If you have lots of leftover candy canes from the holidays, this peppermint white mocha is just the thing to use them up. To me, Peppermint Mocha is in season as long as snow is gracing the ground. That is why I actually don’t mind having some extra candy canes hanging around after Christmas so that I can make myself this warm treat with them! This recipe is made according to my preference, but feel free to adapt the amounts to taste. Enjoy!

For more drinks to warm up with, try Chai Tea Latte or this Amish recipe for Old Fashioned Eggnog .

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Peppermint White Mocha with Candy Canes

marilynpeight

This peppermint white mocha has just the right balance of mint and sweetness. It really is the best way to use up leftover candy canes after Christmas!

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 2

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Servings

Ingredients

1 whole candy cane crushed into powder
3/4 cup whole milk or 2 percent
1-2 tablespoons Ghirardelli white chocolate sauce or 2 ounces white chocolate melting wafers or chips. can also use milk chocolate
1-2 shots fresh espresso or 1 cup strongly brewed coffee *see note

Optional Toppings:

Whipped cream
additional crushed candy cane

Instructions

Crush the candy cane with a food processor or mallet until only a powder remains (some small chunks are fine). Place the candy cane powder into a small saucepan along with milk and white chocolate (can add chocolate to taste). Heat over medium heat and stir until the candy canes and chocolate have fully melted. Do not allow the milk to boil as it can curdle.
Brew a shot (or two) of espresso or 1 cup of strong black coffee. If desired, you can froth the milk and candy mixture with a milk frother until foamy before adding it to the espresso or add it directly to the hot coffee to taste. Garnish with whipped cream and candy canes if desired, then enjoy!
See below for storage notes.

Notes

I prefer not to use raw milk for heated drinks because the flavor can be strong in an espresso drink. Of course, it does work in a pinch if it is all you have available. But, I would not recommend heating it the second time with a milk frother for best results.

If using a cup of black coffee, you may wish to reduce the amount of milk added to the candy cane mixture. If you do have leftover peppermint chocolate milk, you can keep it in the refrigerator and use it like coffee creamer.

Additional notes and step by step photos below.

Keyword Peppermint white mocha, candy canes, white chocolate, espresso, Ghirardelli chocolate

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Ingredients needed for this Peppermint white mocha: Candy canes, milk, white chocolate or white chocolate sauce, espresso or strongly brewed coffee.

Note on ingredient variations:

If you have mini candy canes they can also be used. You will need about 4 mini candy canes to equal a full candy cane, plus additional for topping. 1/4 cup of strong instant coffee could also be used, but for the best flavor I recommend using your favorite coffee or espresso.

If you have lots of milk or dark chocolate laying around but no white chocolate or white chocolate sauce, feel free to use it instead to make a regular peppermint mocha. My preference is to use the white chocolate sauce from Ghirardelli.

Step 1: Crush the candy cane with a food processor or mallet until only a powder remains (some small chunks are fine). Place the candy cane powder into a small saucepan along with milk and white chocolate (can add chocolate to taste). Heat over medium heat and stir the mixture until the candy cane powder and chocolate have fully melted. Do not allow the milk to boil as it can curdle.

Can dairy free milk be used?

I have not tested it personally, but you could use your favorite dairy free milk in this recipe. I would recommend a milk alternative with mild flavor to allow the peppermint and white chocolate to shine.

Step 2: Use your espresso machine to brew 1-2 shots of espresso, depending on your preference of coffee strength. You can also use your drip coffee maker to brew a cup regular coffee, but may not need to add as much of the milk mixture because there is more water in a cup of regular coffee than in a shot of espresso.

Step 2 continued: Use a milk frother to froth the peppermint white chocolate milk. If you do not have a milk frother, no worries! the milk can also be added directly to your coffee like coffee creamer. You can play around with the amount of peppermint milk you prefer to add, I prefer adding the full amount to a shot of espresso but have not personally tried it with regular black coffee.

Final touches: Top the peppermint white mocha with whipped cream and additional crushed candy cane if desired, then enjoy!

Storage tips:

You can also make a bigger batch of the peppermint white chocolate milk to use as creamer or to froth for your lattes throughout the week. Then you have a peppermint white mocha ready to go for much less of the cost of a Starbuck’s peppermint white mocha. I dare say it tastes better homemade too, especially since you can customize it to taste!

Thank you for stopping by and have a great day and great year ahead! -Marilyn Stoltzfus Peight.

Peppermint White Mocha (with Candy Canes)