A warming drink, chocolate and candy canes - could this be any more festive? This lightened up Peppermint Hot Chocolate has less sugar than most and that hint of peppermint is sure to get you in the festive mood. Kids will love to decorate this Christmas hot chocolate with peppermint too.
About this Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Whilst we love relaxing at the end of the day with a nice glass of wine, there is just something about a warm mug of hot chocolate that fills us with joy and takes us back to being a kid again. Settle down on the sofa on a cold winter night with a mug of something that whole family will love.
Peppermint is such a classic Christmas flavour and once those candy canes hit the store, you know the festive season is here. Mint and chocolate go so well together, this peppermint and hot chocolate will have you in the festive mood.
We have used honey to sweeten this peppermint hot chocolate recipe a little, without it being overly sugary and it's under 200 calories a serving - a healthy peppermint hot chocolate alternative . Having a kids Christmas party? Serve these Christmas hot chocolates up as part of a hot chocolate station and they will be a hit!
Love mint? Why not try our Raspberry and Mint Water, Mint Chocolate Dessert or Tabbouleh?
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Ingredients and Substitutions
A full ingredients list, along with US Customary and Metric measurements, can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.
- Skimmed milk - This keeps the peppermint hot chocolate recipe a little lighter, but you could use full fat milk to make it even creamier. You could swap it for almond milk for a vegan version.
- Coconut milk - This adds so much creaminess, and it isn't too over powering with the coconut flavour. We used light coconut milk to keep it lower in calories, but you could use full fat which would be creamier.
- Honey - Just a little honey adds some sweetness to it. You could use maple syrup instead and feel free to adjust it if you want it sweeter.
- Cocoa powder - Where all the chocolatey flavour comes from! We used unsweetened cocoa powder and a really good quality one will make a difference. You could use our Hot Chocolate Mix.
- Peppermint extract - Make sure you use extract rather than essence, as it will have a more natural flavour. You can use peppermint oil too, but it is a much stronger flavour.
- Whipped cream and candy canes - These are optional, but we find that they really finish off the peppermint hot chocolates and add to the Christmas vibe.
More ingredient substitutions and variations can be found in the recipe card.
How to Make Peppermint Hot Chocolate -Step by Step
- Step 1: Put the skimmed milk and coconut milk into a pan and bring to the boil.
- Step 2: Stir in the rest of the ingredients and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Pour into mugs and top with cream and crumbled candy canes.
Adding Alcohol
If you are hosting a Christmas party and want to have something festive and non-alcoholic to serve up, then these peppermint hot chocolates would be perfect. Equally, a little glug of Baileys or something similar would go really well in this. If you can find the mind baileys, then that adds an extra mint twist.
Hot Chocolate Toppings
Want to take this peppermint hot chocolate to the next level? Load it up! Toppings are a must if you are making a serve yourself hot chocolate bar. Here are some of our favourite topping options:
- Whipped cream
- Marshmallows
- Chocolate shavings
- Sprinkles
- Chocolate chips
- Caramel syrup
- Chocolate syrup
- Orange zest
- Peanut butter
- Cinnamon
- Coconut shavings
- Candied ginger
- Your favourite chocolate bars, chopped
- Candy cane stirrers
- Chopped up fudge
Extra Tips
- Use whipped cream and candy canes to make this hot chocolate a little more indulgent, or you can just leave them out.
- We used a mixture of skimmed milk and coconut milk, but you could use just skimmed milk to make this lower in calories.
- Want to keep this vegan? Use almond milk and swap the honey for maple syrup.
- To make this even more indulgent, then you can melt some dark chocolate into it rather than just using cocoa powder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you certainly can. You can swap the whole milk for almond, cashew or oat milk. You can either leave the whipped cream out or swap it for a vegan version.
Yes, if you have any leftovers, then it can be kept in the fridge until the next day. It is delicious cold, like a milkshake, or you can heat it up on the hob.
More Christmas Drinks
If you’ve tried this mint hot chocolate recipe, let us know how you got on in the comments below.
Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - Use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.
Recipe
Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 400 ml (1.5 cups) Skimmed milk
- 100 ml (0.5 cups) Light coconut milk
- 2 tablespoon Honey
- 2 tablespoon Cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon Peppermint extract
- Whipped cream and candy canes - optional
Instructions
- Pour 400 ml Skimmed milk and 100 ml Light coconut milk into a saucepan and bring to the boil.
- Stir in 2 tablespoon Honey, 2 tablespoon Cocoa powder and 1 teaspoon Peppermint extract and turn down to a simmer for 5 minutes.
- Pour into mugs and serve with Whipped cream and candy canes (optional).
Recipe Tips
- Use whipped cream and candy canes to make this hot chocolate a little more indulgent, or you can just leave them out.
- We used a mixture of skimmed milk and coconut milk, but you could use just skimmed milk to make this lower in calories.
- Want to keep this vegan? Use almond milk and swap the honey for maple syrup.
- To make this even more indulgent, then you can melt some dark chocolate in to it rather than just using cocoa powder.
Nutritional Information
The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
As all appliances vary, cooking times are a guide. Please note that by changing the serving size, the cooking time may also need to be altered.
Cliona Keane says
Yummy! These are so perfectly Christmas-y they're making me feel so festive! I'll definitely be making these this Christmas season that's for sure!
Helen S says
This looks incredible! I bet it could easily be made vegan too?
Dana says
We made these last night when we put the tree up and they were a big hit. My son asked if we could have it again tonight.
MissPond says
What a great recipe and alternative! I have to limit my hot chocolates because of the cal content, so I'll have a look at this :)
Lubka Henry says
This looks so nice! Not so sure about the healthy bit, but who cared - it's December :))
Melanie Edjourian says
This looks delicious I do love hot chocolate and adding the mint gives it a great added flavour. You could also do this with orange extract ;-)
kellie@foodtoglow says
What a great idea! I like that the coconut milk adds the body needed in an indulgent drink, rather than cream - very clever :-)
Sarah Macey says
Chocolate and peppermint are perfect combination most specially in this time of year when you want something to sooth the weather. This looks delicious!
Danniella Adelusi says
Yay for Christmas. The only time I can get peppermint from coffee shops but this lovely recipe will mean I can have peppermint hot chocolates all year round! Any idea where I can get the peppermint extract from?
denajayne says
Cannot beat a good hot chocolate around this time of year! I love that you've included weight watchers point allowance! xo
nicol says
yes yes yes! i really can't wait to start drinking everything hot chocolate. peppermint is definitely going to be my most drinkable flavour this month
Planet Jodie says
This looks so lovely and christmassy! I love candy canes. I want one now haha...not good on a diet lol x
Helen @ family-friends-food says
This looks fantastic! We are definitely into hot chocolate season now, so I'll have to give this a go.
Miracle Max says
This sounds amazing. I adore hot chocolate and this time of year I drink so much of it. Peppermint and orange are my favourite flavours. Jo x
Elodie says
This looks and sounds delicious! I will definitely try it - although I will have to replace the milk with some almond milk since I don't do too well with dairy, but I'm sure it'll be delicious!