Paraben Free Peppermint Cocoa Agua Fresca
Cool, minty, and chocolatey all at once, this agua fresca is the kind of drink that surprises you with how refreshing it actually is. Fresh peppermint leaves are steeped directly into a warm cocoa base made with just unsweetened cocoa powder and maple syrup, so every sip carries a clean, natural flavor without anything artificial hiding in the mix. That matters a lot when you're trying to avoid synthetic preservatives and additives that sneak into flavored drinks and store-bought cocoa products. The whole thing comes together in a pitcher with cold water, a pinch of sea salt, and a little patience while it chills — no blender, no fancy equipment, no stress. Served over ice with a sprig of fresh peppermint, it looks genuinely beautiful and tastes like a chocolate mint patty decided to become a beverage. It works equally well as a party drink, an afternoon refresher, or a lighter alternative to hot cocoa on a warm day.
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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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