Easy Peppermint Coffee (Candy Cane Coffee Recipe)
Peppermint Coffee Recipe
There’s something about peppermint that instantly feels cozy and uplifting. This homemade peppermint coffee is the easiest way to bring that holiday flavor into your cup. All you need is a candy cane (or two) and a hot mug of your favorite coffee. The candy melts right in and gives you that smooth, minty sweetness you’d normally only get at a coffee shop.
Whether you’re curled up under a blanket on a winter morning or just want a little festive boost any time of year, this peppermint coffee is quick, simple, and so comforting. It’s the kind of drink that makes the day a little more special.
What Ingredient You Need:
- Hot brewed coffee – any roast works.
- Peppermint candy cane – melts into the coffee for flavor.
- Crushed candy cane – optional for topping.
- Milk or cream – optional for a creamier drink.
- Whipped cream or cold foam – optional but makes it feel coffee‑shop fancy.
- Peppermint syrup- optional if you want a stronger mint flavor.
Is Peppermint Seasonal?
Peppermint flavor is available year‑round. Candy canes are seasonal, but they store well and last months in the pantry. You can also use peppermint extract or peppermint syrup anytime.
What Coffee Beans Work Best?
Use whatever you normally enjoy. Medium or dark roast works especially well because the peppermint adds sweetness. Espresso works if you want to turn this into a latte, and cold brew is great for iced peppermint coffee.
How Many Candy Canes Should You Use?
- 1 candy cane for a light peppermint flavor
- 2 candy canes for stronger flavor
- A drop of peppermint syrup if you want extra mint
- Crushed candy cane for topping
Can You Serve Peppermint Coffee Hot or Cold?
Absolutely.
Frozen: Blend cooled coffee, ice, milk and a melted candy cane for a peppermint frappé.
Hot: Melt the candy cane directly into hot coffee.
Iced: Melt the candy cane in a small amount of hot coffee, then pour over ice and cold milk.
Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Coffee
- It tastes like a coffee‑shop drink. Melting a candy cane right into hot coffee gives you that smooth, minty sweetness without buying specialty syrups.
- It’s quick and simple. You only need a few minutes and ingredients you probably already have on hand.
- Perfect for the holidays (or anytime). Cozy enough for winter mornings, but refreshing enough to enjoy year‑round.
- Customizable. Make it stronger, sweeter, creamier, iced, or turn it into a peppermint mocha.
- Budget‑friendly & a great way to use up any leftover candy canes.
Variations for Peppermint Coffee
Peppermint Mocha : Add 1–2 tablespoons of cocoa powder or chocolate syrup to turn this into a cozy peppermint mocha.
Iced Peppermint Coffee: Melt the candy cane in a small amount of hot coffee, then pour over ice and cold milk.
Peppermint Latte: Use espresso and steamed milk for a creamy, coffee‑shop style peppermint latte.
Sugar‑Free Peppermint Coffee: Swap the candy cane for a few drops of sugar‑free peppermint extract.
Extra‑Minty Version: Add a second candy cane or a tiny splash of peppermint syrup for stronger flavor.
Creamy Peppermint Coffee: Stir in half‑and‑half, heavy cream, or sweet cream cold foam.
Peppermint White Mocha: Add white chocolate chips or white chocolate sauce for a sweeter, dessert‑like drink.
Frozen Peppermint Coffee: Blend cooled coffee, ice, milk, and a melted candy cane for a peppermint frappé.
Troubleshooting
- Candy cane won’t melt? The coffee isn’t hot enough.
- Too sweet? Use half a candy cane or switch to peppermint syrup.
- Not minty enough? Add a second candy cane or a tiny drop of syrup.
- Gritty texture? Stir until the candy cane dissolves before adding milk.
Peppermint Coffee (Candy Cane Coffee)
Equipment
- Peppermint Candy Canes mini candy canies
- Peppermint Syrup
- spoon
Ingredients
- brewed coffee in a mug
- peppermint candy cane we use mini candy canes
- crushed candy canes
- whipped cream optional
Instructions
- Brew your favorite cup of coffee.
- Be sure to leave room for cream and sugar (if you like it that way).
- Add the whipped cream (again optional, but so yummy).
- Add a few crushed candy candy sprinkles on top of the whipped cream.
- Place a candy cane into the whipped cream and allow it to dissolve into your coffee.
- If you are making it iced, you will want to add a little hot coffee to the candy cane to melt it. Then add the milk.
Yes, I do love the taste of peppermint and never thought of stirring a peppermint stick into coffee. Great idea!
I love that you can control how pepperminty it is. Heavy or light peppermint, you’re in control!
That is great. Simple and easy way to flavor coffee.
I know right! I love simple, easy and on the quick recipes.
That looks so tempting. I bet it would be awesome with hot chocolate. Thanks for the idea.
We are trying that next Joanne!
Sounds easy enough. Thanks for the recipe!
You are welcome, enjoy!