Peppermint Mocha

If you’re a coffee aficionado, Peppermint Mocha is a name that may sound familiar. The crowning glory of coffee giant Starbucks, this espresso drink comes with peppermint and chocolate-infused milk. It is topped off with sweetened whipped cream, chocolate shavings and red sprinkles.

The iconic coffee beverage launched in the winter of 2002 and turned out to be the most popular beverage in the history of the company, closely followed by their other holiday season favourite, the Pumpkin Spice Latte.

It's imperative, then, to dig into the origin story of this beverage. The company claims that Peppermint Mocha was a result of months of research and development to conjure up a novelty flavour combination that would appeal to caffeine addicts around the world.

There were many hats that were dropped in the ring, including a coffee drink with cranberries and white chocolate. But the researchers agreed that the peppermint and mocha flavours expertly captured the essence of Christmas. And their messianic words came true, with the drink still being sold in almost every Starbucks establishment in the US. It is served both hot and cold, which makes it more versatile than their Pumpkin Spiced Latte.

Moreover, there are countless ways to make Peppermint Mocha at home without fancy ingredients or equipment. The easiest way of making a peppermint-flavoured coffee drink at home is to fold in some melted chocolate into the drink and drop a candy cane and marshmallow.