One of my favorite hot drinks in the winter is a peppermint mocha. I just love the combination of the peppermint and chocolate in a smooth, hot drink as my afternoon pick me up.

I don't know if it's because I was sick for most of fall, the busy holiday season, or the fact that it's dark before we get done working for the day, but I need a pick me up in the afternoon.

There is a locally owned coffee shop right beside my office. I can walk there when I need a break to get some adult conversation and caffeine.

While I love supporting businesses in small towns, I can't be spending $5 every day on coffee, no matter how wonderful it and the atmosphere are.

Unfortunately, specialty coffee drinks are high in calories, fat, and carbs. Right now, I'm more concerned with carbs and sugars than I am the fat. If you want a low fat drink, I'll tell you how to make that as well.

HEALTHY PEPPERMINT MOCHA RECIPE

As I said, I'm more worried about carbs than I am fat. I use heavy whipping cream in my coffees because it has the fewest carbs. The higher the fat content, the lower the carbs. If you are counting calories or following a low fat plan, then you can use 2% milk or even skim milk.

I find that when I have higher fat milks, I don't need as much sugar in my drinks. I prefer a creamy coffee to a sweet one, so that helps me use less sugar.

I prefer to use coconut sugar or stevia to sweeten my coffees. They don't cause blood sugar spikes like sugar does, although I wouldn't call either one healthy. Everything in moderation, my friends.

I found a peppermint flavored stevia that works very well. I use a food grade peppermint essential oil in my DIY recipes, so I just use that and coconut sugar usually.

INGREDIENTS

1 cup strong brewed coffee
1/4 cup milk or heavy whipping cream (divided into 1/8 cup)
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 ounce finely chopped bittersweet chocolate
peppermint stevia to taste
or 1-2 drops food grade peppermint essential oil and coconut sugar, sugar, or sweetener to taste

DIRECTIONS

STEP #1

Combine the coffee and 1/8 cup milk or cream. Heat in a small saucepan on low.

STEP #2

Add the finely chopped bittersweet chocolate and cocoa. Stir often until the chocolate melts. It's important not to let it simmer or the milk could curdle.

STEP #3

Remove from heat. Stir in coconut oil, peppermint stevia or peppermint essential oil and coconut sugar, sugar, or sweetener to taste.

STEP #4

The coconut oil in the coffee will give it some froth, so this next step is optional.

Since I am eating fewer carbs, I top with whipped cream.

If you are eating low fat or low calorie, you can warm about 1/8 cup of milk in a 1 cup container with a lid. Shake for a minute. Milk should double in volume.

Then microwave for 30 seconds. Top your drink with the frothy milk.

Garnish with crushed peppermint or red sprinkles if desired.

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Healthy Peppermint Mocha

by Cari @ Everything Pretty December-22-2017

This healthier version of a peppermint mocha is easy to whip up at home.

Ingredients

1 cup brewed coffee
1/4 cup, divided milk or cream
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 ounce bittersweet chocolate
peppermint stevia
or peppermint essential oil and coconut sugar

Instructions

Combine the coffee and 1/8 cup milk or cream. Heat in a small saucepan on low. Add the finely chopped bittersweet chocolate and cocoa. Stir often until the chocolate melts. It's important not to let it simmer or the milk could curdle. Remove from heat. Stir in coconut oil, peppermint stevia or peppermint essential oil and coconut sugar, sugar, or sweetener to taste. Warm about 1/8 cup of milk in a 1 cup container with a lid. Shake for a minute. Milk should double in volume. Then microwave for 30 seconds. Top your drink with the frothy milk.

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