Most coffee shops wait until the holiday season to offer a cup of peppermint coffee (is anyone else suddenly craving a peppermint mocha or is it just us?). You probably won’t have much luck finding a bottle of coffee creamer flavored with peppermint outside of the holidays, either.
But peppermint isn’t just for the wintertime. It’s a delightful iced or hot coffee add-in, no matter what the calendar says.
That’s why we’re showing you how to make your own peppermint-flavored coffee creamer– to give you a minty pick-me-up anytime the mood strikes!
Can You Put Peppermint in Coffee?
Yes — people do it all the time!
There are a couple of different ways to combine peppermint and coffee:
Coffee Creamer
When it comes to coffee creamer flavors, you have hundreds of options. So, it shouldn’t surprise you that peppermint is one of them.
However, you should know that most companies, Coffee Mate, for example, combine it with chocolate, making a peppermint mocha coffee creamer instead. It’s still delicious, but it usually isn’t solely peppermint flavor.
Peppermint Extract
Peppermint extract is one of the simple ingredients required for the creamer recipe below; it’s responsible for the minty goodness the creamy concoction adds to your morning (or afternoon!) brewing routine.
You can also add a little to your coffee grounds before running them through your brewer.
Peppermint-flavored Syrup
Peppermint syrup is most likely the source of flavor in your local coffeehouse’s pepperminty coffees and teas. A spoonful of this stuff blends easily into hot and cold drinks, making it a good way to add more mint to your cup.
Companies like Torani and Monin make and sell bottles of peppermint syrup. However, if you’re not interested in buying anything, you can whip up a homemade batch by heating water, granulated sugar, and peppermint extract.
Peppermint-flavored Coffee Grounds
This is probably the easiest way to put a bit of peppermint in your step. In this case, the coffee company has already infused the beans with peppermint flavor, leaving you with nothing to do except brew!
There is a downside to this option, though; sometimes, flavored coffees taste artificial or chemical-like. This isn’t a big problem if you add creamer, milk, or sugar to your cup — those add-ins can mask less-than-stellar-tasting coffee beans.
On the other hand, a plain coffee drinker will have a hard time hiding from gross flavored coffee. So, if you go this route, you’ll need to invest in high-quality beans.
Make Peppermint Coffee Creamer: A Step-by-Step Guide
You’ll Need
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 can (14 ounces) of sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- saucepan
- lidded airtight container
The Process
Step One
Whipping up this homemade coffee creamer starts with pouring the milk of your choice into a saucepan with 14 ounces of sweetened condensed milk. Let the two warm over low heat, stirring gently until well combined.
We used whole milk, but feel free to use an alternative — oat milk, almond milk, or soy milk, for example — if you’d prefer.
Step Two
Remove the milk mixture from the stovetop and stir the peppermint and vanilla extracts into it.
We found that one teaspoon of peppermint extract and one tablespoon of vanilla gave us the flavor we were looking for, but feel free to experiment with these quantities until you create something you love.
Step Three
And just like that, this concoction is ready to be added to a cup of coffee! After pouring a splash into your mug, transfer the peppermint creamer into a lidded airtight container and store it in your refrigerator.
Note that this DIY treat won’t last as long as store-bought coffee creamer does. Try to finish it within one to two weeks!
A Peppermint Creamer Q&A
Does peppermint keep you awake?
While peppermint doesn’t contain any caffeine, it can make you more alert, according to researchers at Wheeling University.
The scent triggers the hippocampus — a.k.a. the part of the brain responsible for mental clarity and memory — and causes you to focus and pay more attention.
However, unlike caffeine or sugar, a peppermint-triggered perk-up doesn’t bring any negative side effects or jitters. And as it makes you feel more alert, it simultaneously balances your mood and relaxes you.
Is peppermint coffee good for you?
Most coffee fiends know their favorite drink boasts its own set of health benefits. But did you know that adding peppermint to the mix makes it even better? Not just in terms of taste, but health-wise, too.
Peppermint has a reputation for sourcing antioxidants and antibacterials (no wonder it’s so good at fighting coughs and colds!). Plus, it provides vitamins A, C, and E.
The healthiest way to fuse the two is to drop peppermint oil or extract into black coffee. But don’t fret if you’d rather not take your morning coffee that way; you’ll reap the benefits of both, even if you add a splash of milk to your drink.
What is peppermint simple syrup?
Our recipe calls for peppermint extract. However, if you want a slightly sweeter homemade peppermint coffee creamer, you can make yours with peppermint-flavored simple syrup instead.
You can buy a bottle from a brand like Monin or Torani, or you can make your own by letting peppermint extract, water, and white sugar simmer over medium heat until all the sugar dissolves. Don’t forget to stir the mixture often to keep it from burning!
Enjoy!
Whether you’re the type to sip piping hot joe or prefer having your caffeine boost served over ice, peppermint coffee creamer can complement the contents of your cup. Try it — we don’t think you’ll regret it.
Happy Caffeinating!
Peppermint Coffee Creamer Recipe
This homemade peppermint coffee creamer needs just 4 simple ingredients to give your morning routine a festive and invigorating vibe!
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 can (14 ounces) of sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Pour the milk of your choice into a saucepan with 14 ounces of sweetened condensed milk and let the two warm over low heat, stirring gently until well combined.
- Remove the milk mixture from the stovetop and stir the peppermint and vanilla extracts into it.
- Store the peppermint creamer in your refrigerator.
