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Easy Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe

Made with just two ingredients, this easy peppermint hot chocolate recipe comes together in a matter of minutes. Bright and minty notes make this rich, creamy cocoa drink perfect for Saint Patrick’s Day or Christmas celebrations. Serve piping hot, garnished with shaved chocolate, sprigs of fresh mint, crushed peppermint candies, or a dollop of whipped cream!

Looking down into a mug of peppermint hot chocolate with whipped cream and mint leaves

Key Ingredients

Because this homemade peppermint hot chocolate recipe contains just two ingredients, it’s important that they’re both top-notch. In addition to whole milk (or half-and-half or whipping cream, if you prefer a richer drink), I suggest buying the best-tasting mint chocolate you can find. I tested this recipe using Green & Blacks Organic Mint 50% Cocoa, but some other options include Theo Organic Mint 70% Dark Chocolate, Chocolove Peppermint in Dark Chocolate, or Endangered Species Forest Mint 72% Cocoa Dark Chocolate.

Hand holding a bar of Green and Blacks organic dark chocolate
The chocolate I used to test this recipe

Make sure you’ve selected a bar of mint flavored chocolate, rather than a bar with a creamy mint filling, or one with crispy/crunchy pieces or other add-ins; the type with a creamy filling won’t melt easily with the whole milk.  And if the chocolate you’ve chosen isn’t quite minty enough for your liking, feel free to stir in 1-2 drops of natural peppermint oil emphasize the mint factor. If you’ve chosen an especially dark chocolate, you can also add liquid sweetener, such as mint syrup, to taste.

Homemade mint hot chocolate in a white mug

Notes, Tips, and Variations

  • Serve it for Saint Patrick’s Day. Add booze, such as Baileys Irish Cream, Baileys Chocolate Liqueur, or Peppermint Schnapps;  top with homemade Baileys-infused whipped cream; garnish with homemade Saint Patrick’s Day sprinkles, or green sanding sugar; tint the whipped cream (or the hot chocolate itself!) with a few drops of green gel food coloring; serve with green-and-white striped straws or green stirring spoons; pair with homemade peppermint marshmallows; or, serve alongside a Saint Patrick’s Day treat, like shamrock cereal treats or Guinness truffles.
  • Spread Christmas cheer. For a festive Christmas drink, garnish each mug with crushed peppermint candies; serve with a candy cane or peppermint stick for stirring; pair with a homemade chocolate peppermint stirring spoon; add a dollop of pink-tinted whipped cream; or accompany sand tarts and holly leaves for a “cookies for Santa” platter!
  • Make a big batch. For a holiday party, you can make this peppermint hot chocolate in large batches—double, triple, quadruple, or even quintuple the recipe to suit a crowd. Just use a large stock pot rather than a medium saucepan.
  • Use a slow cooker. Like mulled wine, peppermint hot cocoa works nicely as a “serve yourself” slow cooker beverage for festive entertaining. Prepare on the stovetop and then transfer it to a large Crock Pot or slow cooker. Place mugs and a ladle nearby, along with a range of toppings, and allow guests to enjoy warm hot chocolate throughout the event.

Mint hot chocolate with whipped cream and mint leaves

Print
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a mug of peppermint hot chocolate surrounded by mint leaves

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Easy Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Recipe by becky

  • Total Time5 minutes
  • Yield1-2 portions 1x

An easy peppermint hot chocolate recipe, prepared with just two ingredients. A rich and refreshing peppermint cocoa to enjoy on a cold winter’s day.

Ingredients

Scale

360 milliliters whole milk (1 1/2 cups)
90 grams coarsely chopped mint chocolate (2/3 cup; 3 ounces)

Optional Garnishes:

Whipped cream, coconut whipped cream, or Bailey’s whipped cream
Shaved dark chocolate
Crushed candy canes
Green sanding sugar
Fresh mint leaves


Instructions

In a medium saucepan, bring milk to a gentle simmer over low heat.

whisk in a bowl with whole milk

Add the chopped dark chocolate, whisking gently until the chocolate melts.

Whisk in a saucepan with milk and chocolate
Whisk in a saucepan with milk and chocolate

Homemade hot chocolate in a saucepan

Remove from heat. Pour into mugs and garnish as desired.

saucepan of hot chocolate and two white mugs

Peppermint hot chocolate poured into two white mugs

Serve immediately.

Two mugs of mint cocoa

 

 

Closeup shot of peppermint cocoa with whipped cream and mint

Make-Ahead and Storage Suggestions

You can make this mint hot chocolate recipe in advance (or make a big batch to reheat in smaller portions) and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

To reheat : Place desired amount of hot chocolate in a small saucepan on the stovetop and warm until steaming. Or, pour it into a microwave-safe mug and heat for 1-2 minutes for an easy mint chocolate treat.

Other Hot Chocolate Recipes You Might Enjoy

Bailey’s White Hot Chocolate
Red Wine Hot Chocolate
Vegan Hot Chocolate
Blueberry Hot Chocolate
Grapefruit White Hot Chocolate
Matcha Hot Chocolate

And if you do make these, or any of my recipes, don’t forget to tag me @bastecutfold or use the hashtag #bastecutfold on Instagram. I always love to see what you’re making!

Two mugs of mint cocoa on a white surface with a tea towel, mint leaves and bowl of chopped dark chocolate

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