Ah, there’s something magical about the holiday season, isn’t there? I still remember the first time I walked into a Starbucks during Christmas time—the air was filled with the sweet aroma of peppermint and freshly brewed coffee. It felt like stepping into a cozy winter wonderland! Inspired by those festive drinks, I decided to whip up my own version at home. This peppermint coffee is everything you love about those holiday offerings, but even better because you can customize it just the way you like. Trust me, there’s nothing like curling up with a warm, frothy cup of this deliciousness while the snow falls outside. It’s the perfect way to embrace the season and share some warmth with loved ones. Let’s get started on creating this delightful drink together!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup brewed coffee
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons peppermint syrup
- Whipped cream (for topping)
- Crushed candy canes (for garnish)
How to Prepare Instructions
Now, let’s dive into making this festive peppermint coffee! It’s super simple and oh-so-delicious. Follow these steps and you’ll have a cozy drink in no time!
Step 1: Brew Your Coffee
Start by brewing 1 cup of your favorite coffee. I love using a medium roast for that perfect balance of flavor! If you have a French press, it’s a great way to get a rich taste. Just let it steep for about 4 minutes before pressing down. If you’re using a drip coffee maker, aim for a similar brewing time. Trust me; the aroma will fill your kitchen and make you feel all warm inside!
Step 2: Heat the Milk
Next, it’s time to heat up the milk. Pour 1/2 cup into a small saucepan and warm it over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent it from boiling—nobody wants scalded milk! You’re looking for it to be warm and steamy, not bubbling away. It usually takes about 3-4 minutes. This step adds that creamy texture that makes this drink so indulgent!
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Now, grab your brewed coffee and add 2 tablespoons of peppermint syrup. Give it a good stir to mix everything together. Then, pour in the warm milk slowly, watching as those beautiful layers blend. This way, you’re ensuring that every sip has that delightful peppermint flavor. Yum!
Step 4: Top with Whipped Cream
Oh, this is the fun part! Grab some whipped cream and generously dollop it on top of your drink. I like to go a little overboard here because who doesn’t love a mountain of whipped cream? It adds that creamy sweetness that balances out the peppermint just perfectly.
Step 5: Add Finishing Touches
Finally, sprinkle some crushed candy canes on top. This not only adds a festive touch but also gives that delightful crunch with every sip. Just crush them lightly with a rolling pin or place them in a bag and smash away. Now, your drink is ready to be enjoyed!
Nutritional Information
This delightful peppermint coffee is not just a treat for your taste buds; it’s also good to know what you’re sipping on! Each serving contains approximately 250 calories, with 10 grams of fat and 6 grams of protein. You’ll find 20 grams of sugar, which gives it that sweet holiday vibe, and 30 grams of carbohydrates to keep you energized throughout your festive celebrations. Of course, these numbers are estimates, but they help you keep track of your indulgences. Enjoy this cozy drink knowing it’s a special holiday treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time—just 10 minutes from start to finish!
- Festive flavor that captures the essence of the holiday season.
- Customizable sweetness; adjust the peppermint syrup to your liking.
- Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in.
- A delightful warm drink that’s sure to impress your guests.
- Easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
- Brings that Starbucks Christmas vibe right into your kitchen!
Tips for Success
Want to make this peppermint coffee even more perfect? Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your drink is a holiday hit!
- Adjust the sweetness: Feel free to tweak the amount of peppermint syrup to suit your taste. If you prefer a sweeter drink, go ahead and add a bit more. If you like it less sweet, just use a splash. It’s all about what you enjoy!
- Try different milk options: If you want a dairy-free version, almond milk works beautifully in this recipe. You can also use oat milk or coconut milk for a different twist—each adds its own unique flavor!
- Experiment with flavors: Don’t be afraid to play around with the syrup! Vanilla or chocolate syrup can add a delicious twist to your peppermint coffee. Mix and match to find your favorite combo!
- Make it a mocha: For chocolate lovers, add a tablespoon of cocoa powder or chocolate syrup to the coffee before mixing in the milk. It’s a fantastic way to give your drink an extra decadent flavor!
- Garnish creatively: Besides crushed candy canes, consider using chocolate shavings, mini marshmallows, or even a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce on top for a festive finish!
With these tips, you’ll be sipping on the coziest, most delightful peppermint coffee that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix up this peppermint coffee recipe! Here are a few ideas to get those creative juices flowing:
- Caramel Peppermint Delight: Swap out the peppermint syrup for caramel syrup for a sweet twist. Just imagine that rich, buttery caramel flavor blending beautifully with your coffee!
- Chocolate Mint Fusion: Add a tablespoon of chocolate syrup along with the peppermint syrup for a deliciously indulgent mocha-mint experience. It’s like a cozy hug in a mug!
- Nutty Flavor Boost: Use hazelnut or almond syrup instead of peppermint for a nutty, aromatic coffee experience that’s equally festive and delightful.
- Spiced Holiday Coffee: Sprinkle in some cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced twist. This will give your drink that extra holiday cheer and warmth!
- Non-Dairy Options: Experiment with different milk alternatives like coconut milk for a tropical touch or soy milk for a creamy, rich flavor. Each one brings a unique twist to your festive drink!
- Minty Matcha: For something a bit different, try mixing in a scoop of matcha powder for a green tea version. It adds a lovely color and a unique flavor—a fun twist for matcha lovers!
Don’t hesitate to mix and match these variations to find your perfect sip. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s all about what you love, so get creative and enjoy the festive flavors of the season!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this delicious peppermint coffee and have some leftovers? No worries, I’ve got you covered! To store any extra, simply pour the coffee into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It will keep well for up to 2 days. Just remember, the whipped cream and candy cane toppings don’t hold up well, so it’s best to add those fresh when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
When it’s time to reheat, pour the coffee back into a saucepan and warm it gently over low heat. Stir occasionally to make sure it heats evenly without boiling—nobody wants scalded coffee! If you prefer, you can also use the microwave; just heat it in short intervals, stirring in between, until it’s warm to your liking. Add a fresh dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes before serving, and you’ll have that cozy holiday drink ready to enjoy all over again!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your delicious peppermint coffee ready, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it! This festive drink pairs beautifully with a variety of holiday snacks and treats that will elevate your cozy sipping experience.
- Gingerbread Cookies: These classic cookies bring a warm, spiced flavor that complements the peppermint perfectly. You can even dip them into your coffee for an extra treat!
- Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels: The salty crunch of pretzels coated in rich chocolate adds a delightful contrast to the sweet and creamy coffee. They’re fun to snack on while you sip!
- Mini Cheesecakes: Individual mini cheesecakes topped with festive fruit or chocolate drizzle make for an elegant pairing. The creaminess will balance beautifully with your drink.
- Fruitcake Bites: If you’re a fan of fruitcake, bite-sized versions are perfect for serving. Their rich flavors and textures pair well with the peppermint notes in your coffee.
- Holiday Biscotti: These crunchy, twice-baked cookies are perfect for dunking! Choose flavors like almond or chocolate to complement your festive drink.
- Cheese Platter: For a savory option, consider a cheese platter with assorted cheeses, crackers, and some sliced apples or pears. The creamy textures will enhance your coffee experience.
These delightful pairings will not only satisfy your taste buds but also create a festive atmosphere that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. So, grab your peppermint coffee, set out some treats, and enjoy the season with friends and family!
Print
Starbucks Christmas: 5 Irresistible Peppermint Coffee Recipes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive beverage inspired by Starbucks’ holiday offerings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup brewed coffee
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons peppermint syrup
- Whipped cream
- Crushed candy canes for topping
Instructions
- Start by brewing your coffee.
- Heat the milk in a saucepan until warm.
- Add peppermint syrup to the brewed coffee.
- Pour the warm milk into the coffee mixture.
- Top with whipped cream.
- Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of peppermint syrup for desired sweetness.
- You can use almond milk for a dairy-free option.
- This drink is perfect for holiday gatherings.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Brew
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: starbucks christmas, holiday drinks, peppermint coffee
