Nutmeg Free Peppermint Cocoa Lemonade
This drink sounds like it shouldn't work — and yet it absolutely does. The homemade peppermint cocoa syrup brings a rich, chocolatey depth that plays off the bright tartness of fresh lemon juice in the most unexpected way. Because the syrup is made from scratch with cocoa powder, maple syrup, and peppermint extract, you have complete control over every ingredient — no spice blends, no pre-made mixes, and no hidden warm spices sneaking in. Straining the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve gives it a silky, polished texture that makes the whole drink feel genuinely special. The sparkling water keeps things light and effervescent, and the intentional "lightly streaked" finish means every sip hits a little differently. Garnished with fresh mint and a lemon slice, it looks as good as it tastes — perfect for serving to guests or just treating yourself on a warm afternoon.
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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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