Smooth, creamy, and full of peppermint and white chocolate flavor – this white chocolate peppermint latte is a good holiday drink you can't turn down!

At Avdaye, we add lots of tips in all of our recipes – because we are a home cook without any formal training, and we find we are more confident making dishes when we understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe. Our goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.

White Chocolate Peppermint Latte

Really, we should call them coffee-ish drinks – since we are still a coffee purist at heart and a firm and true believer in a good, solid pour over.

But we are so in love with making coffee drinks with a hint of flavored syrup and frothy milk right now, it has totally become our new favorite indulgence.

We were recently given a ninja coffee bar to try out, and am loving trying some fun new ideas with their coffee bar that makes it easy to enjoy coffee house-style drinks at home. It's so much fun! We definitely recommend this as an easy way to make your own latte at home!

This White Chocolate Peppermint Latte is good, so easy, and suited to the holidays. It will help you start your day with a little extra ho ho ho!

Of course, if you don't have a milk frother, you can use warm milk – but we love the velvety thickness of home-steamed milk. It is so rich and good – and with a touch of cool whipped cream on top, this drink is divine!

Kitchen notes

Heat Milk. Heat the milk up (only 40 seconds in the microwave), and then froth.

Froth. Make sure you froth your milk separately and then add to your coffee! If you don't have a fancy milk frother, warm up the milk and flavorings and then add to your java!

Add a Touch of Vanilla. A small dash of vanilla extract can enhance the flavors of both the white chocolate and peppermint, giving the latte a more rounded taste.

Serve in a Pre-Warmed Mug. Pre-warm your mug by filling it with hot water and letting it sit for a minute before pouring in your latte. This helps keep your drink hot for longer.

Make It Extra Creamy. For an extra creamy latte, use half-and-half or a mix of heavy cream and milk. This will give your latte a rich, indulgent texture.

Experiment with Different Milk Options. Try using different types of milk like almond, oat, or coconut milk for a dairy-free version. Each type of milk will give the latte a unique flavor and texture.

Keep the Peppermint Subtle. The peppermint flavor should complement, not overpower, the white chocolate. If you're using peppermint syrup instead of extract, start with a small amount and adjust to taste.

A few answers

Can we use peppermint syrup instead of peppermint extract?

Yes, you can use peppermint syrup. It will add sweetness along with the peppermint flavor. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste to avoid overpowering the white chocolate.

What's the best way to froth the milk?

The best results come from using a milk frother or steam wand. If you don't have one, you can whisk the milk vigorously or use a French press by pumping the handle until the milk is frothy.

Can we make this latte without an espresso machine?

Yes, you can use strong brewed coffee or instant espresso powder as a substitute for espresso. This will still give you a rich coffee flavor, though it may be slightly less intense.

Can we make this latte dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the milk with a non-dairy alternative like almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. Ensure the white chocolate you're using is also dairy-free.

How do we prevent the milk from scalding?

Heat the milk slowly over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. This will prevent the milk from scalding and developing an unpleasant taste.