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Home » Drinks » Starbucks Recipes

Starbucks Peppermint Syrup

Published: Dec 21, 2022 · Modified: Jun 27, 2023 by Ali

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Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

This Starbucks peppermint syrup is an easy copycat recipe you can make at home. Made with 3 ingredients in under 15 minutes. Use it to make all your favorite holiday flavored drinks, such as peppermint hot chocolate or peppermint mocha lattes.

A spoonful of purple-pink Starbucks peppermint syrup, on a white marble table with candy cane pieces.

Homemade flavored coffee syrups, such as this pumpkin spice syrup, this peanut butter coffee syrup, or this pistachio syrup, are an easy way to recreate copycat versions of all your favorite drinks.

For other copycat Starbucks holiday drink recipes, try this starbucks chai tea latte, this starbucks pistachio latte, or this starbucks salted caramel mocha.

Jump to:
  • Why You’ll Love This Recipe
  • Ways to Use Starbucks Peppermint Syrup
  • Ingredients & Substitutions
  • Equipment
  • Step By Step Instructions
  • Storage
  • Expert Tips
  • Recipe FAQs
  • 📖 Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • This Starbucks peppermint syrup recipe is so easy to make with only 3 ingredients in under 15 minutes.
  • It is a lot cheaper to make this syrup at home than to buy Starbucks drinks or to buy a storebought peppermint syrup.
  • It tastes like pure peppermint, without any hint of chemical, or artificial flavoring.
  • It can be used as a coffee syrup to create peppermint lattes, or as a cocktail simple syrup to make peppermint-flavored holiday cocktails.

Ways to Use Starbucks Peppermint Syrup

This syrup can be used in any type of drink. Experiment by adding 1 to 2 tablespoons to coffee or other holiday drinks or cocktails. Here are some ideas:

  • Peppermint Mocha: Mix 1 to 2 tablespoons of peppermint syrup with a couple shots of espresso and ¾ cup hot chocolate. Top with whipped cream.
  • Peppermint Baileys Hot Chocolate: Mix 1 to 2 tablespoons of peppermint syrup into this Baileys hot chocolate for a festive peppermint Baileys hot chocolate.
  • Peppermint Latte: Mix 1 tablespoon of peppermint syrup into a couple shots of espresso. Top with frothed milk.
A peppermint latte in a white mug, topped with foam and candy cane sprinkles.
  • Peppermint Cold Brew: Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of syrup to a cup of cold brew coffee. Add in a couple tablespoons of this chocolate simple syrup for a peppermint mocha cold brew. Top with sweet cream cold foam.
  • Peppermint Eggnog: Mix in a couple tablespoons of peppermint syrup into your favorite eggnog.
  • Peppermint Espresso Martini: To make a peppermint espresso martini, combine 1 ½ oz Kahlua, 1 oz peppermint syrup, ½ oz espresso, ½ oz vodka and ½ oz heavy cream in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well, strain and serve.

Ingredients & Substitutions

The ingredients needed to make the peppermint syrup.
  • Candy Canes: All of the peppermint flavoring comes from candy canes. Use classic, peppermint-flavored candy canes. The color of the candy canes will affect what color the syrup is, but the taste will be the same regardless of the candy cane color. Green, white and red candy canes will create a light purple color (as seen in the photos). For a reddish-pink syrup, use red and white colored candy canes.
  • Sugar: Granulated sugar adds a bit of extra sweetness to the syrup. Granulated sugar, as opposed to brown sugar, works best for this recipe.
  • Water: Water gives the syrup the proper consistency. Use filtered water to avoid any odd flavors being added into the syrup.

Equipment

You will need the following equipment to make this peppermint syrup:

  • A small saucepan to make the syrup in.
  • A spatula or whisk to stir the syrup as it is cooking.
  • A glass mason jar to store the syrup in.

Step By Step Instructions

Step 1: Add the crushed candy canes, sugar and water to a saucepan. Heat over medium to high heat, stirring occasionally.

A process photo illustrating step 2.

Step 2: Bring the mixture to a very gentle simmer. If it begins to boil, reduce the heat. Continue to stir until the candy canes have completely melted, about 7 minutes. Remove the syrup from the stove and let it cool before storing or using it in drinks.

A process photo illustrating step 2.

Storage

This recipe makes about ⅓ cups of syrup. For convenience, it is easiest to make a large batch in advance and store it to use later.

  • Fridge: Store leftover syrup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 to 2 weeks. Use a glass jar, as opposed to a plastic one, to prevent any other flavors from seeping into the syrup.
  • Freezer: Use a freezer safe container to freeze the syrup for up to 2 to 3 months. Make sure to leave a bit of extra space in the container to allow the liquid to expand as it freezes. Thaw it in the fridge overnight, and shake well before using.

Expert Tips

  • Don’t let the syrup boil. Boiling the syrup can result in too much water evaporating, causing the syrup to be thick.
  • Be patient. This syrup takes a few minutes longer than other syrups to make because the candy canes can be slow to melt. Just keep stirring, until they fully dissolve.
  • Pay attention to your candy cane color. The color of the candy canes you use will not affect the taste of the syrup, but they will affect the color. If you care about the color of your syrup, choose candy canes that will blend into a pretty color. Candy canes that are a combination of colors can create a murkier/ brownish color.

Recipe FAQs

How much peppermint syrup do you add to drinks?

Most drinks will need 1 to 2 tablespoons of peppermint syrup for flavoring. This syrup is strong! Always start with less and add more if needed.

Can I use peppermint extract rather than candy canes to flavor the syrup?

This recipe has not been tested using peppermint extract as a substitute for the candy canes. However, sometimes extracts can have a slightly chemical/ artificial flavor that is strong and unenjoyable. Using candy canes gives a more vibrant, pure peppermint flavor.

Is this peppermint syrup for coffee?

Yes, this peppermint syrup can be used to create coffee-based drinks, such as peppermint lattes.

Is this like peppermint simple syrup?

Yes, this can be used as a peppermint simple syrup to create peppermint-flavored cocktails, such as peppermint espresso martinis.

Overhead view of a small container of peppermint syrup on a white marble table with scattered candy cane pieces.
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📖 Recipe

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A spoonful of purple-pink Starbucks peppermint syrup, on a white marble table with candy cane pieces.

Starbucks Peppermint Syrup


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 4 reviews

  • Author: Ali
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: ⅓ cup syrup 1x
  • Diet: Vegan
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Description

This Starbucks peppermint syrup is an easy copycat recipe you can make at home. Made with 3 ingredients in under 15 minutes. Use it to make all your favorite holiday flavored drinks, such as peppermint hot chocolate or peppermint mocha lattes.


Ingredients

Scale
  • ⅓ cup water
  • ¼ cup candy canes, crushed
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar

Instructions

  1. Add the water, candy canes and granulated sugar to a saucepan and heat over medium to high heat.
  2. Continue to heat for 5 to 8 minutes as the candy canes melt, stirring occasionally. Bring the mixture to a very gentle simmer, but if the syrup begins to boil, reduce the temperature.
  3. Once the candy canes have fully melted and the syrup is smooth, remove it from the stovetop. Let it cool to room temperature before using it in drinks.

Notes

  • The color of the candy canes you use will not affect the taste, but will affect the color. Red and white candy canes will create a pinkish/red syrup. Red, white and green candy canes will create a purplish color.
  • Prep Time: 2 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Starbucks Recipes
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 tbsp
  • Calories: 96
  • Sugar: 18.9g
  • Sodium: 6mg
  • Fat: 0g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 24.2g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Leave a comment if you tried this recipe!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. dina and bruce miller

    August 27, 2023 at 1:55 pm

    Made this! Gonna have a mocha peppermint latte in the morning!!

    Reply
  2. Dina and Bruce

    August 27, 2023 at 1:27 pm

    I am so ready for a peppermint mocha! Love this recipe!

    Reply
  3. Kristen

    August 27, 2023 at 12:45 pm

    This syrup was delicious! I'll make it again for Christmas for sure!

    Reply
  4. Liz

    August 27, 2023 at 12:06 pm

    This is going to save me so much money! Haha can't wait to make some peppermint mochas at home!

    Reply

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Ali in a white tank top wearing sunglasses, with trees with yellow leaves in the background.

Hi, I'm Ali! Full-time nurse, lifetime foodie. Join me as I create, eat and drink the most delicious brunch, cocktail & dessert recipes! More about me —>

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