Let’s talk about combining three holiday favorites—peppermint, mocha, and eggnog—into one magical drink!
If you’re a fan of rich, creamy eggnog and love the chocolatey coffee vibes of a peppermint mocha, this Peppermint Mocha Eggnog is going to blow your mind.
It’s festive, cozy, and honestly feels like a hug in a mug.
This drink is perfect for sipping by the Christmas tree, serving at holiday parties, or making a big batch for your family movie night.
The combination of chocolate, coffee, and that cooling hint of peppermint just screams holiday cheer! And the best part? You can easily make it alcohol-free or add a splash of something special for the adults. Let’s get started!
What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups eggnog (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee or espresso (cooled)
- 1/4 cup milk or cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup (plus more for drizzle)
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract (a little goes a long way!)
- Whipped cream, for topping
- Crushed candy canes, for garnish
- Optional: 1 ounce peppermint schnapps or coffee liqueur (for adults)
Pro Tips
- Don’t Overdo the Peppermint: Peppermint extract is strong, so start with a little and add more if needed. Too much can overpower the drink.
- Warm or Cold?: This drink works both ways! Serve it warm for a cozy treat or over ice for a chilled version.
- Espresso Hack: If you don’t have an espresso machine, strong brewed coffee works great. You can even use instant coffee if you’re in a pinch.
- Crush Candy Canes Easily: Put candy canes in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin or the back of a spoon for a quick and easy garnish.
- Adjust Sweetness: If your eggnog is already super sweet, you might want to use unsweetened coffee or cut back on the chocolate syrup.
Tools You’ll Need
- Small saucepan (if serving warm)
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Festive mugs for serving
- Spoon for drizzling chocolate
Substitutions and Variations
- Non-Dairy Option: Use almond or oat nog and dairy-free whipped cream for a vegan-friendly version.
- No Coffee?: Swap the coffee with hot cocoa or just skip it for a pure peppermint chocolate eggnog.
- Boozy Twist: Add a splash of Bailey’s, Kahlúa, or peppermint schnapps to make it an adult treat.
- Extra Peppermint: Garnish with a peppermint stick or rim your mug with crushed candy canes for more festive vibes.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can mix the eggnog, coffee, milk, chocolate syrup, and peppermint extract ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just warm it up or give it a good stir before serving.
How to Make Peppermint Mocha Eggnog
1. Brew the Coffee
Brew your coffee or espresso and let it cool slightly. You don’t want it to be too hot if you’re mixing it with cold eggnog.
2. Mix the Ingredients
In a small saucepan (if serving warm) or a mixing bowl (if serving chilled), whisk together the eggnog, coffee, milk (if using), chocolate syrup, and peppermint extract. Heat gently over low heat if you’re serving it warm, but don’t let it boil.
3. Prepare the Mugs
If you’re feeling fancy, drizzle some chocolate syrup inside the mugs before pouring the drink. It adds a pretty swirl and extra chocolate flavor!
4. Serve and Garnish
Pour the peppermint mocha eggnog into your mug(s). Top with a generous swirl of whipped cream, drizzle with more chocolate syrup, and sprinkle with crushed candy canes. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig for a festive touch!
Leftovers and Storage
If you have leftovers, store them in a covered container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Warm it up gently on the stove or enjoy it cold over ice.
Let’s Wrap It Up!
How festive does this sound? Peppermint Mocha Eggnog is the ultimate holiday drink for chocolate and coffee lovers who want a little holiday twist.
It’s rich, creamy, and so fun to make (and drink!). Whether you’re serving it at a party or treating yourself after a long day of holiday shopping, it’s guaranteed to put you in the Christmas spirit.
