Here’s a warm and cozy mug you won’t be able to stop sipping: the Peppermint Patty drink! This hot chocolate is spiked with not one but two liqueurs, adding both mint and chocolate flavors to the rich body of this drink. It’s stellar with homemade hot chocolate, but you can also make it with purchased hot cocoa mix. The amount of cozy flavor here is unreal. It’s ideal as a holiday drink, Christmas cocktail, or anytime you need a warm pick-me-up!
What is the Peppermint Patty drink?
The Peppermint Patty drink (Hot Peppermint Patty) is hot chocolate spiked with both mint and chocolate liqueur. The way the liqueurs layer flavors within the rich chocolate make it indeed taste like the candy of the same name! The history of this drink recipe is murky, but here’s what we do know: it was referenced in a 2015 episode of the cartoon Archer, where Archer enjoys a thermos of the stuff and says, “I call it a Peppermint Patty!” While many people claim Archer invented the drink, other sources claim it’s been around since much before then. (Got any hints? Let us know in the comments below!) Here’s what you’ll need for a Peppermint Patty drink:
Hot chocolate (homemade is best)Creme de CacaoPeppermint schnapps
Notes on mint liqueurs
The Archer definition of this drink also includes Creme de Menthe, another mint liqueur. To keep it simple, we’ve adapted our version of the Peppermint Patty drink to only use one peppermint liqueur: the schnapps! Here are a few things to note on both:
Peppermint schnapps is a clear alcohol made by adding peppermint flavoring to a clear grain spirit. The flavor is like a candy cane, with a spicy, boozy finish. The strength tastes almost like mouthwash! It is very inexpensive: a 750 ml bottle costs $8 to $10.White Creme de Menthe is another mint liqueur that’s slightly harder to find. It has a gentler, more balanced mint flavor and is used in other cocktails like the Stinger. If you’d like, you can use a hint of Creme de Menthe too. Just make sure not to use green Creme de Menthe, which makes the signature green color in a Grasshopper! It would muddy the colors in this drink.
Important: 100 proof schnapps
There are a few types of peppermint schnapps that you’ll find at stores and online: 30 proof (15% ABV), 60 proof (30% ABV), and 100 proof (50% ABV). As you might guess, 100 proof is very strong. If the bottle says 100 proof, skip the quantity in the recipe and add it to taste!
More about Creme de Cacao
Creme de cacao is the chocolate liqueur that gives the Peppermint Patty drink it’s signature rich flavor! It’s used in other Creme de Cacao drinks like the Brandy Alexander and Chocolate Martini. Here’s what to know about this liqueur:
Creme de cacao is a chocolate liqueur, available in both white (clear) and dark varieties. It’s possibly one of the first alcoholic beverages, made in the 1600’s by monks after cocoa beans were brought back to Europe from America (source).What does it taste like? White creme de cacao tastes like milk chocolate with notes of vanilla. Dark creme de cacao tastes richer with dark chocolate notes. You can use either in this drink, but we used white. How much does it cost? It costs between $10 to $20 for a 750 ml bottle.
Use homemade hot chocolate (or a shortcut)
This Peppermint Patty drink is at it’s best when you make it with homemade hot chocolate! But of course, you can substitute the store-bought mix as well. Here are some options for recipes and a few notes on using the mix:
Try our classic Homemade Hot ChocolateGo plant-based with Vegan Hot ChocolateOpt for lighter Healthy Hot ChocolateIf you’re using a purchased mix, you may want to add some richness with a dash of whole milk, half and half or heavy cream
Make it dairy free or vegan
Want to make this a dairy free or vegan Peppermint Patty drink? All you have to do is use Vegan Hot Chocolate and Vegan Whipped Cream. This version turns out just as good (in our opinion, at least!).
Garnishes for the Peppermint Patty drink
Want to take this Peppermint Patty drink over the top? Top it with a few garnishes! Here are some ideas:
Whipped cream: classic or dairy-freeCrushed peppermint candiesChocolate shavingsFresh mint sprigCandy cane to use as a stir stick
More peppermint cocktails
Love peppermint? Looking for a holiday drink or Christmas cocktail? Here are a few more cocktails starring peppermint:
Grab a Peppermint Schnapps Hot ChocolateOpt for a stunning Peppermint MartiniSpin off the classic with a Peppermint White Russian
5 from 2 reviews **Check the bottle before you make this drink! If using 100 proof (50% ABV) schnapps, skip the 1 ½ ounces and just add a drizzle to taste.
