This is your go-to recipe for the coveted Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha, and the best part? It’s cheaper than the Starbucks peppermint mocha and tastes better because we made it at home! The only equipment we use is an Aeropress, although as long as you can pull as espresso, you’ll be able to make this homemade cozy drink.
Does Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha Have Caffeine?
Our peppermint white chocolate mocha has about 180mg of caffeine. We used Sightglasses’ Banner Dark at 17g of coffee beans with the Aeropress method.
You might be wondering “how much caffeine is in a mocha?”, well we did the research for you:
- Starbucks Grande (16 fl oz): 175 mg of caffeine
- McDonald’s McCafé Mocha (Medium / 16 fl oz): 167 mg of caffeine
- Tim Hortons Café Mocha (Medium): 135 mg of caffeine
Why Fresh Mint & Scratch Made Ganache Are Better Than Cafe Syrups
It’s no secret that fresh ingredients are supremely more delicious than commercial artificial sweeteners meant to imitate the taste of peppermint. But let’s break it down anyways!
Fresh Mint vs. Peppermint Extract:
- Fresh mint actually provides natural menthol sweetness and herbal aroma without any artificial processing
- Peppermint provides traditional sharp holiday brightness while spearmint gives a mellow, sweet roundness
How to Pull Espresso-Strength Coffee with an AeroPress (No Machine Needed)
The Extraction Ratio: 4 tablespoons fine espresso grind to ½ cup water (approx. 1:4 coffee-to-water ratio) yields an intense, concentrated base that cuts straight through rich milk and chocolate.
Step-by-Step AeroPress Inverted Method:
- Assembly: Plunger set just inside chamber rim.
- Infusion: Grounds in, pour just-off-boil water, stir 10 seconds to fully saturate.
- Steep & Plunge: Steep 90 seconds, attach rinsed filter cap, invert onto mug, press 20–30 seconds until the characteristic hiss.
Homemade Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha
Ingredients
- Peppermint Simple Syrup
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup water
1 packed cup fresh peppermint or spearmint leaves
- White Chocolate Sauce
4 oz good-quality white chocolate, finely chopped
½ cup heavy cream
- Mocha
2 cups whole milk
4 to 6 tablespoons white chocolate sauce, plus more to taste
2 tablespoons peppermint simple syrup, plus more to taste
4 tablespoons finely ground coffee, espresso roast
½ cup just-off-boil water
- To Finish
1 cup heavy cream, whipped to soft peaks
Crushed candy canes or peppermint bark
Grated white chocolate, for garnish
Directions
- Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar has fully dissolved, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and add the mint leaves, gently bruising them with the back of a spoon to help release their oils. Cover and let steep for 20 to 30 minutes, tasting occasionally — the longer it steeps, the more pronounced the mint flavour will be. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing on the leaves to extract as much liquid as possible, and discard the solids. Allow to cool completely before using. This can be made ahead and stored in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Place the chopped white chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Heat the cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer, then pour it over the white chocolate. Let sit for 1 minute, then whisk gently until completely smooth and glossy. Set aside to cool slightly — the sauce will continue to thicken as it cools, so if it becomes too firm to pour, warm it gently for a few seconds before using.
- Warm the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until steaming, or use a milk frother to heat and froth it if you have one. Whisk in the white chocolate sauce and peppermint syrup until fully dissolved.
- Set up the AeroPress in inverted position, with the plunger inserted just slightly into the chamber. Add the ground coffee to the chamber, then pour over the just-off-boil water. Stir gently for about 10 seconds to make sure all the grounds are saturated, then let steep for 1½ minutes. Attach the filter cap, flip the AeroPress onto a mug, and press down slowly and steadily until you hear a hissing sound, about 20 to 30 seconds. You should end up with a concentrated, espresso-like shot.
- Divide the AeroPress espresso between two mugs. Pour the white chocolate peppermint milk over the top and stir gently to combine. Taste and add more white chocolate sauce or peppermint syrup depending on how sweet or minty you’d like it.
- Top each mug generously with whipped cream, then finish with a scatter of crushed candy canes and a little grated white chocolate.
Notes
- The white chocolate sauce and peppermint syrup can both be made up to a week in advance and stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This turns the whole drink into a five-minute assembly job.
- For an iced version, let the AeroPress espresso cool slightly, then combine it with the white chocolate sauce and peppermint syrup in a shaker or jar and shake well. Pour over a glass full of ice and top with cold milk, whipped cream, and the candy cane garnish.
- Don’t have an AeroPress? A stovetop moka pot or a shot from an espresso machine both work just as well here — you’ll want about ¾ cup of strong coffee or espresso in total.
- Spearmint gives a slightly sweeter, softer mint flavour, while peppermint is sharper and more classic for this drink — either works beautifully, so use whichever you have on hand or prefer.
- Leftover white chocolate sauce is wonderful stirred into hot chocolate, drizzled over ice cream, or spooned over fresh berries.
Looking For More Recipes?
Check out Salt & Honey’s Youtube channel for more recipe, meal prep, and even a behind-the-scenes look of S&H! In addition to our peppermint white chocolate mocha, we have a plethora of recipes to dive into!
Meal Prep Guides
Not only do we empower your recipe bank with gems like our easy meal prep overnight oats but we have also developed a monthly meal prep guide. We utilize seasonal ingredients and the entire guide is centered around dishes with similar components.
Through the use of batch cooking, we want to make cooking easy, delicious and affordable. You can create the entire meal prep guide to plan your whole week or simply pick and choose which dishes resonate with you!
Make sure to check out our Youtube to find which we meal prep guide dishes we’re cooking for the week!
Take a look at our October meal prep guide!
Additional Resources
Pinterest Board: Check out our mood boards designed to provide even more inspiration for hors d’oeuvres. Here you can find more photos and videos covering our wide range of catering and event planning expertise. Whether you’re searching for food inspiration, food recipes, homemade decor, wedding planning ideas, and more, our mood boards will have your creativity soaring!
Substack: Monthly notes on slow living and seasonal flavors from Salt & Honey Catering and Events. Discover the recipes, garden tasks, and hosting tips that define our own event production. Here we will provide exclusive recipes, tips, and tricks only available on our free Substack!
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Youtube Vlog: Ever wonder what the Catering and Event Production side of world looks like? Our “Beyond The Banquet” vlog series provides a peak through the curtain! These short videos display the chaos and serenity behind the business. Come check it out now!
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Catering/Event Planning: Contact us here and let’s work together to create your dream event!