Welcome to winter. Considering it's December 9 and I've only worn my winter coat 2 times AND I live in the wonderful city of Boston, I'm considering this a successful winter thus far. Wait? It's not winter yet? Nope. Not until December 22. And considering I live in the wonderful city of Boston, I'm estimating that this winter will last at least 4.5 months. Which, if you're good at math like me, you'll know is over â…“ of a year. Joy!
Though I'm perpetually cold, I'm actually not a huge winter-hater for several reasons. a) I LOVE the change in the seasons and am not sure I'd be happy without them, b) I LOVE being cozy and, for me, that requires freezing cold outside and me on the couch inside snuggled with a blanket and a cup of tea... Or coffee... Or liquor. Also, call me crazy, but there's something about a pure white blanket of snow covering the city, forcing you to take time out and just be. Until it turns brown and slushy... But that's a story for another post. Also? Boots, scarves, earmuffs, hats, and gloves sometimes make me happy. Oh, and Peppermint White Chocolate Lattes. Definitely those, too.
Peppermint White Chocolate Latte (serves about 2):
Print this recipe!
- 2.5 cups strong coffee or espresso
- 1 cup 1% milk
- ¼ cup heavy cream, plus 1 C for topping
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
- 1 ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 4 oz. dark rum
- Mini candy canes for garnish
In true holiday spirit, this is another super easy and quick drink that you'll be warming up with in no time at all. As I always say, you certainly don't have to add the rum... But why wouldn't you want to? No seriously, it's fine because this drink is super flavorful and awesome whether you add it or not.
Of course, make sure you have your strong coffee or espresso brewed. I obviously chose a
In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, warm the coffee, milk, and ¼ cup cream. If you're totally anti-cream, you can just use all milk. I chose a low-fat milk, but wanted to add a little creaminess to it.
Once the mixture is heated, stir in the white chocolate chips.
When the white chocolate chips are melted, turn the heat off and add in the peppermint extract.
Pour your rum into your glasses.
And use the remaining cup of cream to whip up for a topping.
Pour coffee mixture into glasses. Top with whipped cream and crushed candy canes.
Now, no amount of snow or muddy slush will be able to get you down.
There's just something so awesome about alcohol in coffee drinks, don't you think? And the added peppermint flavor in this latte gave it the perfect festive touch, without being too heavy or sweet.
And if you're living in a part of the world that doesn't know what it's like to experience frigid temperatures, well, this latte will help you get in the holiday spirit. I don't know what it's like to try to get in the holiday spirit without a huge winter coat and a layer of long underwear, but I guess if you grew up with it, you're probably used to it.
I did spend Christmas in 10th grade in Florida and remember thinking it was so weird that I could sit by the pool in my bathing suit, listening to Guster on my Discman and eating shrimp cocktail. But I'm sure I could get used to it if I had to.
Especially if I had this drink in hand.
Do you enjoy wintry weather or would you prefer to live somewhere with warm temperatures all year?
[Sues]
Erica says
Yummmm! The white chips are a fun touch. I am not a winter gal. I prefer to enjoy my hot drinks in ac haha 🙂
Megan says
Mmmm. That's a perfect wintry drink!
Emily @ A Cambridge Story says
Sounds excellent! No latte should be served without rum. Love the seasonal touches in your photos!
netrez says
found your cranberry mojito on Pinterest and I'm pumped to mix one of these as well for my Beantown holiday party this coming week. Thanks for the ideas!
Claudia says
I am printing this. In MN winter is six months of the year. Let's just say - I like being cozy also and this is a cozy drink - run that fire, get under a blanket sip your beautiful latte. That's how you cope with winter! I've never figured out how to "follow you" or I would!
Kelsey @ Snacking Squirrel says
the first peppermint lattes of the season that i've seen so far. the extra step of adding white chocolate is really fantastic. I'm trying to think if I have heard of peppermint lattes with white chocolate and i don't think i have- but i know that peppermint and white chocolate cookies are soooooo good that this would be AMAZING!!
and it would be lovely to sip on Christmas morning!! <3
xoxo <3
Culinary Cory says
Yummy! Sounds awesome!
Sues says
@Netrez Hi! Yay for finding us through Pinterest! I love that you're from Boston, too 🙂
Reeni says
I lived in AZ for awhile and it was hard to get in the Christmas spirit with it being so warm out! I NEED snow! And one of your delectable lattes!
Christine says
Hey Chels and Sues, your Peppermint White Chocolate Latte is a Recipe Guessing Game on Knapkins. Think your friends can win? http://www.knapkins.com/guess_games/1048?source=blog
Show your foodie love and vote here http://www.knapkins.com/duel?
dish=15829
Amy (Savory Moments) says
This drink looks festive and tasty! I don't think I could ever live somewhere that it is warm in the winter...
Sue says
You can't live in Minnesota and not love winter. Although I'll admit when April rolls around, I'm ready for green grass and daffodils. Can't wait to make this yummy drink at our family Christmas party next weekend.
Loveforfood says
i want that drink. wow!
Lisabeth Homles says
Love your blog!
Gia Grossman says
Whoa Nelly. I'm at work right now but would rather be in bed drinking this. Life is not fair!
Shannon says
mmmm, i'd love to warm up with one right now 🙂
5 Star Foodie says
That sounds incredible, so delicious, perfect in the chilly weather!
Kerstin says
I love being cozy too! Wish I was warming up with one of these right now - they look sooooo good 🙂
Elizabeth says
I love the white chocolate in there. I'm thinking about starting out with just a plain white chocolate latte for starts.
brandi says
yes, please! i could use one of those tonight. it's going to be chilly!
Daisy says
the change in seasons for me are a must! I spent Christmas in FL one year too - it was fun, but weird!!
the drink looks delicious - love the rum, love the frothiness!