As the holiday season gets closer, one drink stands out as the ultimate festive treat: the peppermint mocha. It’s the perfect mix of rich chocolate, cool mint, and strong coffee, making it a favorite for lots of people. Since so many coffee shops offer their own version of this drink, we decided to taste test a few to see which one is the best. Here’s what we thought of three different peppermint mochas.
1. Starbucks Peppermint Mocha
First Impressions: Starbucks is known for having one of the best peppermint mochas. Their version is made with espresso, steamed milk, peppermint syrup, and mocha sauce, topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
Taste: The peppermint flavor is strong but not too much, and it mixes really well with the rich chocolate. The espresso gives it a slightly bitter kick, which helps balance out the sweetness. The whipped cream adds a smooth and creamy finish, making it feel like a special treat.
Pros: The mix of mint and chocolate is perfect. The coffee flavor is strong enough to stand out without being drowned by the sweetness. Plus, the whipped cream and chocolate shavings are a nice touch to make it even more festive.
Cons: It might be a little too sweet for some, especially towards the end. If you don’t like super sugary drinks, you can always ask for less syrup.
Final Opinion: Starbucks has nailed the peppermint mocha. The mix of strong coffee, creamy milk, and just the right amount of peppermint makes it a perfect holiday drink. It’s sweet but not too much, and it feels like a real treat without being overwhelming.
2. Dunkin’ Peppermint Mocha
First Impressions: Dunkin’ has been a good choice for holiday drinks for years, so we were excited to try their peppermint mocha. It’s made with Dunkin’s regular coffee, mocha syrup, and peppermint flavoring, topped with whipped cream.
Taste: The peppermint in Dunkin’s version is a lot milder than Starbucks—it’s more of a light minty flavor that doesn’t hit you too hard. The mocha flavor is smooth, but not as rich or sweet as some other versions. The coffee balances out the sweetness well, and the whipped cream adds a nice creamy touch, though it doesn’t feel as fancy or indulgent as Starbucks’ drink.
Pros: If you want a more balanced drink that isn’t too sugary, Dunkin’s peppermint mocha is a great option. The coffee flavor stands out, and it mixes nicely with the gentle peppermint.
Cons: This drink doesn’t have as much of the festive richness or strong peppermint flavor you get from Starbucks. The mocha could be a little more intense, and the peppermint could use a little more kick.
Final Opinion: Dunkin’s peppermint mocha is perfect if you like a smoother, less sweet drink with more coffee flavor. It’s not as bold or indulgent as Starbucks, but it’s a solid, tasty choice for people who prefer something a little more low-key.
3. Dutch Bros Peppermint Mocha
First Impressions: Dutch Bros is famous for its super sweet and customizable drinks, so we were excited to try their peppermint mocha. It’s made with espresso, mocha, peppermint syrup, steamed milk, whipped cream, and a drizzle of chocolate syrup on top.
Taste: Dutch Bros really goes all-in on the sweetness here. The peppermint and chocolate flavors are strong, and it’s definitely a treat. The espresso is there, but it’s not as bold as in some of the other versions, and the syrup really takes over the flavor. The whipped cream adds a smooth, creamy touch, and the chocolate drizzle makes it feel extra fancy.
Pros: If you have a sweet tooth, this is the drink for you. The peppermint and chocolate are rich, and the whipped cream adds a nice creamy texture.
Cons: It’s very sweet, which might be too much for some people. The coffee flavor doesn’t stand out much, so it feels more like a dessert than a coffee drink.
Final Opinion: Dutch Bros’ peppermint mocha is a fun, sweet treat if you’re in the mood for something rich. It’s perfect for dessert lovers, but if you want a more balanced coffee experience, Starbucks might be a better choice.
And the Winner Is…
Starbucks Peppermint Mocha is definitely the winner here. The mix of rich espresso, creamy milk, and just the right amount of peppermint and chocolate makes it the perfect holiday drink. It’s sweet, but not too much, and the whipped cream and chocolate shavings add the perfect touch of luxury. The flavors are balanced perfectly, so it feels like a festive treat without being too overwhelming.
