Peppermint Stick Hot Cocoa

The first time I made peppermint hot cocoa, it was a last-minute save on a freezing afternoon when my neighbor stopped by unexpectedly. I had cocoa powder and a few peppermint sticks left over from the holidays, so I threw together what I thought would be a simple mug of warmth. What came out of that saucepan was so creamy and balanced, so gently minty without being medicinal, that she asked for the recipe before leaving. I've been refining it ever since, and now it's become the drink I make whenever someone needs comfort in a mug.

I remember standing in my kitchen on a December evening, steam curling up from the saucepan while my partner hovered nearby with hopeful eyes, and I realized this drink had become our ritual. We'd stopped drinking fancy coffee in the afternoons and switched to this instead. Every batch tasted like we were back in time, like something my grandparents might have made, but tasted unmistakably like now.

Ingredients

• Whole milk: The foundation of creaminess; don't skip this for a thinner substitute unless you need to go dairy-free.
• Heavy cream: This is what separates a good mug from a luxurious one, adding silky mouthfeel and depth.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Quality matters here because there's nowhere to hide; a Dutch-processed cocoa gives a smoother finish than regular.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cocoa and helps the powder dissolve evenly into the milk.
• Semisweet chocolate chips: Optional but I almost always use them for an extra layer of chocolate intensity.
• Pure vanilla extract: Just a whisper of vanilla rounds out the chocolate and lets the peppermint shine.
• Peppermint extract: A little truly does go a long way; start with the full amount and adjust next time if needed.
• Peppermint sticks: They stir the drink, add flavor as they dissolve, and make the moment feel special.
• Whipped cream and crushed candies: These are the optional finishing touches that make it feel like a treat.

Instructions

Warm the milk and cream together:

Pour milk and heavy cream into a medium saucepan and set the heat to medium. You're looking for a gentle warmth here, not a rolling boil; the surface should begin to steam and tiny bubbles might form around the edges, but the milk should never actually bubble up.

Whisk in the cocoa powder and sugar:

Sprinkle the cocoa powder and sugar into the warm milk, whisking constantly to break up any lumps. This takes about a minute of focused whisking, and you'll see the mixture transform from grainy to silky smooth and deeply chocolate-colored.

Add chocolate chips and melt:

If you're using chocolate chips, add them now and whisk until they're completely melted into the cocoa mixture. This only takes 30 seconds or so once the milk is hot enough, and the result is noticeably richer.

Remove from heat and add extracts:

Take the saucepan off the heat and stir in the vanilla and peppermint extracts. The peppermint aroma will rise up and remind you exactly why you started making this on cold days.

Pour and garnish:

Divide the hot cocoa among four mugs and top with whipped cream if you like it that way. Slip a peppermint stick into each mug to serve as both a stirrer and a garnish, and dust with crushed peppermint candies if you want it to feel extra festive.

Save

There was a moment last winter when my daughter asked if we could make this every time it snowed, and I knew the recipe had passed some invisible test. It wasn't about being fancy or complicated; it was just that this drink made the moment feel bigger somehow. Now whenever snow is forecast, someone in the house mentions it, and we start thinking about hot cocoa.

Making It Your Own

This recipe is a foundation, not a rule. I've added a pinch of sea salt to deepen the chocolate, whisked in espresso powder for an adult version, and even stirred in a splash of coffee liqueur on nights when we wanted something different. The peppermint-to-cocoa balance can shift based on what you have on hand and what you're craving. Some people love it sweeter; others want to taste the bitter cocoa more. The best version is the one that tastes right to you, made in the quiet of your own kitchen.

Dairy-Free and Other Variations

If dairy isn't in your life, oat milk or coconut milk work beautifully here, though they'll give you a slightly different mouthfeel. Oat milk stays creamy and rich, while coconut milk adds a subtle sweetness of its own. Almond milk works too but can taste thinner, so you might want to add a bit more cocoa powder to compensate. Always use dairy-free chocolate chips to keep everything in harmony.

Serving and Storing

This drink is best made fresh and served immediately, when the steam is still rising and the peppermint stick is still doing its work. You can make it a few hours ahead and reheat it gently on the stove, whisking it back to life before serving. If you're serving a crowd, you can prepare the cocoa mixture ahead and keep it in a thermos, then garnish each mug as people arrive.

• Serve with warm cookies or biscotti for dunking.
• A cinnamon stick makes a nice alternative to the peppermint stick if you want to shift the flavor.
• Add a splash of brandy or peppermint schnapps if you're making this for adults on a special evening.

Save

Peppermint hot cocoa is one of those simple recipes that feels like a gift you give yourself on the days when you need it most. Make it for someone you love, and watch their face change when they taste it.

Common Questions

→ Can I make this drink dairy-free?

Yes, substitute whole milk and heavy cream with almond, oat, or coconut milk, and use dairy-free chocolate chips for a non-dairy version.

→ How can I adjust the peppermint flavor?

Start with 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract and adjust to taste as the flavor is quite strong and concentrated.

→ Is it necessary to add chocolate chips?

No, chocolate chips are optional but add extra richness and smooth texture to the beverage.

→ What is the best way to garnish the drink?

Top with whipped cream, crushed peppermint candies, and stir with peppermint sticks for an appealing presentation and added flavor.

→ How long does preparation take?

The entire process takes about 15 minutes, with 5 minutes prep and 10 minutes cooking time.