Hello, dear healthy family tribe!
Today I'm sharing one of my favorite holiday drinks! This dairy-free Peppermint Mocha is perfect for sitting around the fire, while watching a favorite Christmas movie, or to satisfy that sweet tooth without over indulging! With a little instant coffee or espresso kick, a perfect treat while wrapping all the gifts underneath the tree!
Makes 2 servings
Ingredients:
1 cup full fat organic coconut milk, the canned kind
1 1/2 cups vanilla almond milk (unsweetened or very lightly sweetened)
1/4 cup raw cacao powder OR regular baking cocoa
3 tablespoons raw local honey OR maple syrup – you could also use coconut sugar
1/4 cup bittersweet dairy-free chocolate chips, chopped dark chocolate OR unsweetened bakers chocolate
1 1/2 – 2 tablespoons instant organic coffee OR a double shot of espresso*
1/2 teaspoon pure peppermint extract (alcohol-free....you may want a tad more depending how strong you like it) OR a few drops of food grade peppermint essential oil
pinch of sea salt
For topping:
whipped coconut cream
dark chocolate shavings * you can also use 1/2 cup of strongly brewed coffee. Reduce the almond milk down to 1 cup instead of 1 1/2 cups – if using brewed espresso or coffee. Leave off to simply make a peppermint hot cocoa drink.
Directions: Add the coconut milk and almond milk to a medium saucepan over a medium-high heat. Add the pinch of sea salt and sift the cacao powder in, to avoid any clumps. Whisk to combine and add in the honey and chocolate chips. Bring the mixture to a very gentle boil. Stirring often so it doesn’t stick and to make sure it is well combined. Once the chocolate is melted, add in the instant coffee or brewed espresso. Stir well to combine. Give a quick taste and adjust your sweetness/coffee flavor, as necessary.
Turn off the heat and add the peppermint extract. You may want more than the 1/2 teaspoon, depending on how strong you like it, but that’s a good starting point. Ladle into two mugs and top with some whipped coconut cream, crushed candy canes and some dark chocolate shavings.
Happy & heathy holidays!
Katie