Peppermint White Hot Chocolate

This peppermint white hot chocolate is so easy and has a low sugar option. You decide: do you want this christmas mocktail to be naughty or nice?!

this recipe

This decadent white hot chocolate with hints of peppermint is the perfect Christmas mocktail.

I usually keep my drink recipes on the healthy side with minimal sugar. For a treat, I have created a naughty and nice version of this mocktail!

Christmas is my favourite time of the year. While here is Australia we celebrate the festive season at sweltering temperates, in other parts of the world its snowing.

I can't imagine anything cosier than tree lights twinkling, fire burning with hands wrapped around a warm mug of something delicious - enter this peppermint white hot chocolate!

This drink can also be enjoyed during the warm weather of course . I plan to make it for my kids on Christmas Eve this year, and maybe leave a mug out for Santa if he's lucky. I also have a delicious virgin cosmopolitan and Christmas pudding mocktail that are served cold and perfect for Summer.

My boys loved this peppermint white hot chocolate. If you're looking for something to suit the little ones, I have other mocktails for kids.

You'll only need 4 ingredients whichever version you choose, so it's budget friendly too!

Peppermint white hot chocolate - Naughty:

You'll need:

• Your choice of milk (I personally love almond milk)
• A Candy Cane - thats right kids!
• White chocolate buttons - there are no/low sugar versions available. Or if you're being naughty, go the standard full sugar.
• Vanilla essence - this is optional but finishes it off nicely.

To make:

1. Place the milk, candy cane and white chocolate buttons in a medium saucepan over medium heat
2. Watch and stir while magic happens. The candy cane will dissolve, leaving a beautiful peppermint milk behind. Wait until the chocolate is melted, then remove from heat.
3. Remove from heat and stir through some vanilla extract (optional).
4. If you're feeling particularly naughty, top with some whipped cream. You can also crush some peppermint candies on top.

How to make the nice version

The 'nice' version tastes just as good and is a little less sweet, which I prefer. This one contains peppermint extract in place of the candy cane. I understand some people are not too keen on extracts or essences due to the alcohol content. If this is you, stick with the candy cane version. It's an individual choice, and the extracts are used in small amounts only.

To make:

1. Place the milk, low sugar white chocolate and peppermint extract in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Stir until the chocolate melts. Do not let the mixture boil.
3. Remove from heat and stir through some vanilla extract (optional).

Optional extras

Again, if you're feeling like a real treat, there are plenty of ways to finish this drink off with:

• Whipped cream
• Crushed candy cane
• Cinnamon
• Red and green sprinkles

Which milk should I use for this christmas mocktail?

The sky is the limit, you could use almost any milk.

I tried:

Normal milk: a creamy flavour, especially if you use full cream milk (my kids liked this best).

Coconut milk: the coconut adds a lovely flavour and a little extra kick.

Almond milk: my personal favourite, the nutty almond flavour really steps this mocktail up a level in my opinion.

I hope you enjoy making this peppermint white hot chocolate as much as I loved creating it.

If you make it and love it, I'd really appreciate you leaving a review for me. I love to hear from you!