How To Make Espresso at Home

Don’t own an espresso machine? Don’t worry! I originally created this recipe using good ol’ brewed coffee. But if you crave that intense, espresso-style coffee experience at home, here’s how to achieve it:

• French press: Add 2 tablespoons of finely ground coffee to your French press. Pour in ½ cup of hot (not boiling) water and allow it to steep for 4 minutes. Gently press the plunger down. Voila! You’ve created espresso-style coffee.
• Moka pot: A stovetop espresso maker is a fantastic tool for brewing strong coffee. Simply fill the bottom chamber with water, add finely ground coffee to the filter basket, and heat it on the stove until the coffee bubbles up.
• Instant espresso powder: Mix 1-2 teaspoons of instant espresso powder with hot water for a quick and convenient alternative.

Feeling too lazy to play barista? A strong cup of brewed coffee works perfectly fine, and it’s what I often use! Experiment and see what you prefer!

Ingredients for Homemade Peppermint Mocha

One of the best things about this homemade peppermint mocha recipe is that you have complete control over the sweetness. The Starbucks version can contain over 50 grams of sugar in a single cup! This recipe keeps things much lighter, without sacrificing that delightful holiday flavor. With just 1.5 tablespoons of sugar per cup (or your favorite sugar substitute), you can relish all the minty, chocolatey goodness without the dreaded sugar crash. Plus, it’s made with simple, wholesome ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

• Milk: Use your preferred dairy or non-dairy milk. Almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk work beautifully!
• Sugar: Adjust the amount to suit your taste, or try a natural sweetener like honey, maple syrup, or stevia.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: I prefer cocoa powder over syrup or a chocolate bar because it’s convenient, pantry-friendly, and gives you full control over the sweetness. It also provides a rich, chocolatey flavor that’s similar to Starbucks’ bittersweet mocha sauce, without any unnecessary additives.
• Brewed coffee: Use your favorite coffee blend or substitute with espresso for a stronger flavor.
• Mint extract: A small amount goes a long way, giving this mocha its signature peppermint flavor. If you prefer syrup, you can swap in 1-2 teaspoons of peppermint syrup instead.
• Whipped cream & crushed candy canes: These are optional, but highly recommended for the ultimate festive garnish!

See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.

How to Make a Peppermint Mocha: Step-by-Step

Making your own peppermint mocha is easier than you think! Follow these simple steps for a perfect cup every time.

1. Whisk together the milk, sugar, cocoa powder, and brewed coffee in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Simmer until warm, approximately 2 minutes. Pro tip: Whisk constantly to dissolve the cocoa powder and ensure a velvety smooth texture.
2. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the mint extract. Remember that a little goes a long way, so measure carefully!
3. Pour the mocha coffee into two mugs and enjoy immediately.

Add a dollop of my secret ingredient homemade whipped cream to elevate this cozy drink to the next level. And don’t forget to sprinkle on those crushed candy canes for ultimate holiday vibes!

Kelly’s Tips for the Perfect Peppermint Mocha

Here are a few extra tips to help you customize your peppermint mocha and make it truly perfect:

• Make it iced! Simply allow the mixture to cool completely, then pour it over ice and garnish as usual.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of milk to suit your preferences. Use less milk for a bolder coffee flavor, or add more for a creamier, milder experience – think of it as a peppermint hot chocolate.
• Planning to serve a large group of holiday guests? This recipe is easily scalable! Simply double, triple, or even quadruple the ingredients to make enough for everyone. If you’re making it for a crowd, you can easily keep it warm in a slow cooker on the “keep warm” setting.
• The best way to crush candy canes? Place them in a zip-top bag and give them a few firm taps with a rolling pin or meat mallet. Instant holiday sprinkles!

Perfect Pairings with Your Peppermint Mocha

What’s a cozy peppermint mocha without the perfect treat to enjoy alongside it? Here are some of my favorite festive pairings to add a little extra magic to your seasonal sipping: