Skinny Peppermint Mocha Recipe - The Girl on Bloor (2024)

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By Taylor Stinson | 116 Comments | Posted: | Updated:

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This Skinny Peppermint Mocha recipe is a calorie-friendly version of the famous Starbucks holiday drink that you can make year-round at home!

Skinny Peppermint Mocha Recipe - The Girl on Bloor (1)

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Ingredients and substitutions

  • Almond milk– you can use any kind of milk but almond milk keeps the calorie count low.
  • Cocoa powder– you could also melt chocolate chips at the bottom of your cup while microwaving, but it’ll increase the calories.
  • Mint syrup– peppermint syrup might work, just make sure you cut down on the amount or it’ll be too sweet.
  • Espresso shots– you can use 1/3 to 1/2 cup of regular or decaf brew coffee instead.
  • Light whipped cream– or a dairy-free alternative like coconut whipped cream.
  • Candy cane– crushed up peppermint candies would also be yummy.
Skinny Peppermint Mocha Recipe - The Girl on Bloor (3)

How to make a peppermint mocha

  1. Make the mint syrup.
  2. Mix together the milk, cocoa and syrup.
  3. Microwave the milk mixture.
  4. Brew the espresso.
  5. Pour everything into a mug.
  6. Add on your toppings and enjoy!
Skinny Peppermint Mocha Recipe - The Girl on Bloor (4)

Calories in a Starbucks peppermint mocha

Starbucks’ peppermint mocha has a whopping 440 calories for a Grande size (473 mL) whereas this skinny version only has 110 calories. You still get that delicious festive flavour but without the high calorie count, so you can enjoy your favourite holiday drink guilt-free!

Skinny Peppermint Mocha Recipe - The Girl on Bloor (5)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a peppermint mocha?

A peppermint mocha is a popular holiday drink and a festive spin on the traditional mocha latte. It has all the components of the latte (aka milk and espresso), in addition to mint syrup and cocoa powder.

Does this drink have caffeine?

Starbucks’ peppermint mocha has about 95 mg of caffeine and this skinny recipe calls for two shots of espresso. You can opt for a caffeine-free version by using decaf espresso.

What does it taste like?

Peppermint mochas taste like your favourite latte with the added flavours of chocolate and peppermint. It’s rich and full-flavoured thanks to the espresso, but sweet thanks to the chocolate and mint syrup!

Can you use real chocolate?

Yes, you can! If you want a richer drink, cut the cocoa powder in half and add 1/2 tbsp. chocolate chips to the bottom of your cup of milk when microwaving then stir everything together. You may need to microwave the mixture for an extra minute so that the chocolate chips get fully melted. I try to use a high-quality dark chocolate over milk chocolate so that it doesn't taste too sweet.

Skinny Peppermint Mocha Recipe - The Girl on Bloor (6)

Storing the mint syrup

While you can’t store this peppermint mocha, you can make the mint syrup ahead of time! Just store it in a mason jar or airtight container in the fridge for up to one month.

Skinny Peppermint Mocha Recipe - The Girl on Bloor (7)
Skinny Peppermint Mocha Recipe - The Girl on Bloor (8)

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More festive drink recipes

  • Starbucks Eggnog Latte

  • Homemade Nutella Mocha Latte

  • Starbucks Salted Caramel Mocha

See more related recipes

Meal prep tools for this recipe

  • I use 16 oz mason jars as cups and storage containers for the mint syrup.
  • Pick up some coffee beans or pre-ground coffee such as Lavazza.
  • You may need a coffee grinder if you're using fresh whole beans.

Skinny Peppermint Mocha Recipe - The Girl on Bloor (12)

Skinny Peppermint Mocha Recipe

This Skinny Peppermint Mocha recipe is a calorie-friendly version of the Starbucks holiday drink that you can make year-round at home!

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Servings: 1 serving

Calories: 110kcal

Author: Taylor Stinson

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes minutes

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup almond milk (can use any milk though)
  • 1 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 2 tbsp mint syrup (see below)
  • 2 espresso shots
  • Light whipped cream (optional)
  • 1/2 Candy cane, crushed

Mint syrup

  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 tbsp mint extract

Instructions

  • Make the mint syrup by mixing together boiling water, sugar and mint extract. Set aside – this syrup will last up to a month in the fridge so you can enjoy a skinny peppermint mocha all December long!

  • Add milk, cocoa powder and mint syrup to a mug, then microwave 1-2 minutes (will depend on the power of your microwave and how hot you want your mocha). Stir well before and after microwaving.

  • While milk mixture is in microwave, brew 2 espresso shots. Add shots to the milk mixture, then top with whipped cream and crushed candy canes (both optional toppings), then serve and enjoy!

Video

Notes

Use a non-dairy milk like almond, coconut or cashew milk to keep the calorie count low.

For a richer drink, use ½ tbsp. cocoa powder and ½ tbsp. chocolate chips.

If espresso is too much caffeine for you, swap it out for 1/2 to 1/3 cup brew coffee instead.

You can use peppermint syrup instead of mint syrup, but make sure not to use as much or the drink will be too sweet.

Nutrition

Calories: 110kcal (6%)Carbohydrates: 14g (5%)Protein: 2g (4%)Fat: 7g (11%)Saturated Fat: 3g (19%)Polyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 11mg (4%)Sodium: 8mgPotassium: 131mg (4%)Fiber: 2g (8%)Sugar: 10g (11%)Vitamin A: 100IU (2%)Calcium: 30mg (3%)Iron: 1.1mg (6%)

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Created by Taylor Stinson

Hey there, my name's Taylor! I’m the founder of The Girl on Bloor, a food blog where I share healthy meal prep recipes for busy people. I'm a busy city girl living in downtown Toronto on (you guessed it!) Bloor Street. I've got 10 years experience meal prepping, along with a Master's degree in journalism, and you can find my work across the internet featured on publications such as Buzzfeed, HuffPost, Women's Health, Reader's Digest and more. I also run the awesome 5-Day Meal Prep Challenge, which is a free email course and Facebook group where I share my meal planning strategies and easy meal prep tips and recipes. Be sure to check out my free beginner’s guide to meal prep and follow me on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram to get my latest recipes and meal prep tips!

Reader Interactions

Share With Me!

Did you make this recipe or want to share your thoughts? Make sure to leave your review below and tag me on Instagram #thegirlonbloor so I can check it out!

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    Comments & Reviews

  1. Mary Beth says

    Skinny Peppermint Mocha Recipe - The Girl on Bloor (13)
    I made this with almond extract and it was delicious

    Reply

    • Taylor Stinson says

      I’m so happy you enjoyed 🙂

      Reply

  2. samantha says

    The Spicy cheese twists would be fun and Vanilla ice cream sandwiches. #PCBlackLabel and #PlayWithYourFood

    Reply

  3. Travelbuds says

    I would love to make fudge with PC Black Label peppermint extract. I’m sure it would be amazing. #PCBlackLabel #PlayWithYourFood

    Reply

  4. Soozle says

    I would use the #PCBlackLabel peppermint extract to add to homemade browniies for a holiday twist. #PlayWithYourFood

    Reply

  5. Soozle says

    I would love to try the #PCBlackLabel PC BLACK LABEL FIG CABERNET WINE JELLY and use it on top of baked brie for a great app! #PlayWithYourFood

    Reply

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Skinny Peppermint Mocha Recipe - The Girl on Bloor (2024)

FAQs

What makes a skinny peppermint mocha? ›

Skinny Peppermint Mocha

The beverage can be prepared with sugar-free peppermint syrup, nonfat milk and skinny mocha sauce and chocolate curls without whipped cream. A Skinny Peppermint Mocha is just 100 calories for a Tall beverage.

How to reduce calories in peppermint mocha? ›

Adjust the “Milk”

This will depend on what type of athlete you are, what you're training for, and how well you handle a high fat intake. For the fewest calories, go for skim. For the best recovery option, pick the milk that you like AND fits in your calorie/protein goals.

How to make iced peppermint mocha less calories? ›

Just skip the whipped cream and chocolate curls on top, and order yours made with nondairy milk like almond, coconut, soy, or oat milk.

How many carbs in a skinny peppermint mocha? ›

The low carb version of the Starbucks Peppermint Mocha comes out to 7 net carbs which is high for anyone on Keto and strict to their daily 20 net carbs.

Is Skinny mocha discontinued? ›

As for the syrup, the company once offered a Skinny Mocha Sauce, which was available in its Skinny Mocha drink, among other sugar-free flavors like cinnamon dolce syrup. However, much to the chagrin of many Starbucks regulars, these sugar-free options, as well as the Skinny Mocha itself, have since been discontinued.

What does a skinny mocha have in it? ›

Bittersweet skinny mocha sauce, espresso and steamed non-fat milk are lightly topped with foam. Sip on the lighter side of sweet.

Can you get Starbucks peppermint mocha skinny? ›

It's a hot, minty, chocolate, coffee treat…Starbucks makes their dreamy, skinny holiday drink with espresso, steamed nonfat milk, sugar-free mocha sauce, and sugar-free peppermint syrup.

What's in a skinny mocha at Starbucks? ›

Bittersweet skinny mocha sauce, espresso and non-fat milk served over ice. Sip on the lighter side of sweet.

Is mocha good for losing weight? ›

When trying to lose weight, the types of café coffees you should keep to a minimum are: Cappuccino, Mocha, Café latte, Coffee with added syrups and Affogato. These coffee's generally have a high sugar content as well as fat content if ordered on full cream milk.

How do you modify Peppermint Mocha? ›

Whole Milk – Replace the milk in the peppermint mocha recipe with half and half or heavy cream for a thicker, creamier drink. Keep in mind it's pretty creamy already! Candy Cane – So you should crush a few and then leave two (or more if you're making multiple batches) for stirring.

What does Starbucks put in their Peppermint Mocha? ›

From there, the team refined the recipe, finding the perfect combination of rich Starbucks espresso with bittersweet mocha sauce, peppermint syrup, and steamed milk, topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of red sugar sprinkles.

Does Starbucks still have sugar-free peppermint syrup? ›

While we discontinued Sugar-Free Peppermint Syrup, we still have Skinny Mocha Sauce!

Is Starbucks Skinny Mocha sugar-free? ›

It's almost sugar-free. If a product had less than . 5 grams per serving, it can be called sugar-free. The skinny mocha qualifies in that respect, but Starbucks doesn't claim it to be sugar-free.

Is a skinny mocha keto? ›

7. Skinny Mocha. Typically, Starbucks' Caffè Mocha combines espresso with mocha sauce, steamed milk, and whipped cream. However, ordering this version, which uses sugar-free skinny mocha sauce, and swapping the milk for equal parts heavy whipping cream and water drastically cuts the carb content.

Is Starbucks skinny mocha Keto-friendly? ›

Skinny Mocha

Swap out the milk and mocha sauce to turn a standard Starbucks drink into a keto-friendly treat. Order a mocha with “skinny mocha sauce” and ask for half heavy cream and half water instead of milk.

What is a super skinny mocha? ›

Taste our amazing mix of sugar-free mocha, cold skim milk and world-class espresso on ice and watch your whole mood lighten up! Make it even more amazing! We recommend: Extra Shot. Sweet Cold Foam.

How do you customize a Peppermint Mocha? ›

Peppermint Flavor: to add peppermint flavor you can use: 1) mint extract, 2) half of a peppermint candy cane, or 3) peppermint syrup. Vanilla Extract: provides a touch of extra sweetness and adds some flavor depth. Toppings: we're topping our Peppermint Mocha off with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

How many calories are in a Peppermint Mocha without whipping? ›

Starbucks Peppermint Mocha Whole Milk No Whipped Cream (1 tall) contains 45g total carbs, 42g net carbs, 9g fat, 9g protein, and 300 calories.

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