Recipe: Coffee-Free Peppermint Mocha Latte (Vegan)

 

When I wake up in the middle of a snowstorm, I want cocoa. But sometimes I want something even more fantastic than cocoa. So I've developed this peppermint mocha latte that has all the right flavors and none of the problems of caffeine (for me). If you don't have caffeine issues you could probably use instant coffee granules rather than the Cafix I use here. 

This is so good. The kind of thing that gets you out of bed when you need to dig your car out of the snow to get to work.

I don't think caffeine is a problem for everybody, of course. I am not a medical doctor, so I have no professional opinions on this. But as for me, I don't do well with it, and I've avoided it for about 20 years, so that's why I use the Cafix. It's been such a lovely discovery for me! If you also avoid caffeine but can't find Cafix, just leave it out. It will still taste good. It'll just be a minty cocoa rather than minty mocha latte, and that's nice on some mornings, too.

Coffee-Free Peppermint Mocha Latte (Vegan)
Serves 1

1 tablespoon cocoa powder
2 teaspoons instant Cafix granules
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 cup soy milk (or other plant-based milk)
1/8 teaspoon peppermint extract
Coconut whipped cream (optional)
Peppermint stick, for stirring (optional)

In a small saucepan, whisk together the cocoa powder and Cafix granules until well-mixed, then whisk in maple syrup. (Doing this ahead of time will help prevent lumps from forming in your cocoa powder after you add the milk.) Finally, whisk in the milk.

Bring just to a boil over medium heat. Remove from heat. Stir in peppermint extract.

To serve, pour the latte into a mug. Drop in a peppermint stick and/or top with coconut whipped cream, if desired.