Coffeeshop Style Peppermint Syrup
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Nothing says the holidays quite like peppermint. From candy canes to mochas, that cool, refreshing mint flavor instantly brings festive cheer. This easy homemade peppermint syrup is the secret ingredient for turning any cup of coffee, hot cocoa, or cocktail into something merry and bright – no coffee shop line required.
If you love ordering a peppermint latte or mocha from Starbucks during the holidays, you’ll love how easy it is to make your own version at home. You only need a few simple ingredients to make a syrup that tastes every bit as delicious – and costs a fraction of the price. Plus, you can adjust the sweetness and peppermint intensity to your exact taste.
Why Make Peppermint Syrup at Home?
Sure, you could buy a bottle of flavored syrup or make a coffee run – but homemade syrup tastes so much better. You’re using real sugar, water, and peppermint extract, without any artificial colors or preservatives.
You can also control everything about it – the strength of the mint flavor, how sweet it is, and whether you want to keep it clear or add a little color for fun. Plus, it keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to two weeks, so you can enjoy café-quality drinks every morning without spending a dime on takeout coffee.
Ingredients
- White Sugar – Either cane sugar or beet sugar work best in this recipe. They give the cleanest flavor and will not add any color to the syrup.
- Water – Always use filtered water in your syrups for the best flavor.
- Peppermint Extract – Choose pure peppermint extract made with peppermint oil. Note: This is different that mint extract. They are made from different types of mint and taste slightly different. If you want that classic candy cane flavor that the coffee shops use during the holiday season, you must stick with peppermint extract.
How to Make Peppermint Syrup
Bring water to a low boil in a small pot over medium heat.
Add sugar and stir until sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat.
Add in peppermint extract, stir well, and pour into a glass, airtight container.
Store syrup in the refrigerator until ready to use. Syrup will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks
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Peppermint Syrup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup white sugar
- ½ – ¾ teaspoon pure peppermint extract
Instructions
- In a small pot over medium heat, bring water to a low simmer.1 cup water
- Add sugar and stir until sugar has dissolved.1 cup white sugar
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in peppermint extract. (Start with a half teaspoon, taste, then add more if needed.)½ – ¾ teaspoon pure peppermint extract
- Cool and pour into a glass, airtight container.
- Store syrup in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Syrup will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
How to Use Peppermint Syrup
This syrup is incredibly versatile! A splash goes a long way, and once you start adding it to drinks, you’ll find endless ways to use it:
- Peppermint Coffee: Add 1–2 tablespoons to your morning cup of coffee or latte for a cozy, holiday twist. (See below for detailed peppermint latte and mocha instructions.)
- Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Stir some into a hot mocha or hot chocolate – it’s the perfect blend of cool mint and rich chocolate.
- Iced Coffee or Cold Brew: Sweeten your iced coffee with peppermint syrup for a refreshing minty treat.
- Mix a little into an Espresso Martini or Espresso Martini Mocktail for a Peppermint Espresso Martini for a festive cocktail.
- Desserts: Drizzle it over ice cream, add it into homemade whipped cream, or use it to soak chocolate cake layers for a mint-chocolate dessert.
How to Make a Peppermint Latte
To make your own peppermint latte at home, brew a shot (or two) of espresso or ½ cup of strong coffee. Warm and froth ¾ cup of milk (any kind you like). Add 1-2 tablespoons of peppermint syrup to your mug. Pour in the espresso, then the milk. Stir well. Top with milk foam or whipped cream and crushed candy canes if you’re feeling festive!
How to Make a Peppermint Mocha
For the ultimate cozy treat, combine chocolate and mint for a homemade Peppermint Mocha:
Brew one shot of espresso or ½ cup of strong coffee. Stir in 1 tablespoon of chocolate syrup and 1-2 tablespoons of peppermint syrup. Add ¾ cup of steamed milk and stir until smooth. Finish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed peppermint or cocoa powder.
More Holiday Coffee Syrups to Try
If you’re in a festive mood, keep the holiday drink bar going! Try making one (or all!) of these homemade syrups:
- Gingerbread Syrup – Full of cozy spices like cinnamon, ginger, and molasses.
- Cinnamon Syrup – Perfect for snickerdoodle lattes, hot chocolate, or hot apple cider.
- Vanilla Syrup – Classic and smooth, great in your coffee all year round.
- Pumpkin Spice Syrup – Rich with real pumpkin and just the right balance of spices.
- Brown Sugar Syrup – Warm caramel flavor for sweetening coffee, apple cider or hot toddies.
- Butter Pecan Syrup – Rich buttery flavor made with real pecans, delicious in coffee or drizzled over ice cream or pound cake.
These syrups make great homemade gifts too – just pour them into small glass bottles, add a label or ribbon, and share the holiday cheer.
Looking for a Peppermint Chocolate Combo?
Try shaking up a Peppermint Mocha Martini, or make a batch of my Candy Cane Peppermint Bark, or 4 ingredient Peppermint Hot Cocoa Mix.
