This Peppermint Cocoa Cocktail is what happens when hot chocolate grows up for the holidays. Made with just hot cocoa and peppermint schnapps, it’s an easy winter cocktail that’s perfect for cozy nights, holiday parties, and those evenings when you want something a little more festive than a plain mug of cocoa.

This recipe doesn’t get any easier. With just two ingredients, it comes together in minutes and can easily be made for one person or scaled up for a crowd. Start with your favorite hot cocoa or use our Slow Cooker Hot Cocoa if you’re serving guests.

Top it with whipped cream, marshmallows, crushed candy canes, or a drizzle of chocolate syrup if you’re feeling extra. After all, if you’re making a peppermint cocoa cocktail, moderation probably isn’t the goal.

Whether you’re curling up by the fire or hosting a holiday gathering, this cozy cocktail delivers all the chocolate and peppermint flavor you’d expect from a seasonal favorite.

a mug of Peppermint cocoa cocktail on a counter next to bowls of toppings

Serves: 1
Total Time: 2 minutes

Ingredients:

6 ounces of your favorite hot cocoa
1 ½ oz. peppermint schnapps
Optional Toppings:
- marshmallows
- whipped cream
- chocolate syrup
- candy cane (whole and/or crushed)

Get the full printable instructions with measurements at the bottom of the post in the recipe card.

Looking for simple holiday desserts?

Russian tea cakes – bite-sized powdered sugar snowball cookie
Bisquick orange bundt – total showstopper, but so easy to make

Can I make this without alcohol?

Absolutely! Just use ¼ tsp of peppermint extract in place of the 1 ½ oz of peppermint schnapps. But remember, a little goes a long way!

How to Make a Peppermint Cocoa Cocktail:

Start with your choice of hot cocoa. Pour a 6 oz serving into a mug. Stir in 1 1/2 oz of peppermint schnapps and finish with your favorite toppings. So yummy!

Making It for a Crowd? Try the Batch Version

Hosting a holiday party? Instead of making individual cocktails all night, prepare a batch using Slow Cooker Hot Cocoa which will make about 56 ounces of cocoa. Simply stir in 14 ounces of peppermint schnapps just before serving. Set out whipped cream, marshmallows, crushed candy canes, and chocolate syrup so everyone can customize their mug. (Makes about 10 servings)

🍫 Before You Go…

Love festive drinks? We’ve gathered our favorite holiday cocktails, party punches, and pitcher drinks into one easy collection to help make seasonal entertaining a little less stressful.