Skinny Peppermint Mocha Recipe - The Girl on Bloor (2024)

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By Taylor Stinson | 116 Comments | Posted: | Updated:

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This Skinny Peppermint Mocha recipe is a calorie-friendly version of the famous Starbucks holiday drink that you can make year-round at home!

Skinny Peppermint Mocha Recipe - The Girl on Bloor (1)

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Ingredients and substitutions

  • Almond milk– you can use any kind of milk but almond milk keeps the calorie count low.
  • Cocoa powder– you could also melt chocolate chips at the bottom of your cup while microwaving, but it’ll increase the calories.
  • Mint syrup– peppermint syrup might work, just make sure you cut down on the amount or it’ll be too sweet.
  • Espresso shots– you can use 1/3 to 1/2 cup of regular or decaf brew coffee instead.
  • Light whipped cream– or a dairy-free alternative like coconut whipped cream.
  • Candy cane– crushed up peppermint candies would also be yummy.
Skinny Peppermint Mocha Recipe - The Girl on Bloor (3)

How to make a peppermint mocha

  1. Make the mint syrup.
  2. Mix together the milk, cocoa and syrup.
  3. Microwave the milk mixture.
  4. Brew the espresso.
  5. Pour everything into a mug.
  6. Add on your toppings and enjoy!
Skinny Peppermint Mocha Recipe - The Girl on Bloor (4)

Calories in a Starbucks peppermint mocha

Starbucks’ peppermint mocha has a whopping 440 calories for a Grande size (473 mL) whereas this skinny version only has 110 calories. You still get that delicious festive flavour but without the high calorie count, so you can enjoy your favourite holiday drink guilt-free!

Skinny Peppermint Mocha Recipe - The Girl on Bloor (5)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a peppermint mocha?

A peppermint mocha is a popular holiday drink and a festive spin on the traditional mocha latte. It has all the components of the latte (aka milk and espresso), in addition to mint syrup and cocoa powder.

Does this drink have caffeine?

Starbucks’ peppermint mocha has about 95 mg of caffeine and this skinny recipe calls for two shots of espresso. You can opt for a caffeine-free version by using decaf espresso.

What does it taste like?

Peppermint mochas taste like your favourite latte with the added flavours of chocolate and peppermint. It’s rich and full-flavoured thanks to the espresso, but sweet thanks to the chocolate and mint syrup!

Can you use real chocolate?

Yes, you can! If you want a richer drink, cut the cocoa powder in half and add 1/2 tbsp. chocolate chips to the bottom of your cup of milk when microwaving then stir everything together. You may need to microwave the mixture for an extra minute so that the chocolate chips get fully melted. I try to use a high-quality dark chocolate over milk chocolate so that it doesn't taste too sweet.

Skinny Peppermint Mocha Recipe - The Girl on Bloor (6)

Storing the mint syrup

While you can’t store this peppermint mocha, you can make the mint syrup ahead of time! Just store it in a mason jar or airtight container in the fridge for up to one month.

Skinny Peppermint Mocha Recipe - The Girl on Bloor (7)
Skinny Peppermint Mocha Recipe - The Girl on Bloor (8)

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More festive drink recipes

  • Starbucks Eggnog Latte

  • Homemade Nutella Mocha Latte

  • Starbucks Salted Caramel Mocha

See more related recipes

Meal prep tools for this recipe

  • I use 16 oz mason jars as cups and storage containers for the mint syrup.
  • Pick up some coffee beans or pre-ground coffee such as Lavazza.
  • You may need a coffee grinder if you're using fresh whole beans.

Skinny Peppermint Mocha Recipe - The Girl on Bloor (12)

Skinny Peppermint Mocha Recipe

This Skinny Peppermint Mocha recipe is a calorie-friendly version of the Starbucks holiday drink that you can make year-round at home!

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Servings: 1 serving

Calories: 110kcal

Author: Taylor Stinson

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes minutes

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup almond milk (can use any milk though)
  • 1 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 2 tbsp mint syrup (see below)
  • 2 espresso shots
  • Light whipped cream (optional)
  • 1/2 Candy cane, crushed

Mint syrup

  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 tbsp mint extract

Instructions

  • Make the mint syrup by mixing together boiling water, sugar and mint extract. Set aside – this syrup will last up to a month in the fridge so you can enjoy a skinny peppermint mocha all December long!

  • Add milk, cocoa powder and mint syrup to a mug, then microwave 1-2 minutes (will depend on the power of your microwave and how hot you want your mocha). Stir well before and after microwaving.

  • While milk mixture is in microwave, brew 2 espresso shots. Add shots to the milk mixture, then top with whipped cream and crushed candy canes (both optional toppings), then serve and enjoy!

Video

Notes

Use a non-dairy milk like almond, coconut or cashew milk to keep the calorie count low.

For a richer drink, use ½ tbsp. cocoa powder and ½ tbsp. chocolate chips.

If espresso is too much caffeine for you, swap it out for 1/2 to 1/3 cup brew coffee instead.

You can use peppermint syrup instead of mint syrup, but make sure not to use as much or the drink will be too sweet.

Nutrition

Calories: 110kcal (6%)Carbohydrates: 14g (5%)Protein: 2g (4%)Fat: 7g (11%)Saturated Fat: 3g (19%)Polyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 11mg (4%)Sodium: 8mgPotassium: 131mg (4%)Fiber: 2g (8%)Sugar: 10g (11%)Vitamin A: 100IU (2%)Calcium: 30mg (3%)Iron: 1.1mg (6%)

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Created by Taylor Stinson

Hey there, my name's Taylor! I’m the founder of The Girl on Bloor, a food blog where I share healthy meal prep recipes for busy people. I'm a busy city girl living in downtown Toronto on (you guessed it!) Bloor Street. I've got 10 years experience meal prepping, along with a Master's degree in journalism, and you can find my work across the internet featured on publications such as Buzzfeed, HuffPost, Women's Health, Reader's Digest and more. I also run the awesome 5-Day Meal Prep Challenge, which is a free email course and Facebook group where I share my meal planning strategies and easy meal prep tips and recipes. Be sure to check out my free beginner’s guide to meal prep and follow me on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram to get my latest recipes and meal prep tips!

Reader Interactions

Share With Me!

Did you make this recipe or want to share your thoughts? Make sure to leave your review below and tag me on Instagram #thegirlonbloor so I can check it out!

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    Comments & Reviews

  1. Mary Beth says

    Skinny Peppermint Mocha Recipe - The Girl on Bloor (13)
    I made this with almond extract and it was delicious

    Reply

    • Taylor Stinson says

      I’m so happy you enjoyed 🙂

      Reply

  2. samantha says

    The Spicy cheese twists would be fun and Vanilla ice cream sandwiches. #PCBlackLabel and #PlayWithYourFood

    Reply

  3. Travelbuds says

    I would love to make fudge with PC Black Label peppermint extract. I’m sure it would be amazing. #PCBlackLabel #PlayWithYourFood

    Reply

  4. Soozle says

    I would use the #PCBlackLabel peppermint extract to add to homemade browniies for a holiday twist. #PlayWithYourFood

    Reply

  5. Soozle says

    I would love to try the #PCBlackLabel PC BLACK LABEL FIG CABERNET WINE JELLY and use it on top of baked brie for a great app! #PlayWithYourFood

    Reply

« Older Comments

Skinny Peppermint Mocha Recipe - The Girl on Bloor (2024)

FAQs

How do you make a skinny peppermint mocha at Starbucks? ›

Skinny Peppermint Mocha

The beverage can be prepared with sugar-free peppermint syrup, nonfat milk and skinny mocha sauce and chocolate curls without whipped cream. A Skinny Peppermint Mocha is just 100 calories for a Tall beverage.

Can you get Starbucks peppermint mocha skinny? ›

It's a hot, minty, chocolate, coffee treat…Starbucks makes their dreamy, skinny holiday drink with espresso, steamed nonfat milk, sugar-free mocha sauce, and sugar-free peppermint syrup.

What is the formula for peppermint mocha? ›

Combine 3 Tbsp Baking Cocoa with 3 Tbsp warm water to make into a rich syrup. Pour into a 16 ounce mug. Add Peppermint syrup. Steam milk and add to remainder of cup.

How do you customize a peppermint mocha? ›

Peppermint Flavor: to add peppermint flavor you can use: 1) mint extract, 2) half of a peppermint candy cane, or 3) peppermint syrup. Vanilla Extract: provides a touch of extra sweetness and adds some flavor depth. Toppings: we're topping our Peppermint Mocha off with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

What is in a Starbucks skinny peppermint mocha? ›

You could always order a regular mocha with half of the pumps and nonfat with no whip. so the only way to do a skinny peppermint mocha is to do it normally with nonfat milk, no whip and no chocolate curls unfortunately :( at least where i'm at (US) we don't have a skinny mocha syrup or skinny peppermint.

What syrup does Starbucks use for their peppermint mocha? ›

What is in a peppermint mocha at Starbucks? The original Starbucks peppermint latte is made with espresso, steamed milk, their own sweet mocha sauce, and a peppermint syrup.

How do I order a skinny peppermint mocha? ›

Just skip the whipped cream and chocolate curls on top, and order yours made with nondairy milk like almond, coconut, soy, or oat milk.

Is Skinny Mocha discontinued? ›

As for the syrup, the company once offered a Skinny Mocha Sauce, which was available in its Skinny Mocha drink, among other sugar-free flavors like cinnamon dolce syrup. However, much to the chagrin of many Starbucks regulars, these sugar-free options, as well as the Skinny Mocha itself, have since been discontinued.

Why did Starbucks discontinue Skinny Mocha? ›

Starbucks discontinued their skinny mocha sauce in 2020, which means it's no longer available on their menu. The company said that light syrup, along with a handful of other sugar-free syrups, weren't as popular as the regular flavors made with sugar.

What are the ingredients in a Starbucks Peppermint Mocha? ›

  • tall (12oz): 1 shot, 3 pumps mocha, 3 pumps peppermint, 2% to the top line, rest ice.
  • grande (16oz): 2 shots, 4 pumps mocha, 4 pumps peppermint, 2% to the top line, rest ice.
  • venti (24oz) (iced only): 3 shots, 6 pumps mocha, 6 pumps peppermint, 2% to the top line, rest ice.
Feb 5, 2023

How do I order a Peppermint Mocha year-round? ›

That's because Starbucks stocks up on both mocha sauce and peppermint syrup year-round, even though the chain doesn't keep its Peppermint Mocha on the menu. So, to get your Peppermint Mocha fix, all you have to do is order a regular Starbucks Mocha, and then request a few pumps of peppermint syrup.

How many pumps of peppermint are in an iced Peppermint Mocha? ›

A tall Peppermint Mocha has one shot of espresso with 3 pumps of peppermint syrup and mocha sauce each. A grande cup has two shots of espresso with four pumps of the sauce and syrup and a venti cup has two shots of espresso with five pumps of the sauce and syrup.

Does Mcdonald's have a peppermint mocha? ›

290 Cal. 290 Cal. A cozy peppermint mocha made with espresso beans that are sustainably sourced from Rainforest Alliance Certified™ farms, steamed whole or nonfat milk, peppermint chocolate syrup, and topped with whipped topping and chocolate drizzle.

Is the peppermint mocha really minty? ›

Is the Peppermint Mocha really minty? The Peppermint Mocha has a noticeable minty flavor due to the addition of peppermint extract or syrup. However, the intensity of the mintiness can vary depending on the amount of peppermint extract used in the recipe.

What flavor goes good with peppermint mocha? ›

It's time for the peppermint mocha to shine.
  • ADD A PUMP OF CARAMEL. Caramel and chocolate are one of the sweetest combos out there, so it makes sense to add some caramel-y goodness to any mocha. ...
  • GET FROSTY. ...
  • PUMP IN SOME VANILLA. ...
  • TRY A MATCHA MIX. ...
  • TEST OUT WHITE CHOCOLATE.
Nov 3, 2014

How do you lower the calories in a peppermint mocha? ›

Build A Better Peppermint Mocha!
  1. Adjust the Size. Less volume = fewer calories as well as less protein and less sugar (added or inherent). ...
  2. Adjust the “Milk” ...
  3. Adjust the Added Sugars and Flavors. ...
  4. Adjust the Toppings. ...
  5. Adjust the Caffeine. ...
  6. Consider Your Timing. ...
  7. Summary.

How do you make something skinny at Starbucks? ›

Ask for “less whip” or “no whip” • Make it “Skinny:” Most handcrafted espresso and Frappuccino® blended beverages can be requested “skinny,” which means the beverage is made with nonfat milk, no whipped cream and a sugar-free syrup if available.

Does Starbucks still have sugar free peppermint syrup? ›

Eventually, the company made the decision to discontinue the line. In the past, a special Christmas-themed offering called sugar-free peppermint syrup was available at Starbucks, too. However, the company decided to discontinue this flavor in 2017.

Does Starbucks still have the skinny mocha? ›

However, much to the chagrin of many Starbucks regulars, these sugar-free options, as well as the Skinny Mocha itself, have since been discontinued. The only sugar-free syrup currently being offered is a vanilla flavor, so you can ask for a splash or two of that instead.

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