
This drink is a genuinely unexpected combination that somehow works beautifully — cool peppermint, rich cocoa, and bright citrus all swirling together in a sparkling glass. The homemade peppermint cocoa syrup is the real star here, built from maple syrup, unsweetened cocoa powder, and a touch of peppermint extract, then strained smooth and chilled before it ever meets the lemonade. For anyone avoiding capsaicin, this is the kind of bold, complex flavor hit that can feel hard to come by — no heat, no peppers, just layers of cool and tart and lightly sweet. Fresh lemon juice keeps the whole thing bright and tangy, while the sparkling water adds a fizzy lift that makes it feel festive without being fussy. The trick of leaving the drink lightly streaked rather than fully stirred means every sip is a little different, which is a small detail that makes a big impression. Garnish with a mint sprig and a lemon slice and it looks like something you'd order at a fancy café — but it comes together in your own kitchen with minimal effort.
Fig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →4 servings










Combine the water, maple syrup, and cocoa powder in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk constantly until the cocoa is fully dissolved and the mixture comes to a gentle simmer, about 3–4 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and whisk in the peppermint extract and salt. Pour the syrup through a fine-mesh strainer into a heatproof container to remove any undissolved cocoa solids.
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!
