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Homemade Peppermint Hot Chocolate

This cozy beverage combines rich cocoa and fresh peppermint leaves infused slowly into warm milk, resulting in a smooth, velvety hot chocolate with a bright, refreshing twist. The process involves gentle heating and straining to create a comforting drink with a vivid mint aroma and a luxurious texture. Topped with whipped cream and garnished with peppermint sticks, it’s the perfect winter treat.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups whole milk or almond/oat milk for dairy-free option
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder preferably Dutched for smoothness
  • 3-4 fresh peppermint leaves peppermint leaves or 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 1-2 tablespoons honey or sugar adjust to taste
  • whipped whipped cream optional topping
  • peppermint sticks for garnish peppermint sticks optional, for presentation

Equipment

  • Small Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Strainer or fine sieve
  • Mugs

Method
 

  1. Pour the milk into a small saucepan and place it over low heat.
  2. Whisk in the cocoa powder, stirring constantly until it’s fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth, with a gentle simmer beginning (small bubbles around the edges, fragrant aroma).
  3. Add the fresh peppermint leaves, gently pressing them with the back of a spoon to release their oils, then let the mixture simmer very low for about 5 minutes, allowing the mint to infuse the milk with a bright, refreshing aroma.
  4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and strain out the peppermint leaves using a fine sieve, pressing gently to extract remaining flavor. Discard the leaves.
  5. Stir in the honey or sugar, tasting and adjusting the sweetness as needed, until fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth and velvety.
  6. Pour the hot chocolate into mugs, then top generously with whipped cream and garnish with a peppermint stick or a sprig of fresh mint for a festive look.
  7. Serve immediately while steaming hot, enjoy the rich cocoa aroma combined with the invigorating scent of fresh peppermint.