What is Starbucks Peppermint Mocha?
Starbucks Peppermint Mocha is a tantalizing winter flavored beverage featuring mocha-flavored espresso and steamed milk topped with sweetened whipped cream and seasonal crushed peppermint candy. Starbucks describes this drink as “an irresistibly delicious union of cool peppermint, luscious dark chocolate and creamy espresso.”
The Starbucks Peppermint Mocha may be enjoyed hot or cold and customers can customize the order with a variety of optional ingredients such as peppermint extract, white chocolate sauce, or a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an extra boost of chocolate flavor. However, one thing that customers should be aware of is that the Starbucks Peppermint Mocha does not include any actual coffee in its ingredients list.
Why Does Starbucks Peppermint Mocha Not Have Coffee?
The primary reason why Starbucks Peppermint Mocha does not have any coffee component is so that customers can indulge in the flavor without the caffeine. As caffeine can have various side effects such as anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia, many customers enjoy the decadent flavor of the Peppermint Mocha but do not want the additional caffeine. The espresso component of the drink is made with a blend of chocolate, sugar, and peppermint syrup and does not contain any coffee whatsoever.
Additionally, Starbucks also offers a caffeine-free option of the Peppermint Mocha. The caffeine-free Peppermint Mocha still has the same mocha flavor and is made with the same blend of chocolate and peppermint syrup, but instead of espresso, it is made with steamed white chocolate flavored milk. This allows customers to enjoy the same decadent mocha flavor without any of the caffeine.
Can Customers Add Coffee to the Starbucks Peppermint Mocha?
Yes, customers can add a shot of espresso to the Starbucks Peppermint Mocha for an extra caffeine boost. However, Starbucks does not offer a menu option for the espresso-infused Peppermint Mocha, so customers would need to order the beverage and then ask the barista to add a shot of espresso, which would add a slight additional cost to the order.
In addition to the espresso shot, customers can also opt to add other coffee-flavored ingredients such as extra chocolate- or coffee-flavored syrups or a sprinkle of cocoa powder to ramp up the mocha flavor. These additions would typically not increase the cost of the beverage and can be added to customize the drink to the individual customer’s preference.
What Are Alternatives to Starbucks Peppermint Mocha?
If customers are looking for a caffeine-free beverage from Starbucks, there are several other drink options to choose from. These beverages are made with steamed milk and blended with chocolate, peppermint, and other flavors, instead of espresso. For instance, the Caramel Brulee Latte is a caffeine-free milk-based beverage with a creamy caramel and white chocolate flavor. Other caffeine-free drinks include the Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew and the Chestnut Praline Latte.
Additionally, customers can opt to make their own custom beverages. For instance, they can combine steamed milk with a few pumps of any of the flavored syrups available in Starbucks stores such as caramel, vanilla, or hazelnut, or any combination of those. Customers can also add a shot of espresso to make the beverage more caffeinated if they so choose.
Health Benefits of Starbucks Peppermint Mocha
Starbucks Peppermint Mocha is a healthier alternative to many other seasonal beverages. It is a low-calorie drink with an estimated 140 calories per serving, depending on the size and the type of milk used. Customers can opt for skim, 2%, or soy milk which all contain differing levels of calories.
The Peppermint Mocha also contains natural ingredients such as real dark chocolate and is free from added preservatives and artificial flavoring. The drink is also free from saturated fat, as long as customers opt for skim or soy milk as their choice of milk. Additionally, the syrup used in the Peppermint Mocha is free from fat, trans-fat and cholesterol making the Peppermint Mocha a healthier alternative for those looking for healthier options.
What is the Price of the Starbucks Peppermint Mocha?
The average price of the Starbucks Peppermint Mocha varies based on the size and location of the store, but most 12 oz. drinks typically cost around $4.25. Customers can also opt for larger sizes of the Peppermint Mocha such as a Grande or Venti size which cost slightly more than the 12 oz. size. Additionally, customers who opt for alternative milks such as soy, almond, coconut, or oatmilk may also incur an additional surcharge for the additional ingredients.
Final Thoughts
Starbucks Peppermint Mocha is a delightful winter beverage that offers customers a flavorful and low-calorie treat without the dreaded caffeine crash. It is a great option for many customers looking for a tasty and festive way to indulge without the added caffeine. Additionally, customers can customize their order with a variety of optional ingredients, such as an espresso shot, cocoa powder, or alternative milks, to make the drink especially unique.
