Celery Free Peppermint Cocoa Agua Fresca
This drink is cool, refreshing, and just a little bit indulgent — a chilled blend of real cocoa, maple syrup, and fresh peppermint that tastes like a mint chocolate dream in a glass. Agua fresca is traditionally a light, fruit-forward beverage, but this cocoa version proves the format is endlessly versatile. The peppermint leaves are steeped directly into the warm cocoa base, then strained out, leaving behind a clean, bright flavor without any bitterness or plant matter in your glass. Maple syrup keeps the sweetness natural and balanced, while a pinch of sea salt quietly deepens the chocolate notes in a way that makes every sip more interesting. The whole thing comes together in one small saucepan and a pitcher, with most of the hands-off time spent chilling in the fridge. Serve it over ice with a fresh mint sprig and it looks genuinely stunning — the kind of drink that makes guests think you put in way more effort than you actually did.
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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.
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