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 starts with a quick stovetop base of unsweetened cocoa powder and maple syrup whisked into water until silky smooth, then fresh peppermint leaves are steeped right in while the mixture is still warm, pulling out every bit of that bright, herbal flavor. The whole thing gets strained, chilled, and poured over ice — simple technique, genuinely stunning result. Every ingredient here is naturally grain-free, so there's no need to scan labels or second-guess anything hiding in a flavoring or mix. The maple syrup brings a gentle, rounded sweetness that plays beautifully against the cool mint and deep cocoa without tipping into dessert territory. It's light enough to sip on a warm afternoon but interesting enough to serve at a dinner party alongside something savory. Garnish with a fresh peppermint sprig and it looks like something you'd order at a fancy café.
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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.
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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