The peppermint mocha is a simple drink. At its core, it’s just a hot chocolate with a combination of peppermint syrup and whipped cream. But the beverage is also so much more than that.
It’s nostalgia, a reminiscence of an earlier time when mojitos were new, truffles weren’t covered in spiky cocoa shells, and all we had were these simple little mocha drinks. Now all I want to do is snuggle up in my bed and read a book while drinking peppermint mochas.
Anyhow, before we jump into the history and taste profile of peppermint mocha, let’s understand what mocha is and get to know about its brief history.
History of Mocha
According to a legend, mocha was originally named after the mocha bean. It is a type of coffee bean that comes from the port of Al Mokka in Yemen. The name mocha has a link with chocolate as most people believe that this variety of beans was naturally chocolaty.
Today, ‘mocha’ doesn’t refer to coffee beans but rather the addition of chocolate-flavored ingredients in coffee drinks.
Origin of Peppermint Mocha
In 2002, Starbucks introduced its first holiday beverage, and it quickly became the most popular holiday drink at Starbucks. Peter Dukes, the head of espresso-based beverages at the time, recalls that a group of 10 employees from different departments came together every year to taste new holiday drinks.
The group decided to take the classic Starbucks Caffè Mocha and mix it with peppermint candy canes to see what would happen. And just like that, a new kind of coffee was born.
Peppermint mocha is still the most popular holiday drink. You can find it at more than 30,000 stores in 80 markets around the world. Moreover, it is available in hot, iced, and blended versions.
The recipe for the drink has changed only slightly; The recipe now calls for 2 percent milk and dark chocolate curls instead of red sprinkles.
Making Peppermint Mocha
- Place a saucepan on the stove and turn the heat to medium. Whisk the milk to make foam for about 30 seconds, then set aside.
- Spoon two tablespoons of chocolate syrup and two teaspoons of peppermint syrup into the bottom of a 12-ounce or larger mug.
- Add one shot of espresso to your mug. (Or make concentrated coffee using less water in an alternative brewing method.)
- Fill your coffee mug with steamed milk.
- Garnish the mug with a dollop of whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
Taste Profile of Peppermint Mocha
For some, it may be hearing the first notes of holiday music or seeing that first flurry of snow, while others may find comfort in the first taste of a Starbucks Peppermint Mocha.
In short, peppermint mocha is the perfect combination of full-bodied espresso, hot chocolate, and whipped cream on top. And yes, the taste of peppermint mocha might confuse your taste buds due to its burst of different flavors.
