Dunkin’ Peppermint Mocha Latte is the kind of drink that whispers of snowy mornings and cozy evenings by the fire, a true hallmark of holiday indulgence.
But what if I told you that you don’t need to don your winter coat and brave the chilly winds to savor this quintessential holiday treat? With a little magic in your kitchen and the spirit of the season in your heart, you can recreate the Peppermint Mocha Latte experience right at home.
Table of Contents
How to make Dunkin’ Peppermint Mocha Latte
The Dunkin’ Peppermint Mocha Latte is a seasonal coffee drink offered by Dunkin’, typically available during the winter holiday season. It combines espresso with steamed milk, flavored with a mix of peppermint and mocha syrups. The drink is then topped with whipped cream and often a sprinkle of chocolate or other festive toppings.
Ingredients:
- 2 shots of espresso or about 1/2 cup of strong brewed coffee as an alternative.
- 1-2 tablespoons of chocolate syrup, depending on how rich you’d like it.
- 1-3 teaspoons of peppermint syrup to taste. You can adjust this depending on how minty you like your drink.
- 1 cup of milk (whole milk will give you the creamiest result, but any variety or even a dairy-free alternative will do).
- Whipped cream for topping.
- Chocolate shavings or crushed peppermint candy are used for garnish (optional).
- Mocha drizzle for that authentic Dunkin’ touch (optional).
Instructions:
- Prepare the Espresso/Coffee: Start by brewing your espresso or strong coffee. If you’re using a coffee machine, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to make two shots. For the strong coffee brewed, aim for a double-strength brew to ensure the coffee flavor stands out.
- Warm and Froth the Milk: While the coffee is brewing, heat your milk in a saucepan over medium heat or in a microwave until it’s warm but not boiling. If you have a frother, froth the milk until it’s creamy and foamy.
- Mix in the Flavors: Pour the chocolate syrup and peppermint syrup into the bottom of a large mug. Stir them together until well combined.
- Combine with Espresso/Coffee: Add the espresso or strong brewed coffee to the mug and stir vigorously to infuse the flavors with the coffee.
- Add Milk: Slowly pour the warm, frothed milk into the mug with the flavored coffee, holding back the foam with a spoon if possible. Then, spoon the foam over the top.
- Garnish: Add a generous whipped cream dollop to your latte. Drizzle with mocha sauce and sprinkle with chocolate shavings or crushed peppermint candy for that luxurious finishing touch.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy your homemade Peppermint Mocha Latte while it’s warm and the flavors are at their peak.
Tips:
- Syrups: You can buy peppermint syrup from most stores that carry coffee supplies or online retailers, or you can make your own at home with sugar, water, and peppermint extract.
- Milk Frothing: If you don’t have a frother, you can shake the milk vigorously in a jar (with the lid on) and then microwave it without the lid for a few seconds until it’s frothy.
- Espresso Alternative: Strong brewed coffee or instant coffee made with minimal water can work in a pinch if you don’t have an espresso maker. The goal is to have a concentrated coffee flavor.
- Chocolate Syrup and Mocha Drizzle: You can use store-bought chocolate syrup or make your own by combining cocoa powder, sugar, and water. Drizzle some of it on top for that authentic coffee shop touch.
- Customization: The beauty of making your own latte at home is that you can customize it to your preference. Experiment with the amount of peppermint and chocolate to find your perfect balance.
What to serve with
Accompanying your homemade Dunkin’ Peppermint Mocha Latte with just the right treats can transform it from a delightful beverage into a complete sensory experience, enveloping your taste buds in the full essence of the holiday season.
1. Classic Holiday Cookies: There’s nothing more traditional than pairing a warm beverage with cookies during the holiday season. Opt for gingerbread cookies for a spicy contrast or sugar cookies for a sweet complement. The flavors of these cookies will harmonize beautifully with the mint and chocolate notes of your latte.
2. Peppermint Bark: For those who can’t get enough of that quintessential holiday peppermint flavor, peppermint bark is a sumptuous choice. The combination of dark chocolate, white chocolate, and crushed candy canes will echo the peppermint mocha’s flavors, making each sip and bite a decadent treat.
3. Chocolate Croissants: Serve your latte with chocolate croissants to add a touch of elegance. The buttery, flaky pastry combined with the rich chocolate filling offers a luxurious complement to the creamy latte, enhancing the chocolate and espresso flavors in your Dunkin’ Peppermint Mocha Latte.
4. Biscotti: For a more traditional coffee pairing, biscotti are a perfect choice. These Italian cookies are made for dunking into hot beverages. Choose almond, chocolate, or even peppermint-flavored biscotti to dip into your latte for a satisfying crunch with every sip.
5. Holiday Scones: Serve your peppermint mocha latte with freshly baked scones for a hearty companion. Opt for flavors like cranberry orange for a fruity note or chocolate chip for extra sweetness. Spread some clotted cream or jam on top for an indulgent treat.
6. Cheesecake Bites: For an upscale coffee pairing, consider mini cheesecake bites. The creamy texture and tanginess of the cheesecake beautifully balance the sweetness and minty flavors of the latte. Choose classic, chocolate, or even a peppermint cheesecake variety for a complementary treat.
7. Fruit Tarts: If you prefer a lighter accompaniment, fruit tarts are an elegant option. The freshness of the fruit coupled with the creamy custard and crisp tart shell offer a refreshing contrast to the richness of the peppermint mocha latte. Opt for seasonal fruits to keep in the holiday spirit.
Ingredients Substitutes
Making a Dunkin’ Peppermint Mocha Latte at home can be a delightful and customizable experience. If you’re looking to substitute some ingredients—either for health reasons, dietary preferences, or simply to use what you have on hand—there are many alternatives that can work well without compromising the signature taste of this festive drink.
Espresso
Regular: Use any strong brewed coffee or espresso from your coffee maker or espresso machine.
Substitute: If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can use instant espresso powder or a strong French press coffee. Another caffeine-free option is a strong brewed chicory coffee, miming a coffee-like flavor.
Milk
Regular: Whole milk is typically used for its richness.
Substitute: Any non-dairy milk can work well here. Almond, coconut, oat, and soy milk are popular for their creamy textures and neutral to complementing flavors. Use barista editions for frothing if available.
Chocolate Syrup
Regular: Standard chocolate syrup or sauce as used in cafes.
Substitute: For a healthier option, you can make your chocolate syrup with cocoa powder, a sweetener (like honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute), and water. This allows you to control the sugar content. Vegan or sugar-free chocolate syrups are also excellent alternatives.
Peppermint Syrup
Regular: Peppermint syrup, commercially available.
Substitute: If you don’t have peppermint syrup, you can use a few drops of peppermint extract mixed with simple syrup or a sugar substitute syrup. Homemade peppermint syrup can also be made by simmering sugar, water, and crushed peppermint candies or peppermint leaves.
Whipped Cream
Regular: Standard whipped cream.
Substitute: Coconut whipped cream is a great dairy-free alternative. You can also find soy or almond-based whipped creams in some stores. If you’re avoiding sugar, whip heavy cream without adding sugar, or use a light touch of a sugar substitute.
Topping
Regular: Chocolate shavings or crushed peppermint candies.
Substitute: Use a small amount of cocoa powder or dark chocolate shavings for a less sugary topping. For those avoiding candy, simply omit this or use a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warming touch without the sugar.
Final Thoughts
With these steps and tips, you’re well on your way to mastering the art of the homemade Dunkin’ Peppermint Mocha Latte, a festive favorite that will warm your hands and your heart.
More Latte Recipes:
- How to Make Matcha Latte at Home
- TAZO Tea Chai Latte Concentrate Recipe
- Starbucks Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 shots of espressoÂ
- 1-2 tablespoons of chocolate syrup,Â
- 1-3 teaspoons of peppermint syrup to taste.
- 1 cup of milk
- Whipped cream for topping.
- Chocolate shavings or crushed peppermint candy are used for garnishÂ
- Mocha drizzle for that authentic Dunkin' touchÂ
Instructions
- Prepare the Espresso/Coffee: Start by brewing your espresso or strong coffee. If you're using a coffee machine, follow the manufacturer's guidelines to make two shots. For the strong coffee brewed, aim for a double-strength brew to ensure the coffee flavor stands out.
- Warm and Froth the Milk: While the coffee is brewing, heat your milk in a saucepan over medium heat or in a microwave until it's warm but not boiling. If you have a frother, froth the milk until it's creamy and foamy.
- Mix in the Flavors: Pour the chocolate syrup and peppermint syrup into the bottom of a large mug. Stir them together until well combined.
- Combine with Espresso/Coffee: Add the espresso or strong brewed coffee to the mug and stir vigorously to infuse the flavors with the coffee.
- Add Milk: Slowly pour the warm, frothed milk into the mug with the flavored coffee, holding back the foam with a spoon if possible. Then, spoon the foam over the top.
- Garnish: Add a generous whipped cream dollop to your latte. Drizzle with mocha sauce and sprinkle with chocolate shavings or crushed peppermint candy for that luxurious finishing touch.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy your homemade Peppermint Mocha Latte while it's warm and the flavors are at their peak.
