Healthy Peppermint Mocha (Gluten-Free & Vegan)

This healthy peppermint mocha drink is gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan. It tastes just like the coffee shop classic, with minimal sugar and calories.

The peppermint mocha is one of the most iconic coffee shop festive favourites. But with loads of sugar and calories, it's not a very healthy choice, let alone food allergy-friendly.

Insert this healthy homemade peppermint mocha recipe! In less that 3 minutes, you can create a coffee shop quality drink that is gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, paleo, and refined sugar-free. Yes, it really is all of those things!

And I can't forget to mention how delicious it is. I seriously prefer it to the sugary alternatives! Plus I bet you already have the ingredients in your pantry.

Ready to jump into the holiday spirit? Keep reading to learn how to make your caffeine fix super festive.

Ingredients in a healthy peppermint mocha

The best part about this recipe - besides its festive flavour - is how easy it is to make! I bet you probably already have most of these ingredients in your pantry right now... so what are you waiting for! Here's what you need:

1-2 shots of espresso: I absolutely love to use my Nespresso machine. 1 or 2 shots of espresso provides the perfect caffeine boost to this drink. You could also totally use instant espresso, or a couple ounces of strong-brewed coffee.

Maple syrup: This natural sweetener is the only source of sugar in this drink! A tablespoon of maple syrup provides just enough sweetness to balance the drink, yet delivers a fraction of the sugars you would find in a coffee-shop competitor.

Peppermint extract (not syrup!): This is the one unique ingredient you may not already have, but if you're doing any kind of holiday baking, you probably have some peppermint extract around. It is a peppermint mocha after all! It is usually pretty accessible in stores near the vanilla extract, and I'm sure you'll use it for more creations afterwards.

Dairy-free milk: You can use your favourite! I use Silk unsweetened almond milk because it froths really well in my Aeroccino machine and has great flavour.

Cocoa powder: This brings the mocha flavour to life! Be sure to use unsweetened cocoa powder. Alternatively, you could use cacao powder.

Optional add-ons: If you're really feeling festive, then I definitely recommend adding some dairy-free coconut whipped cream, crushed candy canes and a cocoa powder sprinkle. So fun!

Step-by-step instructions

This healthy homemade peppermint mocha is actually ridiculously easy to make. It will take no more time than brewing your regular cup of coffee!

The first thing to do is start brewing your espresso into the mug you're going to use. Depending on your method, this could take a few seconds to a few minutes. In the meantime, you can start heating your milk.

When the espresso is ready, add the maple syrup and peppermint extract. Mix together with a hand whisk like this one here. It's perfect for mixing drinks like this!

When the milk is done, pour into the mug, saving any milk foam. Add the cocoa powder to the mug and whisk again.

Top with the rest of the milk foam and add some coconut whipped cream, a sprinkle of cocoa, and crushed candy canes. Sip and enjoy your festive holiday drink for a fraction of the cost and calories!

This healthy homemade peppermint mocha drink is sure to impress any Starbucks lover! A gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan recipe - anyone you serve will be able to enjoy this delicious treat!

Have you made this healthy peppermint mocha? Be sure to leave a comment telling me how much you loved it, and tag me on instagram @livglutenfree! I hope you enjoy as much as I do!

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