Peppermint Hot Chocolate (2024)

Peppermint Hot Chocolate is a flavorful warm drink made with milk, melted chocolate, and peppermint extract. It’s a peppermint drink recipe you will definitely want to add to your list of holiday beverages! You will love my homemade hot chocolate, too!

Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Just like we have a pumpkin spice season every Autumn, it seems to be peppermint season once we hit the holidays. With candy canes associated with Christmas, that peppermint flavor has been added to everything from cookies, to desserts, to candy, and drinks like this one. And, once you taste this peppermint hot chocolate, you will want to keep the recipe handy for any time you crave a minty chocolate treat. If you are craving an adult beverage, I have a Peppermint White Russian you may enjoy.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Milk: For the creamiest hot chocolate, I prefer to use whole milk. Of course, you could use any milk you have on hand.

Chocolate: I love the taste of semi-sweet chocolate in this recipe. However, you could also get by using milk chocolate or even dark chocolate (yum).

Sugar: To sweeten the drink, add some granulated sugar to the mix.

Peppermint: Look for peppermint extract to give the hot chocolate its peppermint flavor. You can add as much or as little peppermint flavor as your taste buds are craving.

Can I Make this in a Crockpot?

Yes! If you want a drink to serve at your Christmas or New Year’s Eve party, have this drink nice and warm in a crockpot, ready for guests to enjoy. To make peppermint hot chocolate in a slow cooker, simply add all of the ingredients to the bowl of the crockpot. Cover and set on low until the chocolate has melted, stirring every half an hour or so. Then, adjust the setting to warm and let people enjoy a mug of it! Be sure to include some crushed peppermint candies or candy canes and whipped cream for topping options. Want even more peppermint flavor? I also have peppermint whipped cream you could add.

Can I Make this into an Alcoholic Drink?

Sure! If you are craving spiked or adult peppermint hot chocolate, try adding some alcohol to your mug of hot chocolate. Peppermint schnapps would be delicious and give you more peppermint flavor. Or, add a splash of Baileys Irish Cream, peppermint vodka, or even peppermint RumChata®.

What is the Difference Between Hot Chocolate and Hot Cocoa?

Yes, technically there is a difference between hot chocolate and hot cocoa. Hot chocolate, like this drink, is made with melted chocolate. On the other hand, hot cocoa gets its flavor from a powdery mix. But, both are delicious ways to warm you up on a cold day!

How to Store Peppermint Hot Chocolate

If you have any hot chocolate left over, store it in a sealed jar or container. It will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat it, warm it up in the microwave or in your slow cooker.