HOW TO MAKE PEPPERMINT MOCHA WITH AN ESPRESSO MACHINE
Homemade peppermint mochas are a fun and easy way to bring a festive holiday vibe to your coffee game year round. They’re comforting and delicious served hot, or cool and refreshing served over ice. This popular drink comes together simply with espresso, milk, peppermint and mocha syrups, as well as whipped cream and your favorite toppings.
IS MOCHA JUST HOT CHOCOLATE WITH ESPRESSO?
A mocha, short for mocha latte or café mocha, is an espresso-based drink flavored with chocolate. A standard mocha drink is made up of one-third espresso, two-thirds steamed milk and a tablespoon or two of mocha syrup. A peppermint mocha contains peppermint syrup and whipped cream as well. Mocha isn’t a chocolate drink, it’s an espresso drink enhanced with chocolate.
IS A PEPPERMINT MOCHA A LATTE?
Like a mocha, a peppermint mocha refers to a peppermint mocha latte. It’s an espresso drink flavored with peppermint and chocolate. The term peppermint mocha and peppermint latte are sometimes used interchangeably, but a peppermint latte is actually a different drink. It’s a latte flavored with peppermint and vanilla, not chocolate.
COMPARING MOCHA, PEPPERMINT MOCHA AND PEPPERMINT LATTES
| MOCHA LATTE | PEPPERMINT MOCHA LATTE | PEPPERMINT LATTE | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESPRESSO | X | X | X |
| STEAMED MILK | X | X | X |
| PEPPERMINT | X | X | |
| CHOCOLATE | X | X | |
| VANILLA | X | ||
| WHIPPED CREAM | X | X | |
| TOPPINGS (OPTIONAL) | X | X |
PEPPERMINT MOCHA RECIPE
A homemade peppermint mocha is a pleasure to make at home with a few easy-to-assemble ingredients and the right tools. The KitchenAid® Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine and Automatic Milk Frother Attachment features dual, smart temperature sensors, that maintain the perfect brewing temperature shot after shot. Finish your café-style drinks off with milk frothed to your preference—at the touch of a button.
For added convenience, this recipe can be made with pre-made syrups. You’ll also find steps included to make the syrups at home, for ultimate customization and freshness.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 shots espresso
- 2 tbsp. mocha syrup
Mocha Syrup Includes:
1 cup brewed coffee or filtered water
1 cup sugar
2 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp. peppermint syrup
Pepperment Syrup Includes:
1 cup filtered water
1 cup sugar
2 tsp. peppermint extract
1 cup steamed milk
Whipped cream
Whipped Cream Includes:
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tbsp. powdered sugar
½ tsp. vanilla extract
Optional toppings: chocolate curls, cocoa powder, crushed peppermint, chopped peppermint patties, sprinkles, mini marshmallows, mini chocolate chips, chocolate syrup
TOOLS
KitchenAid® Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine and Automatic Milk Frother Attachment
KitchenAid® stand mixer (for whipped cream)
KitchenAid® 12 Cup Drip Coffee Maker with Spiral Showerhead (for mocha syrup)
2 saucepans
Measuring spoons
Measuring cups
Whisk
Large coffee cup
3 air-tight containers for storing leftover syrups and whipped cream
YIELDS
1 16 oz. latte
PREP TIME
20 minutes to prepare syrups* and whipped cream
*Includes cooling time
TOTAL TIME
25 minutes to prepare syrups and whipped cream, in addition to time for building drink
TIP: USING COFFEE IN PLACE OF ESPRESSO
If you don’t have an espresso maker you can make a double strength brewed coffee in your drip coffee maker by using a fine grind of coffee—doubling the dosage—and using the amount of water you normally would.
STEP 1: PREPARE PEPPERMINT SYRUP
Combine the sugar and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Continue to boil stirring constantly till all the sugar has melted. Remove from heat and stir in the peppermint extract. Let cool, reserving 1 tablespoon for your latte. Store the rest in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
STEP 2: PREPARE MOCHA SYRUP
Combine the sugar and cocoa in a saucepan and add coffee or water. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly until sugar has melted. Remove from heat and let cool, reserving 2 tablespoons for your latte. Store the rest in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
STEP 3: PREPARE WHIPPED CREAM
Preparing whipped cream in a stand mixer is simple to do. Add cold, heavy cream, powdered sugar and vanilla (or flavoring of choice) to the chilled mixing bowl of a KitchenAid® stand mixer. Whisk, with a chilled whisk attachment, building speed gradually until soft peaks form. Reserve desired amount for latte and store the rest in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
STEP 4: PULL ESPRESSO SHOTS
Pull two shots of espresso in your espresso machine.
STEP 5: STEAM MILK
Steam milk using your preferred method. The KitchenAid® Milk Frother Attachment1 attaches to the KitchenAid® Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine and helps create creamy espresso drinks at the touch of a button.
1. Sold separately (model: KES6403)
STEP 6: ASSEMBLE DRINK
Add 1 tablespoon of peppermint syrup and 2 tablespoons of mocha syrup to a large cup or 16 oz. glass. Add espresso and stir. Pour in steamed milk. Top with whipped cream and create chocolate curls with a vegetable peeler to garnish. Sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies and whatever additional toppings your heart and taste buds desire.
TIP: USING MOCHA SYRUP VS. MOCHA SAUCE
A mocha syrup is basically a simple syrup made with chocolate and coffee. Because it has a thin, syrupy consistency, it incorporates easily into cold, as well as hot drinks. A mocha sauce contains less liquid, giving it a more intense flavor. Mocha sauces work well in hot drinks but won’t dissolve easily in cold drinks.
WHAT KIND OF COFFEE BLEND IS IN PEPPERMINT MOCHA?
When you’re considering types of coffee beans to use for your peppermint mocha recipe look for smooth blends to let the flavors of your drink shine through. Brightness can compete with the peppermint and mocha flavors in lattes, so stick with darker roasts. The darker roasts deliver deep, rich flavor without the acidity and fruity notes you often find in lighter roasts.
HOW MUCH ESPRESSO IS IN PEPPERMINT MOCHA?
A 16-ounce latte typically contains 3 ounces or two shots of espresso. You can add more espresso to give your drink an extra kick of caffeine, but keep in mind that the extra espresso might impact the balance of flavors in your latte. Taste your drink after adding the extra shot and adjust flavorings until you achieve the taste you desire.
HOW DO I MAKE AN ICED PEPPERMINT MOCHA?
For a thirst-quenching option that can be enjoyed even on the hottest days of the year, you can cool your latte down with ice cubes and a few tweaks to a peppermint mocha recipe. The drink starts with mellow, full-bodied cold brewed coffee which can be made at home with a KitchenAid® cold brew coffee maker.
To assemble the drink, fill a glass with ice, add the peppermint and mocha syrups and the cold brew coffee. Combine ⅓ cup of milk or cream, with a tablespoon of cocoa and ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract. Froth until light and airy and add to drink. Enjoy the peppermint coolness.
All the ingredients for an iced peppermint mocha can be made in advance and stored in the fridge, so you can put the drink together quickly to satisfy cravings on the spot.
WHAT TOPPINGS CAN I ADD TO A PEPPERMINT MOCHA?
In addition to soft clouds of whipped cream, chocolate curls and crushed peppermint candies, let your imagination run wild and add anything to your peppermint mocha that strikes your fancy.
Top your drink with red and green sprinkles, edible glitter, silver dragées or mini candy canes for a holiday vibe. Add a drizzle of chocolate syrup, mini chocolate chips, white chocolate chips or a dusting of cocoa powder for a more intense chocolate flavor. Crushed peppermint patties or mini marshmallows can amplify the fun. For the ultimate party drink, turn your latte into an adult beverage with a shot of vodka.
Chocolate, espresso and peppermint make such a delicious combination, try incorporating this popular flavor profile into other treats. These Peppermint Mocha Bombs elevate the hot cocoa bomb trend by adding peppermint to the cocoa bombs and serving them over shots of homemade espresso. Simply stir the peppermint extract into the melted chocolate you’ll use in the bomb molds.
EXPLORE KITCHENAID® ESPRESSO MACHINES
There are so many great, authentic café style drinks you can brew at home with espresso machines and frothers from the KitchenAid® Espresso Collection. Whether you're longing for a creamy Flat White, a boozy Warm Winter Espresso Cocktail, or a decadent Chocolate Affogato, the KitchenAid® Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine and Automatic Milk Frother Attachment can help satisfy all your coffee cravings. It’s the first residential espresso machine that features dual, smart temperature sensors to maintain the perfect brewing temperature shot after shot. Plus the versatile milk frother has programmable dosing and a variable micro-foam adjuster, allowing you to adjust the milk amount and texture to match your taste and preference.
