7 Brew Candy Cane Mocha Recipe

One of my absolute favorites to enjoy during this season is the 7 Brew Candy Cane Mocha. It’s the perfect blend of rich chocolate, smooth espresso, and a hint of refreshing peppermint—a combination that’s both comforting and invigorating.

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How to make 7 Brew Candy Cane Mocha

7 Brew Candy Cane Mocha is a seasonal holiday coffee drink from 7 Brew that combines white chocolate, peppermint flavor, and espresso, all mixed with milk.

Ingredients

To make the perfect 7 Brew Candy Cane Mocha, you’ll need the following:

For the Mocha Base:

1-2 shots of espresso (or ½ cup strong brewed coffee, if you don’t have an espresso machine)
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder (or chocolate syrup for added sweetness)
1 tablespoon white chocolate chips or syrup
1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy) (whole milk, almond, oat, or soy work great)
½ teaspoon peppermint extract (or more, to taste)

For Toppings (optional but highly recommended):

Whipped cream
Crushed candy canes (for sprinkling)
Chocolate drizzle or peppermint drizzle (optional)
Holiday sprinkles (for extra festivity)

Instructions

Step 1: Start by brewing 1-2 shots of espresso. If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can make a strong cup of coffee or use an AeroPress or moka pot. Set this aside.

Tips for the Perfect Candy Cane Mocha

Don’t overdo the peppermint extract: A little goes a long way! Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
Choose the right milk: Whole milk will give you a creamier texture, but if you’re dairy-free, oat milk works wonderfully as a rich substitute.
Froth your milk: For an even creamier and café-style experience, froth your milk before adding it to your espresso. You can use a handheld frother, a French press, or the steam wand on an espresso machine.
Use high-quality chocolate: Opt for high-quality cocoa powder and white chocolate for the best flavor. A good mocha always starts with good chocolate!
Experiment with toppings: Crushed candy canes are the classic garnish, but you can personalize your mocha with mini marshmallows, grated chocolate, or even your favorite holiday-themed sprinkles.
Make it iced: Want an iced version? Simply chill the espresso and milk mixture, pour over ice, and top with whipped cream and crushed candy canes. It’s just as refreshing as it is festive!

What to serve with

Pairing the festive 7 Brew Candy Cane Mocha with the right treats can take your holiday coffee experience to the next level.

1. Peppermint Bark: The classic peppermint bark pairs perfectly since it mirrors the flavors of the 7 Brew Candy Cane Mocha—white chocolate, dark chocolate, and peppermint. It’s crunchy, festive, and an easy addition to your coffee tray!

2. Chocolate Brownies: Fudgy or peppermint-flavored chocolate brownies can make this mocha experience indulgent. Try brownies topped with crushed candy cane pieces for an extra dose of holiday spirit.

3. Sugar Cookies: Crispy or soft sugar cookies decorated with holiday colors, icing, or sprinkles are a great match. Gingerbread cookies also pair well to complement the mocha’s sweetness with warm spice flavors.

4. Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels: Sweet and salty pretzels dipped in white or dark chocolate (sprinkled with crushed peppermint pieces) are a great way to add some crunch and contrast to your creamy mocha.

5. Holiday Macarons: Festive macarons in flavors like peppermint, chocolate, vanilla, or hazelnut are elegant and light accompaniments to the Candy Cane Mocha.

Ingredients Substitutes

Making a 7 Brew Candy Cane Mocha at home is all about indulging in rich, chocolatey, and pepperminty goodness. But what if you’re missing an ingredient or want to tweak the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs? Don’t worry!

1. Espresso or Coffee Substitutes

The espresso in a Candy Cane Mocha provides the warm, bitter kick that balances the sweetness. If you don’t have an espresso machine, here’s what you can use instead:

Brewed Coffee: Use ½ cup of strong brewed coffee as a substitute for 1-2 shots of espresso. Make it slightly stronger than usual for a richer flavor.
Instant Coffee: Dissolve 1-2 teaspoons of instant coffee or espresso powder in 2-3 tablespoons of hot water to create a concentrated coffee base.
Decaf Coffee: If you’re avoiding caffeine, use decaf espresso or coffee instead! The bold flavor still pairs wonderfully with the sweetness in the mocha.
Hot Chocolate (for non-coffee drinkers): If coffee isn’t your thing, swap the espresso entirely with hot chocolate for a kid-friendly or coffee-free version. It’ll be more like a Peppermint Hot Chocolate, but just as festive.

2. Milk Substitutes

The milk gives the mocha its velvety texture and creamy mouthfeel. Any type of milk can work, depending on your dietary needs:

Non-Dairy Milks: Substitute the dairy milk with any plant-based milk.
Oat Milk: Perfect for creaminess; it froths well and has a neutral flavor.
Almond Milk: Light with a nutty undertone. Choose unsweetened to avoid overpowering the other flavors.
Soy Milk: Creamy and protein-rich; a great option for frothing and steaming.
Coconut Milk: Adds a slightly tropical hint but pairs nicely with the peppermint. Look for a barista-grade version if steaming or frothing.
Half-and-Half or Heavy Cream (for extra decadence): If you prefer a richer drink, swap part of the milk with heavy cream or half-and-half. It’ll make the mocha thicker, creamier, and more indulgent.

3. Cocoa Powder

Cocoa powder provides the rich chocolate flavor in the mocha. However, there are substitutes if you don’t have cocoa powder:

Chocolate Syrup: Use 1-2 tablespoons of chocolate syrup instead of unsweetened cocoa powder. It’s sweeter and eliminates the need for additional sugar, but still gives a deep chocolate flavor.
Melted Dark Chocolate or Chocolate Chips: Mix a small handful of melted dark chocolate (or milk chocolate if you prefer it sweeter) into the milk while warming it on the stove. Stir until the chocolate dissolves for a rich and luscious beverage.
Sweetened Cocoa Mix: If you have hot cocoa mix, it can replace cocoa powder. Just remember to reduce any added sweetener in the recipe.

4. White Chocolate Chips or Syrup

White chocolate adds creaminess and sweetness to the mocha while complementing the peppermint. Try these substitutes if you don’t have any on hand:

Regular Chocolate Chips: Use milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips instead of white chocolate for a richer, darker mocha. This turns the drink into a more classic mocha with peppermint flavor.
Vanilla Syrup: A tablespoon of vanilla-flavored coffee syrup can be used instead of white chocolate chips to lightly sweeten and add complexity to the flavor profile.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: Stirring in a tablespoon or two of this adds a similar creaminess and sweetness to mimic white chocolate’s texture and flavor.
Caramel Syrup: For a unique twist, caramel syrup is another option that adds sweetness with a slightly different flavor.

5. Peppermint Extract

Peppermint is the star flavor that makes this mocha special! But if you don’t have peppermint extract, here are a few alternatives:

Crushed Candy Canes (or Peppermint Candies): A holiday staple, these can substitute peppermint extract. Crush them and stir into the hot milk until dissolved. This will add a subtle herbal peppermint flavour (and some extra sweetness).
Mint Syrup: Replace the extract with a mint-flavored syrup made for coffee beverages. Adjust the quantity to taste, as syrups tend to be sweeter than peppermint extract.

Final Thoughts

The 7 Brew Candy Cane Mocha is delightful on its own, but pairing it with the right foods can make it even more special. From sweet treats like peppermint bark and holiday cookies to savory bites like bagels and pastries, there’s something to suit every occasion and preference.

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