MSG Free Peppermint Cocoa Lemonade
This drink sounds like it shouldn't work — chocolate, mint, and lemon in the same glass — but somehow it absolutely does. The homemade peppermint cocoa syrup is the secret, built from maple syrup, unsweetened cocoa powder, and a touch of peppermint extract, then strained smooth and chilled before it ever hits the glass. Because every component is made from scratch with whole, simple ingredients, there's no need to second-guess labels or worry about hidden additives that sneak into packaged syrups and flavored drinks. Fresh lemon juice brings a bright, tart lift that cuts right through the richness of the cocoa, while sparkling water keeps everything fizzy and refreshing. The intentional "lightly streaked" finish means each sip is a little different — sometimes more citrusy, sometimes more chocolatey — which makes it genuinely fun to drink. Garnished with a mint sprig and a lemon slice, it's also the kind of thing that looks impressive on a table without requiring any real effort to pull off.
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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.
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