Do I have to use espresso?

No, you can totally use any coffee you have and like - cold-brew or regular brewed coffee, instant, or even decaf. The amount will be different because espresso is much more concentrated with caffeine.

How much caffeine is there in one espresso?

Based on the USDA data, a single (1 fl oz/30g) of espresso has 63.6mg of caffeine. A double shot of espresso contains 127mg of caffeine.

What's the difference between cacao and cocoa powder? Can I use either

Cacao powder is raw unroasted and cocoa powder is roasted cacao powder. Cocoa is what most people are familiar with and what's used the most. Cacao has a bigger nutritional value because it hasn't been heated. The flavors are slightly different and you can use whichever you have and like.

Can I make a hot version of this mocha?

Yes, definitely! Warm-up your milk with cacao, maple syrup, vanilla, and peppermint, and froth. Pour into your mug, then pour in your hot espresso, and top with whipped cream and crushed candy cane.

Iced Peppermint Mocha

Description

Delicious Iced Peppermint Mocha made with real cacao powder, peppermint extract, and creamy almond milk. Serve it with whipped cream and chocolate shavings to mimic the Starbucks version!

Ingredients

Units Scale

1/2 cup milk (I like almond, hazelnut, oat, or cashew milk)
1 tbsp cacao powder (or cocoa)
1-2 tbsp maple syrup or another sweetener
1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
1/4 tsp peppermint extract
1-2 shots of espresso

Optional toppings: whipped cream, chocolate shavings, crushed candy cane, mini marshmallows, a dusting of cacao powder or cinnamon

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Instructions

Add milk, cacao powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract into a tall glass and use a handheld milk frother to froth the milk and mix everything together.
Add a handful of ice to the glass and pour the espresso over it.
Serve immediately as is or with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

Notes

Be careful with the peppermint extract. Less is always more with this one. You can always add more but if you add too much, the peppermint flavor will be very overwhelming.

No milk frother: If you don’t have a milk frother, add everything to a blender including the espresso, blend until frothy, and pour over ice.

You can also make this drink hot if you're not feeling the iced coffee. Simply heat up your milk before frothing and don't add any ice.

Nutrition

Serving Size:
Calories: 95
Sugar: 12.5 g
Sodium: 104.9 mg
Fat: 2.3 g
Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 18.5 g
Fiber: 1.6 g
Protein: 1.8 g