Xanthan Gum Free Peppermint Cocoa Agua Fresca
Cool, refreshing, and just a little bit indulgent, this peppermint cocoa agua fresca is the kind of drink that surprises you in the best way. Fresh peppermint leaves steep directly into a warm cocoa base made with unsweetened cocoa powder and maple syrup, so every sip carries a clean, bright chocolate-mint flavor without anything artificial. The whole thing gets strained, chilled, and poured over ice — simple steps that result in something that feels genuinely special. Because the recipe relies entirely on whole, straightforward ingredients, there are no thickeners or stabilizers hiding anywhere in the glass. That makes it a naturally clean choice for anyone avoiding additives like xanthan gum, which can sneak into flavored syrups, packaged drink mixes, and even some cocoa blends. Serve it with a sprig of fresh mint for a little extra flair, and it's instantly the most elegant thing on the table.
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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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