Dutch Bros Candy Cane Mocha is more than just a beverage; it’s a cup of holiday cheer, a blend of rich chocolate and bright, refreshing peppermint, all crowned with a cloud of soft, creamy topping and a sprinkle of candy cane pieces that dance on the palate.
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How to make Dutch Bros Candy Cane Mocha
The Dutch Bros Candy Cane Mocha is a seasonal holiday drink offered by Dutch Bros Coffee. It’s a festive take on their classic mocha, combining rich chocolate and espresso with peppermint flavor.
Ingredients:
- Espresso or strong coffee: 1-2 shots, depending on your preference.
- Chocolate sauce or syrup: 2 tablespoons, or adjust to taste.
- Peppermint syrup: 1 tablespoon, or adjust to your liking for mint intensity.
- Milk or a milk alternative: About 1 cup, steamed or heated.
- Whipped cream: For topping.
- Crushed candy canes or peppermint candy: For garnish.
- Optional: Vanilla extract or vanilla syrup for an extra hint of sweetness.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Coffee: Begin by brewing your espresso or strong coffee. If using a coffee maker, aim for a stronger brew to emulate the bold base of an espresso.
- Mix the Flavors: In your serving cup, mix the chocolate sauce and peppermint syrup. Stir well to combine. If you like a bit of vanilla, a splash of vanilla extract or syrup can be added here.
- Steam the Milk: Heat your milk using a steamer if you have an espresso machine. Alternatively, you can heat it gently in a saucepan or microwave, then whisk briskly or use a milk frother to achieve some foam.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the hot espresso over the chocolate and peppermint mixture in your cup. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
- Add the Milk: Slowly pour the steamed or frothed milk into the cup over the mocha base. Spoon any foam that remains onto the top.
- Top it off: Add a generous swirl of whipped cream on top. Sprinkle with crushed candy cane pieces to capture that iconic holiday look and flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy: Your homemade Candy Cane Mocha is ready to be enjoyed! Serve immediately to savor the warmth and rich flavors.
Tips for Perfecting Your Mocha:
- Chocolate Quality: The quality of chocolate sauce you use can significantly impact the taste of your mocha. Opt for a high-quality sauce or even melted chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Adjusting Flavors: Feel free to tweak the amounts of chocolate and peppermint syrup to suit your taste. Some might prefer a more pronounced peppermint kick, while others might prefer a sweeter, more chocolaty experience.
- Dairy-Free Version: You can easily make this mocha dairy-free by substituting the milk with any plant-based milk, such as almond, oat, or soy. Make sure it’s the barista edition if you want creamy froth.
- Decoration: For an extra festive touch, drizzle chocolate sauce over the whipped cream before adding the crushed candy canes.
What to serve with
Serving the perfect accompaniments with your homemade Dutch Bros Candy Cane Mocha can turn your cozy coffee treat into a full festive experience.
Sweet Treats
1. Peppermint Biscotti: Dipping a piece of peppermint-flavored biscotti into your Dutch Bros Candy Cane Mocha can enhance the minty taste and add a satisfying crunch.
2. Chocolate Croissants: The flaky, buttery layers of a chocolate croissant pair delightfully with the creamy mocha, creating a balance between indulgent chocolate flavors and the croissant’s light texture.
3. Gingerbread Cookies: The spices in gingerbread, such as ginger, cloves, and cinnamon, offer a warming contrast to the cool peppermint and sweet chocolate of your Candy Cane Mocha.
4. Miniature Cheesecakes: A small, creamy cheesecake, especially one with a chocolate crust, can complement the richness of the mocha for those who prefer their coffee with a side of decadence.
Savory Snacks
1. Salted Pretzels or Pretzel Sticks: The saltiness of pretzels balances the sweetness of the mocha and the caramelization adds a welcome twist to the palate.
2. Savory Scones: A cheesy or herbed scone can be a nice savory counterpart to your sweet beverage, creating a pleasing palate contrast.
Healthier Options
1. Fruit Platter: Fresh fruit such as strawberries, apples, and pears can be a fresh and healthy side that cleanses your palate between sips of the rich mocha.
2. Nuts and Seeds: A selection of unsalted nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans, offers a crunchy, nutritious snack that complements the flavors without overwhelming them.
Decadent Pairings
1. Chocolate Fondue: If you’re enjoying your Candy Cane Mocha during a special occasion, a chocolate fondue with marshmallows, strawberries, or bananas for dipping can turn the moment into a chocolate lover’s dream.
2. Tiramisu: The coffee flavor of tiramisu works harmoniously with mocha, while mascarpone adds a creamy texture that mirrors the whipped topping of your drink.
Breakfast or Brunch Options
1. Belgian Waffles or Pancakes: Drizzled with maple syrup, these can be a comforting addition to your mocha, turning it into a morning or midday treat.
2. Acai Bowl: A bright and berry-packed acai bowl provides a healthful and refreshing contrast, especially if you’re savoring your mocha on a slow, relaxing morning.
Ingredients Substitutes
Making a Dutch Bros Candy Cane Mocha at home is a delightful way to bring the flavors of the holiday season into your kitchen. If you find yourself missing some ingredients or you’re looking for alternatives to suit dietary restrictions or personal taste preferences, there are plenty of substitute options available.
Coffee
Primary Ingredient: Espresso is the coffee base for a traditional mocha.
Substitutes:
- Strong Brewed Coffee: If you don’t have an espresso machine, use a strong brewed coffee as an alternative.
- Instant Espresso Powder: A convenient option that can add a deep coffee flavor without needing specialized equipment.
Chocolate
Primary Ingredient: Mocha syrup or chocolate syrup is usually used to add the chocolatey sweetness.
Substitutes:
- Cocoa Powder: Mix it with a bit of sugar and hot water to create a quick chocolate syrup substitute.
- Dark Chocolate: Melt some dark chocolate into your hot coffee. Depending on the cocoa content and your sweetness preference, add sugar.
Milk
Primary Ingredient: Whole milk is commonly used for its richness.
Substitutes:
- Almond Milk, Coconut Milk, or Oat Milk are perfect dairy-free alternatives. Oat milk, in particular, provides a creamy texture similar to whole milk.
- Skim or 2% Milk: These can be lighter options for those looking to reduce fat intake without compromising too much on texture.
Peppermint Flavor
Primary Ingredient: Peppermint syrup is the key flavor component.
Substitutes:
- Peppermint Extract: A more concentrated form of peppermint, use sparingly compared to syrup.
- Crushed Peppermint Candies: They can be used to infuse the drink with peppermint flavor and as a garnish.
Whipped Cream
Primary Ingredient: Whipped cream adds richness and a creamy texture on top.
Substitutes:
- Coconut Cream: Chilled and whipped coconut cream can be a fantastic vegan substitute.
- Reduced-Fat or Light Whipped Cream: For those conscious of their calorie intake.
Candy Cane
Primary Ingredient: A candy cane is often used as a stirrer or crushed as a topping.
Substitutes:
- Peppermint Stick: A direct substitute but might be less sweet.
- Peppermint Bark: If you choose a more decadent topping, this adds a chocolatey touch to the the peppermint flavor.
Sweeteners
Primary Ingredient: Sugar or simple syrup is often used to sweeten the mocha further.
Substitutes:
- Honey, Maple Syrup, or Agave Nectar: These are natural sweeteners that can add depth of flavor.
- Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetener: A good choice for those wanting to reduce sugar intake.
Final Thoughts
Creating your version of the Dutch Bros Candy Cane Mocha at home fills your cup and your home with the splendid aromas of mint and chocolate — the perfect concoction to lift spirits during the chilly season!
More Dutch Bros Recipes:
Ingredients
- Espresso or strong coffee: 1-2 shots, depending on your preference.
- Chocolate sauce or syrup: 2 tablespoons, or adjust to taste.
- Peppermint syrup: 1 tablespoon, or adjust to your liking for mint intensity.
- Milk or a milk alternative: About 1 cup, steamed or heated.
- Whipped cream: For topping.
- Crushed candy canes or peppermint candy: For garnish.
- Optional: Vanilla extract or vanilla syrup for an extra hint of sweetness.
Instructions
- Prepare the Coffee: Begin by brewing your espresso or strong coffee. If using a coffee maker, aim for a stronger brew to emulate the bold base of an espresso.
- Mix the Flavors: In your serving cup, mix the chocolate sauce and peppermint syrup. Stir well to combine. If you like a bit of vanilla, a splash of vanilla extract or syrup can be added here.
- Steam the Milk: Heat your milk using a steamer if you have an espresso machine. Alternatively, you can heat it gently in a saucepan or microwave, then whisk briskly or use a milk frother to achieve some foam.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the hot espresso over the chocolate and peppermint mixture in your cup. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
- Add the Milk: Slowly pour the steamed or frothed milk into the cup over the mocha base. Spoon any foam that remains onto the top.
- Top it off: Add a generous swirl of whipped cream on top. Sprinkle with crushed candy cane pieces to capture that iconic holiday look and flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy: Your homemade Candy Cane Mocha is ready to be enjoyed! Serve immediately to savor the warmth and rich flavors.
