Peppermint Hot Chocolate
A warm, sweet non-alcoholic beverage with chocolate and peppermint flavor.
What is this drink?
Peppermint Hot Chocolate is a festive winter mocktail that combines rich, creamy hot chocolate with peppermint extract and a cloud of whipped cream for a holiday treat that is as comforting as it is delicious.
Why you'll love it
The classic combination of chocolate and mint is one of the most beloved flavor pairings in the world — in warm liquid form, topped with whipped cream, it becomes an indulgent, cozy treat that feels like Christmas in a mug.
When to serve
Perfect for Christmas Eve gatherings, holiday parties, cold winter evenings by the fire, after a snowball fight, or as a festive dessert drink that the whole family can enjoy.
Pro tip
Use Dutch-process cocoa powder rather than natural cocoa — it dissolves more smoothly, has a deeper chocolate color, and a richer, less acidic flavor that makes a noticeably superior hot chocolate base.
Cocoa Powder
High-quality unsweetened cocoa powder provides the drink's deep, rich chocolate flavor — the better the cocoa, the more indulgent and satisfying the final hot chocolate will be.
Peppermint Extract
A few drops of pure peppermint extract deliver intense cooling mint flavor that contrasts beautifully with the warm chocolate, creating the beloved candy-cane flavor combination in liquid form.
Milk
Whole milk provides the creamy, rich liquid base that carries all the flavors and creates the silky mouthfeel that distinguishes proper hot chocolate from a thin, watery beverage.
Swap Options
Use oat milk or almond milk for a dairy-free version. Replace peppermint extract with vanilla extract for a classic hot chocolate. Add a pinch of cayenne for a Mexican hot chocolate style that combines chocolate, cinnamon, and heat.
Heat milk
Warm milk in a saucepan over medium heat.
Tips:
- •Do not boil.
Mix cocoa and peppermint
Stir in cocoa powder, sugar, and peppermint extract until smooth.
Tips:
- •Ensure no lumps.
Serve
Pour into mug and top with whipped cream and candy cane.
Tips:
- •Serve immediately.
- Adjust peppermint extract to taste.
- Use high-quality cocoa for richer flavor.
Different ways to make this drink your own
White Chocolate Peppermint
Replace cocoa powder with melted white chocolate chips stirred into hot milk for a sweeter, creamier variation. White chocolate's vanilla richness with peppermint creates a confection-like hot drink that tastes like a liquid candy cane.
Mexican Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper and a quarter teaspoon of cinnamon alongside the peppermint extract for a spiced, warming version inspired by traditional Mexican hot chocolate. The heat builds slowly and makes the mint taste even more cooling by contrast.
Salted Caramel Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Add a tablespoon of caramel sauce and a small pinch of sea salt to the finished drink. The buttery caramel sweetness, peppermint coolness, and dark chocolate depth create an indulgent trio that tastes like the best holiday dessert possible.
Tools that make this drink come together
Small Saucepan
A small saucepan allows you to gently warm the milk without scorching it, which gives a cleaner, sweeter hot chocolate base. Stir constantly once the milk is warm to prevent a skin forming on the surface.
Whisk
A small whisk ensures the cocoa powder dissolves completely without any lumps, creating a smooth, uniform chocolate base. Whisking also incorporates a small amount of air, giving the hot chocolate a slightly lighter texture.
Measuring Spoons
Peppermint extract is very concentrated — even a small amount over the recommended quantity produces an overwhelming medicinal flavor rather than a pleasant cooling note. Precise measurement is critical for a balanced result.
Can't Find These?
No saucepan? Heat milk in a microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. A fork whisked vigorously dissolves cocoa well enough. Use a dropper for the peppermint extract if you are concerned about over-measuring.
The right glass makes a real difference
Large Ceramic Mug
A wide, large ceramic mug is the ideal vessel for peppermint hot chocolate — its generous capacity accommodates the drink plus a substantial cloud of whipped cream and candy cane garnish. Ceramic retains heat better than glass, keeping the drink warm throughout a leisurely holiday evening. The solid, comforting weight of a good mug also adds to the cozy, festive experience.
Alternatives
A clear glass mug is a beautiful choice that shows off the drink's rich brown color beneath the white whipped cream. A wide soup mug or large tea cup also works well — the key is enough capacity for whipped cream without overflow.
Perfect food pairings to complete the experience
Candy Canes
Using a candy cane as a stirring stick is a classic holiday tradition that gradually infuses the hot chocolate with extra peppermint as it dissolves. The visual is festive and the interactive element makes it especially fun for children.
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Rich chocolate chip cookies alongside peppermint hot chocolate create an intensely indulgent chocolate-on-chocolate pairing that is particularly welcome during the holiday season. Dunking is highly encouraged.
Brownies
Dense, fudgy brownies pair naturally with the chocolate base of this drink. The peppermint's cooling mint quality cuts through the richness of a brownie beautifully, making each bite feel less heavy.
Marshmallows
Classic mini marshmallows or gourmet peppermint marshmallows floating in the hot chocolate add extra sweetness and a playful visual element. As they melt, they add a creamy, vanilla sweetness to each sip.
Prep in advance for effortless serving
Make a Chocolate-Peppermint Syrup
Combine cocoa powder, sugar, water, and peppermint extract in a saucepan to make a concentrated syrup. Store refrigerated for up to two weeks and stir one to two tablespoons into hot milk per serving for instant, consistent hot chocolate.
Use High-Quality Cocoa
Investing in Dutch-process cocoa or a premium unsweetened cocoa blend means the base is already exceptional before you add anything else. Good cocoa requires no special prep — just measure it out the night before.
Pre-Portion Ingredients
Measure out cocoa powder, sugar, and peppermint extract into individual small cups ahead of time. This assembly-line approach allows you to make multiple servings quickly without measuring each time, which is ideal for holiday parties.
Keep a Thermos Warm
Make a large batch in a pot, pour into a wide-mouth thermos, and it stays warm for 3-4 hours — perfect for holiday movie nights, caroling groups, or outdoor winter activities where a warm drink is needed continuously.
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