Emulsifier Free Peppermint Cocoa Agua Fresca
Cool, refreshing, and just a little indulgent, this peppermint cocoa agua fresca is the kind of drink that surprises you in the best way. It bridges the gap between a rich hot chocolate and a bright, garden-fresh agua fresca — cold, lightly sweet, and deeply chocolatey with a clean minty finish. Because it's built from scratch with just a handful of whole ingredients, there's no need to scrutinize labels for hidden additives or emulsifying agents that sneak into so many packaged cocoa drinks and flavored syrups. The cocoa is dissolved directly in warm water with maple syrup, then steeped with fresh peppermint leaves before being strained and chilled — a simple process that keeps everything clean and intentional. That steeping step is what makes it special, coaxing a bright, natural mint flavor out of the leaves without any extracts or artificial flavoring. Serve it over a big glass of ice with a fresh sprig on top and it looks every bit as impressive as it tastes.
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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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