Alpha Gal Friendly Peppermint Cocoa Agua Fresca
Cool, refreshing, and completely plant-based, this drink is a brilliant twist on the classic Mexican agua fresca tradition — swapping fruit for the bold combination of chocolate and mint. Managing alpha-gal syndrome means staying vigilant about mammalian products, and this recipe keeps things beautifully simple: every ingredient here is naturally free from meat, dairy, and other animal triggers. The cocoa is whisked into a smooth, lightly sweetened base with maple syrup, then steeped with fresh peppermint leaves to pull out that bright, herbal flavor before the whole thing is chilled and poured over ice. That steeping step is the secret — it infuses the drink with a clean, cooling mintiness that feels almost fancy without any extra effort. The result is something between a chocolate mint tea and a sparkling-free agua fresca, served cold and totally satisfying on a warm day. It's the kind of drink that looks impressive in a glass but comes together with a handful of pantry staples and one small saucepan.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 4 cups cold water, divided
- 8 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4 tbsp maple syrup
- ½ cup fresh peppermint leaves, loosely packed
- ⅛ tsp fine sea salt
For serving
- ice cubes, for serving
- 4 fresh peppermint sprigs, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine 1 cup of the cold water with the cocoa powder and maple syrup in a small saucepan. Whisk over medium heat until the cocoa is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth and just beginning to steam, about 3–4 minutes — do not let it boil.
- 2
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the peppermint leaves and fine sea salt, stir once to submerge the leaves, and let steep for 10 minutes.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!