Creamy Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Today it was over 80 degrees in South Texas, so I figured I better hurry up and post this cozy recipe before temperatures start warming up too much!

During these past couple of winter months, I would crave something warm to drink in the evenings but I didn’t want coffee because of the caffeine, and tea just wasn’t hitting the spot. Then I remembered I had peppermint essential oil lying around that I never used for anything. I threw together what I thought would be good… and it turned out amazing! Creamy, rich, not too sweet or chocolatey, with a kick of peppermint and a frothy top.

This recipe is very easy to make and perfect for cold weather, rainy days, watching movies, dessert, or just all around coziness!

Ingredients You Will Need:

• 1 cup of non-dairy milk (I use organic, non-GMO soy milk but use your favorite kind)
• 2 tsp maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1-2 heaping tsp cocoa powder
• 2-3 drops of peppermint essential oil
• 1 tsp unrefined, cold pressed coconut oil

3 Easy Steps:

1. Put milk in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Once the milk starts to simmer, add the cinnamon, maple syrup, cocoa powder, and essential oil. Stir together, but doesn’t have to be thorough because blender will do the rest.
3. Add the mixture to blender, along with the coconut oil. Blend for about 10 seconds or until the hot chocolate is completely combined. Pour into a mug and enjoy!

The coconut oil gives a frothy, foamy surface and also adds to the richness of the drink. Just be careful not to add more than 3 drops of peppermint essential oil. It’s highly concentrated and even an extra drop will overwhelm your recipe! Case in point, I decided to add some oil to my morning coffee. I accidentally added an extra drop of the peppermint and the coffee tasted so bad I couldn’t drink it! But the right amount of the oil will be so tasty in your hot cocoa ☕️

Plus, peppermint essential oil has lots of heath benefits like reducing stomach aches and digestion issues, freshens bad breath, clears sinuses, relieves headaches, boosts energy, and more!

Jillian