If there is one drink that instantly tastes like the holidays, it’s the Starbucks Peppermint Mocha. It’s cozy, chocolatey, refreshing, and a little nostalgic — like sipping a warm hug wrapped in a candy cane. But instead of spending $6+ per drink (and only being able to order it when it’s “in season”), we’re making it at home — and it’s even better.
This homemade version uses my Homemade Peppermint Mocha Sauce, which combines chocolate + peppermint into one silky sauce that tastes just like Starbucks’ iconic mocha sauce and peppermint syrup combo, but fresher and made with real ingredients.
Make it hot or iced, extra chocolatey or light, with dairy or dairy-free — you’re in charge. Cozy and festive coffee mornings just got so good.
Ingredients
Makes 1 Peppermint Mocha
- 2 shots of espresso (about 2–3\\ ounces)
- 1–2 tablespoons Homemade Peppermint Mocha Sauce – note, you could absolutely use a store bought peppermint syrup and a chocolate sauce if you’d like. (Adjust to your taste → 1 Tbsp for balanced, 2 Tbsp for sweeter & more chocolatey)
- 6–8 ounces milk of choice (Starbucks uses 2% for this drink)
- Ice (omit the ice for a hot version)
- Whipped cream, for topping
- Optional festive toppings: Crushed candy cane, chocolate shavings, cocoa powder, or McCormick Candy Cane Finishing Sugar
Why Make It at Home?
- It tastes just like Starbucks — but you can adjust the sweetness.
- Costs way less — one batch of sauce makes multiple drinks.
- You control everything — dairy, sugar, flavor intensity.
- No seasonal limitations — enjoy iced or hot Peppermint Mochas year-round.
How to Make the Espresso
Use whatever you have:
| Method | Use If You Have: |
|---|---|
| Nespresso | Espresso pods |
| Moka Pot | Ground coffee + stovetop |
| Aeropress | Ground coffee + kettle |
| Espresso Machine | Any espresso machine |
| Instant Espresso | No espresso machine |
For help, see my blog post: 5 Ways to Make Espresso at Home for step by step instructions for each method above.
Quick measurement:
- 2 shots (what we use) ≈ 2.5 oz
- 1 shot ≈ 1.25 oz
How to Make a Hot Starbucks Peppermint Mocha
- Add Peppermint Mocha Sauce to a mug.
- Brew the hot espresso over the sauce and stir well to combine.
- Steam or froth your milk (more on this below).
- Pour the milk over the espresso + sauce mixture.
- Finish with whipped cream + festive toppings.
- Sip and bask in the holiday joy.
How to Make an Iced Starbucks Peppermint Mocha
- Add Peppermint Mocha Sauce to your glass.
- Brew the espresso over the sauce, and stir to combine.
- Add cold milk.
- Fill the glass with ice.
- Top with whipped cream + toppings.
- Stir to combine, and enjoy!
How to Steam/Froth Milk at Home
| Tool | Result | How to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Steam Wand (on an espresso machine) | Café-style velvety microfoam | Steam milk in pitcher until warm + silky |
| Electric Frother | Quick + fluffy | Add milk + press “hot foam” |
| Handheld Frother | Easy + low-effort | Warm milk first → froth until airy |
For iced lattes: No steaming — use cold milk.
What Ratios Does Starbucks Use?
Starbucks uses a peppermint syrup and a sauce combo so if you want to most accurately replicate the Starbucks ratios for a Peppermint Mocha, follow these ratios:
ICED PEPPERMINT MOCHA
| TALL | GRANDE | VENTI | |
| PEPPERMINT SYRUP | 1.5 PUMPS (3/4 TBSP) | 2 PUMPS (1 TBSP) | 3 PUMPS (1.5 TBSP) |
| CHOCOLATE SAUCE | 1.5 PUMPS (3/4 TBSP) | 2 PUMPS (1 TBSP) | 3 PUMPS (1.5 TBSP) |
| ESPRESSO SHOTS | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| MILK | 8 OUNCES | 10 OUNCES | 12 OUNCES |
| ICE | TO TOP OF CUP | TO TOP OF CUP | TO TOP OF CUP |
HOT PEPPERMINT MOCHA
| SHORT | TALL | GRANDE | VENTI | |
| PEPPERMINT SYRUP | 1 PUMP (1/2 TBSP) | 1.5 PUMPS (3/4 TBSP) | 2 PUMPS (1 TBSP) | 3 PUMPS (1.5 TBSP) |
| CHOCOLATE SAUCE | 1 PUMP (1/2 TBSP) | 1.5 PUMPS (3/4 TBSP) | 2 PUMPS (1 TBSP) | 3 PUMPS (1.5 TBSP) |
| ESPRESSO SHOTS | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| MILK | 6 OUNCES | 8 OUNCES | 10 OUNCES | 12 OUNCES |
Dairy-Free Option
Swap milk + whipped cream:
- Oat milk (amazing here)
- Almond milk
- Soy or coconut milk
- Coconut whip / almond whip / oat whip, or skip the whipped cream entirely
Lower Sugar Option
Use:
- Homemade Peppermint Mocha Sauce made with sugar-free substitutes
- Unsweetened milk
- Zero sugar/sugar free whipped cream, or omit the whipped cream entirely
Try It as a Peppermint Mocha Cold Brew or Iced Coffee
- 1–2 Tbsp Peppermint Mocha Sauce
- 12-14 oz cold brew or iced coffee
- Splash of heavy cream/half & half/ oat milk
- Ice
- Whipped cream + crushed candy cane
Stir. Pour. Joy.
More Holiday Recipes to Try
- Homemade Peppermint Mocha Sauce (for refills!)
- Starbucks Peppermint Mocha Frappuccino
- Starbucks Sugar Cookie Latte
- Starbucks Holiday Drinks
- Starbucks Holiday Cold Foams
- Homemade Starbucks Caramel Brûlée Sauce
- Cranberry Maple Mocktail
Holiday Cups/Drinkware
Starbucks Peppermint Mocha
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1–2 tablespoons Homemade Peppermint Mocha Sauce Adjust to your taste
- 2 shots of espresso about 2 ounces
- 6-8 ounces milk of choice Starbucks uses 2%
- Ice omit for a hot version
- Whipped cream for topping
- Optional festive toppings Crushed candy cane, chocolate shavings, cocoa powder, or McCormick Candy Cane Finishing Sugar
Instructions
- Add Peppermint Mocha Sauce to a mug or glass.
- Brew the hot espresso over the sauce and stir well to combine.
- For a hot mocha: Steam or froth the milk and then pour the milk over the espresso + sauce mixture. For an iced mocha: pour cold milk over the espresso + sauce mixture, and fill the glass with ice.
- Finish with whipped cream, and festive toppings, if using.
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