Peppermint mocha sounded tempting to me…

when I parked myself at Starbucks on a cold Tuesday morning.
Now that the whole Pumpkin Spice Latte thing is dying down, Starbucks is promoting some pretty enticing holiday flavors.  Peppermint Mocha, Chestnut Praline Latte, and Caramel Brulee Latte all sound good.
When I’m at Starbucks (which is pretty much all the time) I stick to the basics…typically a brewed coffee or tea, or an Americano.  Their flavored drinks have way too much sugar for me.
But when I’m home, I love coming up with my own happy, healthy and hot coffee drinks inspired by seasonal flavors.

 
Here’s what I used to make a delicious peppermint mocha with skin loving ingredients…


I started with coffee, of course.  As long as you don’t over do it, coffee can be a good source of antioxidants.  Use organic whenever you can… coffee is a heavily sprayed crop.
Raw cacao powder is loaded with antioxidants, magnesium and polyphenols.  And the theobromine is said to increase energy.  What’s not to like?  If you don’t have raw cacao powder on hand, it’s not the end of the world.  You can use unsweetened cocoa powder, like Hershey’s, and you will still be happy, healthy and hot!
For more on the benefits of chocolate, read this post…it’s one of my faves.  Like Justin Bieber and Jason Derulo…
For the mint flavor, I used one tiny drop of peppermint essential oil.  This stuff is potent.  One drop is more than enough.  You could also use a tiny amount of peppermint extract.  DoTERRA happens to be the brand of peppermint essential oil that I use.  I like their products, but have also been pleased with oils from Young Living and Spark Naturals.
I use coconut oil everywhere, and this peppermint mocha is no exception.  Putting the drink in the blender makes it frothy and creamy.  Coconut oil is a healthy saturated fat that is amazing for your skin, hair and brain.
And of course I had to throw some collagen peptides in.  Because why not support gorgeous skin, hair and nails while you’re enjoying a tasty drink?  Collagen peptides are also awesome for all of your connective tissues, so drink up!
I sweetened the mocha with my favorite liquid vanilla stevia.  The vanilla rounds out the chocolate and peppermint flavors nicely, but you could also use plain stevia, a little coconut sugar or other natural sweetener of choice.
So here’s the official “recipe.”  I use this term loosely, since everything I post is very forgiving and flexible.  If you plan to double the recipe to share with a happy, healthy and hot friend, one drop of peppermint oil will still be enough.
happy, healthy and hot peppermint mocha
 
One cup (8 ounces) of freshly brewed coffee
One teaspoon raw cacao powder
One drop peppermint essential oil
Sweetener to taste…I used liquid vanilla stevia
One tablespoon coconut oil
One scoop collagen peptides
Put it all in the blender (I love my Vitamix, but any blender will work for this) and blend on high until frothy.  Sooooo easy.  Enjoy!
Oh, and if you missed my take on the legendary PSL, here’s a link:
Sometimes I think this whole pumpkin spice thing is out of control…
So, can my peppermint mocha help you feel happy, healthy and hot?  
You’ll be happy enjoying a delicious treat on a chilly day.  The ingredients are all very healthy.  The collagen peptides, coconut oil and even the cacao powder support glowing skin and a healthy metabolism.  And with that gorgeous skin and shapely body, you’ll be very hot!
SHOP THE POST:
Nutiva Coconut Oil
Raw Cacao Powder
Liquid Vanilla Stevia
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
Vitamix
Thrive Market a membership is a great way to save on items like the coconut oil and cacao powder.  Your first month is free.  My first year with Thrive I saved over $400, so it was totally worth the annual fee of $59.95!