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Vegan Peppermint Drinking Chocolate

Glasses of Peppermint Vegan Drinking Chocolate topped with coconut whipped cream

Oh hey! It’s Christmastime – my absolute favorite time of year. Why? For one, I get to make and eat tons of goodies this month, like chocolate and peppermint things! Swoon.

Small bowl of crushed candy canes for decorating Vegan Hot Chocolate

Using a whisk to mix together Vegan Drinking Chocolate ingredients in a saucepan

My first peppermint-chocolate creation was inspired by our time in Zurich, Switzerland last fall, where chocolate is one of their prized specialties. People form lines around chocolate shops there and it’s all because it’s made fresh daily by artisans who have made chocolate their life and craft. It’s no joking around.

Besides eating truffles and bars, another very Swiss way to consume chocolate is by drinking it. I can totally get on board with this concept.

Pouring a glass of Rich Vegan Drinking Chocolate

Drinking chocolate differs from hot cocoa in that it’s much thicker and usually contains melted chocolate rather than cocoa powder. This makes it richer, creamier and all-the-more decadent.

It’s normally treated as more of an indulgent dessert than a daily drink, though I wouldn’t judge if you opted for the latter.

Glasses of Vegan Peppermint Drinking Chocolate topped with coconut whipped cream

For this recipe you need:

Coconut milk
Dark chocolate
Peppermint extract
Raw/Turbinado sugar

Coconut whipped cream isn’t necessary but highly, highly recommended. I mean, come on. You’re already going to party town. Why not go all the way? A little sprinkle of crushed peppermint doesn’t hurt, either…

Glasses of Vegan Drinking Chocolate made with peppermint and vegan whipped cream

This drinking chocolate is my new obsession! It is thick, slightly coconutty, insanely creamy, intensely chocolaty, and balanced with a hint of peppermint.

This recipe makes a descent sized batch, which you could serve to a small group. Since I apparently don’t have friends or I don’t like to share, I’ve hoarded mine all to myself and have been reheating little portions after dinner for a little virgin nightcap. But I can almost guarantee that Baileys or Kahlua would be delightful in this drink.

For more festive boozy libations, check out our Frozen Blended White Russian and Boozy Pumpkin White Hot Chocolate.

Top down shot of two glasses of Vegan Drinking Chocolate with Peppermint Candy Canes

Enjoy!

Glasses of our Vegan Peppermint Drinking Chocolate recipe for a holiday treat

Print
Top down shot of two glasses of Vegan Peppermint Drinking Chocolate
4.8 from 5 votes

Vegan Peppermint Drinking Chocolate

A festive, 4-ingredient drinking chocolate infused with peppermint. An indulgent, super creamy drink perfect for a crowd or hoarding all to yourself. Absolute perfection when topped with coconut whipped cream and crushed peppermint.
Author: Minimalist Baker
Prep Time 3 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 13 minutes
Servings: 3
Category: Beverage, Dessert
Cuisine: Gluten-Free, Vegan
Freezer Friendly 1 month
Does it keep? 3-4 Days

Ingredients

US Customary - Metric
  • 2 cups non-dairy milk (I like half full-fat coconut + half unsweetened almond milk)
  • 1 3.2-ounce (or close) quality non-dairy dark chocolate bar (chopped)
  • 1-2 Tbsp raw sugar (depending on preferred sweetness)
  • 1/8-1/4 tsp quality peppermint extract (I like Frontier brand)
  • Coconut whipped cream (optional // for topping)
  • Crushed peppermint (optional // for topping)

Instructions

  1. Add milk to a small saucepan over medium-low heat and stir occasionally until warm - about 5 minutes. You don't want it to boil, just get hot enough to melt the chocolate.
  2. Once hot, add the chocolate and sugar and whisk to melt. Do so vigorously to ensure everything gets combined. Once it has reached your desired temperature, sample a bit to determine if it's sweet enough for your liking. I added another 1 1/2 tsp sugar at this point (as original recipe is written // adjust if altering batch size).

  3. Remove from heat and add peppermint extract, starting with only lesser end of range (1/8 tsp as original recipe is written) since it can be very strong and overpowering. Once it's to your liking, transfer to small serving glasses and top with a dollop of coconut whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies/candy canes. I poured mine into two glasses but it was honestly too decadent to finish. I'd recommend splitting this (as original recipe is written) between 3-4 servings.

  4. Store leftovers covered in the fridge for several days. Move to the freezer for longer-term storage.

Notes

*Nutrition information is a rough estimate calculated with mix of coconut and almond milks, lesser amount of sugar, and without coconut whipped cream or crushed peppermint.

Nutrition Per Serving (1 of 3)

  • Calories: 318
  • Fat: 24.8g
  • Saturated fat: 17.4g
  • Sodium: 88mg
  • Carbohydrates: 17.7g
  • Fiber: 3.3g
  • Sugar: 10.6g
  • Protein: 3.8g
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31 Comments 15 minutes or less, 7 ingredients or less, Beverage, Dairy-Free, Egg-Free, Fall, Gluten Free, Grain-Free, Holiday, No Bake, Nut-Free, Oil-Free, One Bowl, Soy-Free, Spring, Summer, Sweet (dessert), Vegan, Winter

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danaHi, I'm Dana! I am a food stylist, photographer, and author of Everyday Cooking.

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All commentsI made thisQuestions
  1. Avatar for PatrickPatrick says

    December 6, 2019 at 11:27 am

    Would dairy-free chocolate chips work?
    Thanks, Patrick

    Reply
    • Avatar for Support @ Minimalist BakerSupport @ Minimalist Baker says

      December 6, 2019 at 4:45 pm

      We haven’t tried that, but it might work. Our only concern would be that there may be stabilizers in the chocolate chips that don’t let them mix properly. Let us know if you give it a try!

      Reply
  2. Avatar for KelseyKelsey says

    December 14, 2017 at 6:45 pm

    You’re literally amazing. This was amazing. Definitely needs whip cream and crushed candy cane, as it is very rich. You make me wanna be so creative in the kitchen with your recipes. Also just use the liquid in the coconut milk, not the hard white right?

    Reply
  3. Avatar for TaylorTaylor says

    December 11, 2017 at 9:29 pm

    Oh my gosh this looks heavenly!! Cannot wait to try it! Where is the nutritional info posted (if it is). I saw the note at the bottom but did not see the info

    Reply
  4. Avatar for s.e.s.e. says

    December 11, 2017 at 4:36 pm

    My understanding is drinking chocolate is just what got chocolate is called in the UK. All the (dairy free and other) got chocolate mix like Cadbury that I buy that is imported says drinking chocolate on the container

    Reply
  5. Avatar for juliejulie says

    March 5, 2015 at 3:56 am

    its awesome…….

    Reply
  6. Avatar for juliejulie says

    February 11, 2015 at 12:02 am

    its amazing

    Reply
  7. Avatar for JenniferJennifer says

    December 12, 2014 at 12:21 pm

    Very very good!! A million times better than the normal hot chocolate I make. Next time I’ll try it with the coconut whipped cream.

    Reply
  8. Avatar for juliejulie says

    December 5, 2014 at 11:30 pm

    Full Melt chocolates are organic fair trade premier brand of medicated chocolate bars.
    full melt chocolates are too delicious.

    Reply
  9. Avatar for RobinRobin says

    December 4, 2014 at 12:31 pm

    I’d love to try this as creamer in my coffee…do you think it would work out well?

    Reply
  10. Avatar for GraceGrace says

    December 1, 2014 at 3:21 am

    Just curious, would this recipe work with just ordinary milk? And products with dairy?

    Reply
    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerDana @ Minimalist Baker says

      December 1, 2014 at 3:52 pm

      Yes! Use whole milk and whipping cream for the whip. Good luck!

      Reply
  11. Avatar for julierawat7676julierawat7676 says

    November 25, 2014 at 6:51 am

    Full Melt Chocolate is Colorado’s favorite infused chocolate candy bar.Full Melt chocolates are organic fair trade premier brand of medicated chocolate bars. full melt chocolates are too delicious.

    :) :(

    Reply
  12. Avatar for OliviaOlivia says

    January 9, 2014 at 10:42 pm

    I want your job. Amazing.

    Reply
  13. Avatar for EmmaEmma says

    December 29, 2013 at 2:08 am

    This was perrrrrrrfect for Christmas brunch!!! Thank you, Dana!

    Reply
  14. Avatar for Enucia Vegan SoapsEnucia Vegan Soaps says

    December 14, 2013 at 9:46 pm

    I get so hungry looking at all of these recipes, but I always get great new ideas.

    Reply
  15. Avatar for LeeLee says

    December 9, 2013 at 9:18 pm

    I love how you straight up called this drinking chocolate instead of hot chocolate. Solid Dana!

    Reply
  16. Avatar for JessJess says

    December 8, 2013 at 10:44 pm

    I’ve only once had drinking chocolate, and I can’t believe I’ve never made it myself. It’s so indulgent and fun this time of year, but especially with a little peppermint addition! Your photos perfectly capture how thick and creamy and lovely this is – great idea, Dana!

    Reply
    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerDana @ Minimalist Baker says

      December 9, 2013 at 8:30 pm

      Thanks, Jess! I just checked out some peppermint looking mallows on your blog and OH MY GOSH. GIMME!! :D

      Reply
  17. Avatar for megmeg says

    December 8, 2013 at 1:59 pm

    YUM!

    Reply
  18. Avatar for DanielleDanielle says

    December 8, 2013 at 8:30 am

    Awesome!! I love drinking chocolate…and peppermint. So pretty btw. Almost every dessert I’ve made this month has involved both:) when I lived in Edinburgh there was a shop called chocolate soup– bless the Brits’ love for chocolate!!!

    Reply
    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerDana @ Minimalist Baker says

      December 8, 2013 at 1:54 pm

      Thanks Danielle! Edingburgh sounds like my kind of place! Chocolate soup? HECK YES.

      Reply
      • Avatar for DanielleDanielle says

        December 8, 2013 at 3:05 pm

        It is awesome there. There was also a shop called the chocolate shop which sold nothing but crazy chocolate creations. There were cakes named after every chocolate bar that were oversized truffles covered in mars bars, maltesers etc…If you’re looking for another chocolate peppermint recipe, here are two of mine:

        Both sneak in avocado :)

        Reply
  19. Avatar for CristaCrista says

    December 7, 2013 at 7:51 pm

    OMG looks AMAZING!!!

    Reply
  20. Avatar for Jackie @ Vegan Yack Attack!Jackie @ Vegan Yack Attack! says

    December 7, 2013 at 2:09 pm

    “You’re already going to party town. Why not go all the way?”

    Seriously, you’re the best. This looks incredible!! I’ve been thinking about making a recipe that in between this and hot cocoa as far as richness. You’ve pushed me to the definitely making it happen stage. Beautiful!

    Reply
    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerDana @ Minimalist Baker says

      December 7, 2013 at 6:19 pm

      Jackie! So honored to hear from such an amazing fellow food blogger. This drinking chocolate IS phenomenal. If you try it, let me know! And again, I highly recommend it with a serious helping of coconut whipped cream. SO GOOD. Enjoy!!

      Reply
  21. Avatar for BillyBilly says

    December 7, 2013 at 11:07 am

    I WANT ALL OF IT TO MYSELF.

    Reply
    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerDana @ Minimalist Baker says

      December 7, 2013 at 6:19 pm

      DO IIIIIIIIITTTTTT.

      Reply
  22. Avatar for Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes)Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says

    December 7, 2013 at 8:10 am

    I soooooo want this!!!!

    Reply
  23. Avatar for Abbie @ Needs SaltAbbie @ Needs Salt says

    December 7, 2013 at 7:55 am

    This drink looks so decadent! I love love love that it’s vegan and it’s a cup of DARK CHOCOLATE, yo. amazing.
    Pinning!

    Reply
    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerDana @ Minimalist Baker says

      December 7, 2013 at 6:20 pm

      Thanks, Abbie!

      Reply

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