Cinnamon Free Peppermint Cocoa Lemonade

Total time40 min

Prep time10 min

Cook time10 min

5.0

(12)

Peppermint, chocolate, and lemon might sound like an unlikely trio, but this sparkling drink pulls them together in a way that feels both refreshing and indulgent. The homemade cocoa syrup is built from maple syrup, unsweetened cocoa powder, and a touch of peppermint extract — no spice blends, no hidden warming spices, just clean, bold flavors you can trust. That matters more than you might think, since so many flavored syrups and cocoa mixes sneak in cinnamon or other spices that can be hard to spot on a label. Making the syrup from scratch takes only a few minutes on the stovetop, and straining it through a fine-mesh sieve gives you a silky, smooth base. Fresh lemon juice brings a bright tartness that cuts right through the richness of the cocoa, and the sparkling water keeps everything light and lively in the glass. Served over ice with a swirl of those lemonade streaks still visible, it looks as good as it tastes — the kind of drink that earns a double take at the table.

About Fig

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 →

Ingredients

4 servings

For the peppermint cocoa syrup

½ cup water
½ cup maple syrup
2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
¼ tsp peppermint extract
1 pinch fine salt

For the lemonade

½ cup fresh lemon juice (from about 4 lemons)
3 cups sparkling water, chilled
2 cups ice

For serving

4 fresh mint sprigs (optional)
4 lemon slices (optional)

Instructions

1
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.
2
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.

Want the full recipe?

Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!