbucks which has 20+ ingredients. You can see their nutrition facts here.
Not to mention that it’s cheaper and just as quick to make your own latte at home!
If you love getting a peppermint mocha from Starbucks or your favorite coffee shop, you’ll love making one at home! It’s so much cheaper and better for you! (Plus you only need minimal ingredients!)
Ingredients for Healthy Peppermint Mocha
To make this healthy peppermint mocha, we use:
You can find substitutions for all of these ingredients below in the green shaded substitutions box.
How to make a Peppermint Mocha:
Making a peppermint mocha is so easy!
- Whisk your almond milk, peppermint extract, cocoa powder + maple syrup in a pot on the stove over low heat until combined and warm.
- Pour mixture into mug and top with espresso.
You can also make this recipe in the microwave and using a handheld frother.
Can I make this without an espresso machine?
Technically yes, but we don’t recommend it. Our Nespresso is one of the most used kitchen utensils that we have and I think it is well worth the $$ (If you buy even ONE latte a week at Starbucks and make it at home instead this will pay for itself!)
You could sub in 1/2 cup coffee to this recipe but it will not have the same amount of caffeine and may taste a little watered down. You can try doubling up the amount of coffee to water ratio in your drip coffee maker to make a stronger cup of coffee
Treat yourself and get the nespresso machine
Substitutions for this Healthy Peppermint Mocha
Can I make this whole30? Yes, omit the maple syrup.
Maple syrup: You can substitute maple syrup with honey or agave nectar. If you substitute with honey it will not be vegan.
Milk: You can use any milk in this recipe and it will work just fine. I prefer non-dairy milk but if you like regular milk and don’t follow any specific diet feel free to use that!
Iced: You can make this recipe iced but the cocoa powder might not mix very well. We recommend using a handheld frother to make sure it combines.
Peppermint Extract: Peppermint extract or ‘flavor’ is essential for this recipe. You can grab it on amazon here. You might be able to stir in candy canes or crushed peppermint into the hot milk for a similar flavor but I haven’t tried it so I can’t be sure.
Peppermint Mocha FAQ
A peppermint mocha definitely isn’t the healthiest option for a drink. Peppermint Mochas are high in calories, sugar and fat. Which is totally fine if you’re looking for a treat – but it isn’t the healthiest choice. If you’re looking for a healthier peppermint mocha it’s best to make it yourself.
Other healthy holiday recipes:
If you’re looking for other holiday recipes check out these Healthy Christmas Recipes! We love celebrating during the holidays with these festive recipes:
Healthy Peppermint Mocha
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1/4 cup espresso (1 large 1-2 oz shot)
- 1/8 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cacao powder
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
Instructions
- In a pan or microwave, heat almond milk until warm.
- Whisk in peppermint extract, cocoa powder + maple syrup.
- Whisk until warm and frothy
- Pour milk mixture into a mug, and top with espresso.
Video
Notes
- Can I make this whole30? Yes, omit the maple syrup.
- Can I use honey? Yes, it will work fine but it will not be vegan. I like this honey.
- Can I use different milk? You can use any milk in this recipe and it will work just fine. I prefer non-dairy milk but if you like regular milk and don’t follow any specific diet feel free to use that!
Lindsay says
Made this this morning and it was SO good and easy!! Can’t wait to have it again!
The Clean Eating Couple says
I’m so glad you liked it, Lindsay!! 🙂
Teresa says
Made it this morning and it’s so delicious! It’s a quick and easy recipe to follow and tastes better than the Starbucks version.
The Clean Eating Couple says
So glad you liked it, Teresa!
Monica says
Made Sunday morning, was delicious! By far better then Starbucks!
The Clean Eating Couple says
So glad you liked it, Monica!
Christina says
Just made this and it was so yummy!!
The Clean Eating Couple says
Thanks, Christina!! Glad you liked it!
Kayla says
I’m going to make this tonight to have while decorating our tree!
The Clean Eating Couple says
Hope you love it!
Yvonne Jennings says
Can you make this with just decaf coffee?
The Clean Eating Couple says
You could sub in 1/2 cup coffee to this recipe but it will not have the same amount of caffeine and may taste a little watered down. You can try doubling up the amount of coffee to water ratio in your drip coffee maker to make a stronger cup of coffee
Patty says
So simple and delicious!!!!!
The Clean Eating Couple says
So glad you liked it, Patty!
Leah says
I was trying to stay away from sugar and I love peppermint mocha lattes. I was wondering why more baristas don’t offer sugar free latte options, since so many of us have switched over to healthier lifestyles. Then I saw this recipe on Instagram and I followed the recipe and left out the syrup. It was so satisfying. I’m glad the cleaneatingcouple continues to post new recipes that fit the seasons!
The Clean Eating Couple says
So glad you like it, Leah! Thank you so much!
Debi McAleer says
We made this yummy recipe yesterday and drank it while we were making our Christmas cookies, which is an annual tradition with me and my daughter. We used vanilla oat milk and then topped it with shaved Andes mints. I did add a packet of Stevia to make it a bit sweeter! Highly recommend this for the holidays! Feels like Christmas in a mug! We will make it again on Christmas Eve!
The Clean Eating Couple says
Love this, Debi! Thank you so much!
H says
I loved Starbucks peppermint mochas, but knew they were unhealthy. The taste of this recipe is far superior, and I don’t feel gross (bloated, headache, why did I drink them?!). I use organic cow milk when I prepare it.
This saves time, money, and health.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
The Clean Eating Couple says
So happy you enjoyed it!
Chris Lumber says
I don’t know if I did something wrong but it was really strong on the peppermint and was bitter. What could have caused the bitterness?
The Clean Eating Couple says
I wonder if your peppermint extract was bad. This definitely shouldn’t be bitter, especially with the maple syrup!
Chris Lumber says
Oh my goodness I realized what I did wrong. I used 1/4 tsp of peppermint instead of 1/8! Made a huge difference! So yummy!