Hungry Healthy Happy

menu icon
go to homepage
  • About Us
  • Recipe Index
  • Meal Plans
  • Recipes To Your Inbox
  • Shop
search icon
Homepage link
  • About Us
  • Recipe Index
  • Meal Plans
  • Recipes To Your Inbox
  • Shop
×
Hungry Healthy Happy » Recipes » Drinks

Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Nov 13, 2024 · Written by Dannii Martin · This post may contain affiliate links which earn us commissions if purchases are made · 50 Comments

805 shares
  • 475
  • 18
Diet: Gluten Free / Low Fat / Vegetarian
Jump to Recipe
Peppermint hot chocolate with a text title overlay.

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.

Two glasses of hot chocolate with cream, candy canes and a nutcracker figure.

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?

Jump to:
  • About this Peppermint Hot Chocolate
  • Ingredients and Substitutions
  • How to Make Peppermint Hot Chocolate -Step by Step
  • Adding Alcohol
  • Hot Chocolate Toppings
  • Extra Tips
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • More Christmas Drinks
  • Recipe
  • Feedback

Ingredients and Substitutions

All the ingredients needed to make this recipe with text overlay labels.

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

A saucepan with milk, cocoa powder and vanilla.
  1. Step 1: Put the skimmed milk and coconut milk into a pan and bring to the boil.
Mixed hot chocolate in a saucepan with a whisk.
  1. Step 2: Stir in the rest of the ingredients and simmer for 5 minutes.
  1. 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
Crushed candy canes sprinkled over whipped cream on top of a glass of hot chocolate.

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

Can you make a dairy free peppermint hot chocolate?

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.

Can I reheat leftovers?

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

  • Cranberry Smoothie in a tall glass decorated with stars.
    Cranberry Smoothie
  • Slow Cooker Mulled Wine in tumblers with cranberries and orange slices.
    Slow Cooker Mulled Wine
  • Christmas glasses containing Mulled Hot Apple Juice . An apple, cracker and red towel are in the background.
    Mulled Apple Juice
  • A Christmas Snowman Hot Chocolate surrounded by fairy lights.
    Christmas Snowman Hot Chocolate

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

Two latte glasses filled with peppermint hot chocolate.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate

By: Dannii Martin
This lightened up Healthy Peppermint Hot Chocolate has less sugar than most. That hint of peppermint is sure to get you in the festive mood.
A circular logo saying GF.
Gluten Free
the words low fat in a white circle.
Low Fat
An illustration of a v-shaped plant.
Vegetarian
5 from 43 votes
Pin Print Save recipe Saved!
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: British, Christmas
Prep: 1 minute min
Cook: 10 minutes mins
Total: 11 minutes mins
Servings: 2 people
Calories: 191kcal
Allergens:
An illustration of a carton of milk.
Dairy

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

Serving: 1glass | Calories: 191kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 127mg | Potassium: 394mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 27g | Vitamin A: 410IU | Calcium: 251mg | Iron: 0.8mg

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.

You'll love these too...

  • Blueberry lemonade in a mason jar next to lemon halves and blueberries.
    Sparkling Blueberry Lemonade
  • A glass full of strawberry watermelon smoothie next to a blue towel.
    Strawberry Watermelon Smoothie
  • A glass of watermelon slushie with slices of watermelon and lime on the rim.
    Watermelon Slushie (Just 4 Ingredients)
  • Two glasses of Ninja Creami Creamiccino next to a purple towel.
    Ninja Creami Creamiccino

Comments

  1. Cliona Keane says

    December 02, 2016 at 12:30 pm

    5 stars
    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!

    Reply
  2. Helen S says

    December 02, 2016 at 11:29 am

    This looks incredible! I bet it could easily be made vegan too?

    Reply
  3. Dana says

    December 02, 2016 at 11:28 am

    5 stars
    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.

    Reply
  4. MissPond says

    December 02, 2016 at 11:26 am

    5 stars
    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 :)

    Reply
  5. Lubka Henry says

    December 02, 2016 at 10:52 am

    5 stars
    This looks so nice! Not so sure about the healthy bit, but who cared - it's December :))

    Reply
  6. Melanie Edjourian says

    December 02, 2016 at 10:36 am

    5 stars
    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 ;-)

    Reply
  7. kellie@foodtoglow says

    December 02, 2016 at 10:09 am

    5 stars
    What a great idea! I like that the coconut milk adds the body needed in an indulgent drink, rather than cream - very clever :-)

    Reply
  8. Sarah Macey says

    December 02, 2016 at 1:16 am

    5 stars
    Chocolate and peppermint are perfect combination most specially in this time of year when you want something to sooth the weather. This looks delicious!

    Reply
  9. Danniella Adelusi says

    December 02, 2016 at 1:00 am

    5 stars
    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?

    Reply
  10. denajayne says

    December 01, 2016 at 9:53 pm

    5 stars
    Cannot beat a good hot chocolate around this time of year! I love that you've included weight watchers point allowance! xo

    Reply
  11. nicol says

    December 01, 2016 at 9:44 pm

    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

    Reply
  12. Planet Jodie says

    December 01, 2016 at 9:25 pm

    5 stars
    This looks so lovely and christmassy! I love candy canes. I want one now haha...not good on a diet lol x

    Reply
  13. Helen @ family-friends-food says

    December 01, 2016 at 9:24 pm

    5 stars
    This looks fantastic! We are definitely into hot chocolate season now, so I'll have to give this a go.

    Reply
  14. Miracle Max says

    December 01, 2016 at 8:09 pm

    5 stars
    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

    Reply
  15. Elodie says

    December 01, 2016 at 7:45 pm

    5 stars
    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!

    Reply
« Older Comments
Newer Comments »
5 from 43 votes (3 ratings without comment)

Made this recipe? Let me know! Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Dannii with a sunset behind her.

Welcome

My name is Dannii. Here you will find easy family recipes with a healthy twist.

Established in 2011, Hungry Healthy Happy has become one of the UK's most popular food blogs, with two successful recipe books published.

About me...

Salad Recipes

  • Roasted Vegetable Winter Salad in a white dish surrounded by crumbled feta.
    Roasted Vegetable Winter Salad
  • A plate of kale, watermelon and feta salad surrounded by watermelon slices.
    Kale, Watermelon and Feta Salad
  • A large bowl of chickpea tuna salad with a serving spoon in it.
    Chickpea Tuna Salad
  • Chopped Blue Cheese Salad in a large white bowl.
    Chopped Blue Cheese Salad
  • A bowl of watercress salad with a wooden fork and spoon in it.
    Watercress Salad
  • Little Gem Salad in a round white bowl.
    Little Gem Salad

Recipe Books

The Hungry Healthy Happy book cover.
The healthy slow cooker book cover.
the front cover of The Picky Plate eBook.

Popular Recipes

  • Leftover chicken pasta on a black plate.
    Leftover Chicken Pasta
  • Mediterranean Rice Salad in a large round serving dish.
    Mediterranean Rice Salad
  • Fourteen healthy flapjacks on a sheet of parchment paper.
    Healthy Flapjacks
  • A tortilla chip being dipped into some nacho cheese sauce.
    2 Minute Nacho Cheese Sauce
  • Sticky Ginger Beef in a bowl with rice and broccoli.
    10 Minute Sticky Ginger Beef Mince
  • Baked Egg Tortilla in a round baking dish.
    Baked Egg Tortilla (Tortilla Quiche)

Footer

Help & Information

  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Policy
  • Advertising
  • Blog

About us

  • About us
  • Newsletter Sign Up!
  • Press enquiries
  • FAQ

Follow us


Featured in

A selection of publications that Hungry Healthy Happy has been featured in

As an Amazon Associate we earn certain commissions from qualifying purchases. By using our site, you agree that we can collect and use your data. Our privacy statement has more details.

Copyright © 2011-2024 Hungry Healthy Happy • All Rights Reserved

  • 475
  • 18

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.