How to Make an Irresistible Candy Cane Latte

amandakaybradley

6 months ago

Are you looking for a way to keep the holiday spirit alive well into the new year? If so, then you need to try this candy cane latte recipe!

It’s light, refreshing, and can be enjoyed hot or iced.

This easy recipe is also a great way to use all those leftover candy canes from the holiday season.

And the best part is that this recipe is easy to switch up and can accommodate all kinds of dietary restrictions.

Let’s get started!

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost if you purchase through a link. Please see my full disclosure for further information and privacy policy. Specific images on this page are courtesy of Canva. Although I am a medical professional, I am not your medical professional, and the information on this page is for informational and educational purposes only. Please seek a qualified medical professional for questions or concerns about your health status.

What is a candy cane latte?

Would it sound dramatic if my response to this question is that it’s essentially Christmas morning in a mug???

But in all seriousness, this drink has a subtle hint of chocolate and peppermint that perfectly balances with the flavor of coffee.

What’s in a candy cane latte?

This delectable creamy hot drink combines crushed candy cane, chocolate, coffee, and milk. Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra treat!

Coffee

Espresso works well in this recipe; however, you have other options if you don’t have an espresso machine.

Making espresso in a French press is a quick, easy way to whip up strong coffee that works in this and other latte recipes.

To brew espresso using this method, add 4 tablespoons of ground espresso to the French press. Pour over 3 1/2 cups of hot water and allow to sit for approximately 4 minutes.

Once 4 minutes have elapsed, press down on the plunger and pour out your fresh brew.

Using a Moka pot is another popular way to make espresso at home.

Or you can use your regular coffee maker and brew a pot about twice as strong as usual.

If you love that hint of coffee flavor, you need a more strongly brewed batch to cut through all the other flavors you’ll add to the drink.

But leaving the coffee out entirely is also an option, especially if you’re making this drink for your kids.

You can also opt for decaf to avoid a caffeine buzz.

Milk

For a richer, creamier flavor, try whole milk. It won’t froth quite as well as skim milk but will add a full-body flavor that’s absolutely delicious!

If you’re avoiding lactose, try oat milk. I’ve found that it froths better than other non-dairy versions, including almond and soy milk.

Skim and 2% are also solid choices in terms of flavor and ability to hold froth.

Using half & half is another possibility that transforms the richness up a notch.

But feel free to use whatever type of milk you have in your refrigerator!

Chocolate

If you’re a diehard peppermint fan, feel free to leave out the chocolate.

But I’ve found that a bit of cocoa powder adds a hint of subtlety to the drink that complements the peppermint exceptionally well.

You could also substitute a tablespoon of chocolate syrup, more or less, depending on your desired level of sweetness.

I prefer cocoa powder because it adds a rich flavor without also adding sugar.

Candy Canes

You can opt for whole candy canes or small ones for this drink.

And if candy canes aren’t in season, try peppermint syrup.

Peppermint extract also works well and is one of my favorite ways to add flavor without unnecessary sweetness.

Adding candy canes works well for this drink because they add sweetness, and you don’t need extra added sugar.

And the other flavors combine to create a complexity that doesn’t need excessive sweetness to make it delectable.

Candy Cane Latte

The absolute best way to use up leftover candy canes!

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 5

Total Time 9

Servings 1

Ingredients

3 small candy canes or 1/2 large candy cane crushed
1 tsp cocoa powder
1 cup milk
1 shot espresso or 1/4 cup of strongly brewed coffee

Instructions

Combine crushed candy canes, cocoa powder, and milk in a small saucepan. Warm over medium heat using a whisk to combine ingredients until it reaches your desired temperature.
While the candy cane milk is heating, brew the coffee or pull a shot of espresso.
Add the espresso to your favorite mug. Pour in the hot candy cane milk, stirring to combine.
Top with whipped cream and a sprinkling of crushed candy canes. Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you make a candy cane latte into an iced drink?

Melt the candy canes with the coffee instead of the milk to make the iced version. Ensure the candy cane is crushed finely and immediately combine with the hot espresso. Or put the crushed pieces directly in your coffee pot to melt while the coffee drips in.

And if you’re using a French press, put the candy cane pieces in with the grounds. The hot water will melt the candy cane pieces as your coffee brews, leaving you with a delectably sweet combo!

Fill your favorite glass or jar with ice and pour in the coffee mixture after giving it a few minutes in the fridge to cool. Add in cold milk and garnish as above. Enjoy!

How do I add extra sweetness to a candy cane latte?

If you want a sweeter drink, you have several options.

You can add a sweetened chocolate syrup, such as Ghirardelli, instead of the cocoa powder.

Try a simple syrup made with equal parts sugar and water to add a hint of sweetness to the drink.

Honey also works well as a sweetener for all types of drinks. If you’re opting for a cold drink, add the honey to the coffee while it’s hot to melt it slightly before adding other ingredients.

Can I add white chocolate to a candy cane latte?

Absolutely! White chocolate pairs exceptionally well with peppermint. The Ghirardelli white chocolate syrup is my favorite for all types of coffee-based drinks.

Final Thoughts

The candy cane latte is one of those holiday treats that can truly be enjoyed throughout the year. It’s a simple reminder that the holiday spirit doesn’t leave when the snow melts.

Instead, it’s a joy that can be felt and shared all year.

So, try the candy cane latte recipe, and let me know what you think in the comments below!

And if you enjoyed this post, check out one of my other great recipe posts: