Easy Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe

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If hot cocoa and Christmas got together and had a baby, it would be this Peppermint Hot Chocolate!

This recipe is super fast and easy and makes one perfect serving of this wonderful holiday beverage.

But Peppermint Hot Chocolate is so good, you’ll probably want to make extra servings for your friends!

Sip on some Peppermint Hot Chocolate

 

 

I just love hot chocolate.

It’s one of my favorite things about cold weather.

Cuddling up with around a nice steaming mug of chocolatey goodness.

But around the holidays I want to make everything a little “extra” with Christmas cheer.

And with that in mind, I came up with this Peppermint Hot Chocolate.

Kids love hot chocolate with peppermint

This recipe is for a “mocktail”, so it’s great to serve to kids.

In fact, if your kids are having a holiday party, this is a perfect treat, especially if they’ve had some time to play in the snow.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate would also be a delicious treat on Christmas morning when your family opens their gifts!

Even better, if you replace the Peppermint Extract with an ounce of Peppermint Schnapps or Peppermint Flavored Vodka, you end up with a delicious cocktail for your adult holiday parties and get-togethers.

What a great way to enjoy that “Christmas Spirit”!

Homemade Instant Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Only the most refined palates will know that you didn’t spend time using a double-boiler to melt some chocolate bars when you make our easy recipe.

Yes, it starts with cocoa powder rather than melted chocolate, but by the time you’ve doctored it up, you’re going to love the results.

Ingredients you need to make Peppermint Hot Chocolate

• 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 2 to 3 teaspoons cocoa
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 cup milk
• 1 peppermint candy; crushed
• Optional:Whipped topping
• Optional: Simple Syrup

Note: If you are using hot chocolate powder from a canister, be sure to measure the amount that goes with one serving per that cannister’s instructions.

If the cocoa mix you’re using comes in a packet, use one packet per drink. 

If you like your hot cocoa extra sweet, you may also add simple syrup (or more sugar) to taste.

I find that if I’m adding additional sweetener after the drink has been warmed, the simple syrup blends well.

But of course, you may simply add additional sugar or the sweetener of your choice.

Can I serve this hot chocolate recipe with alcohol?

Yes, you can!

It is so easy serve this drink as spiked hot chocolate.

Simply replace the peppermint extract or simple syrup with an ounce of peppermint schnapps or peppermint flavored vodka. 

And if you love whiskey, it makes a great hot toddy!

Can I serve this hot chocolate recipe at Christmas parties?

Absolutely.

In fact, it’s a great drink to serve for Christmas, and well, any gathering during the winter.

If you want to serve this drink in large quantities, simply multiply the ingredients by the number of guests you’re expecting.

Since it is made with milk, you don’t want it to scorch.

So what I like to do is make it ahead of time in a large dutch oven rather than the microwave.

While it is still hot, I transfer the beverage to a large thermos dispenser like what I would use for a large quantity of coffee, and serve it that way.

Depending on the size crowd you expect, you can use a thermal carafe, a larger thermal coffee dispenser or get a large capacity hot beverage dispenser.

When I use the thermos, I do not add alcohol.

I simply allow the guests to spike the drink if they want to.

I arrange a little hot chocolate station with the mugs along with various toppings such as whipped cream, crushed peppermint, marshmallows and other goodies.

And of course, I include a few bottles of liquor for those who want to spike it.

That way you can easily accommodate your guests who want to enjoy hot chocolate served either with or without alcohol. 

Does it matter what type of instant hot chocolate powder I use to make the drink?

For this drink, I like to use the hot chocolate powders that don’t already have the mini marshmallows mixed in.

After all, part of this drink’s magic is to make it look completely homemade, and nothing says “not homemade” like dehydrated mini marshmallows. 

So what is the best hot chocolate mix?

I’m a sucker for Ghirardelli’s Sweet Ground Chocolate and Cocoa Beverage Mix or their Dark Chocolate & Cocoa Powder.

I also like Starbucks Classic Hot Cocoa powder mix.

And the Swiss Miss hot chocolate mix is good too.

It’s a classic for a reason.

How to make Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Mix sugar and cocoa in large mug.

Heat milk in microwave at high (100%) 1-1/2 minutes or until hot.

Gradually add hot milk to cocoa mixture in mug; stirring until well blended.

Stir in peppermint extract or syrup. Top with whipped topping and crushed peppermint candy.

Pro Tip: To keep from making a mess when you crush your peppermint, put your peppermint candy or candy cane in a sandwich bag, and then crush it inside of the bag.

This is particularly helpful if you’re making multiple drinks, or if you’ll be using crushed peppermint for a handful of recipes.

More yummy hot chocolate recipes!

Boozy Hot Chocolate Bombs with Malibu Rum

Hot Fudge Hot Chocolate Bombs with Whiskey

Peppermint Hot Chocolate Coffee

Slow Cooker Baileys Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

Easy Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Slow Cooker Pumpkin and White Chocolate Hot Chocolate

Strawberry and Vanilla Hot Chocolate

Highland Whiskey Spiked Hot Chocolate

try it and share!

Please let us know how you enjoy our Peppermint Hot Chocolate recipe.

If you make it yourself, please let us know on Pinterest that you tried it and tag us with #champagneandcoconuts on your Instagram photo.

If you haven’t had a chance to make it yet, be sure to save the recipe on Pinterest so you’ll remember where you found it.

 

 

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