Indulge in the perfect blend of mint and chocolate with our Thin Mint Latte recipe.
This homemade treat combines strong coffee, frothy milk, and the refreshing taste of mint.
It’s the ideal drink for a cozy afternoon or a delightful after-dinner treat.
Skip the coffee shop and enjoy this delicious latte right at home.
How To Make A Thin Mint Latte: At A Glance
- Step 1: Prepare the Cup
- Step 2: Brew the Coffee
- Step 3: Heat the Milk Mixture
- Step 4: Froth the Milk
- Step 5: Assemble the Latte
Essential Ingredients
- ½ cup strong brewed coffee or espresso: Provides the robust coffee flavor.
- 1 cup fat-free milk: Froths well and saves calories.
- 3 tablespoons sugar-free chocolate syrup: Adds rich chocolate taste without extra sugar.
- ¼ teaspoon mint extract: Gives the refreshing mint flavor.
- 2 Thin Mint cookies, crumbled: Used for garnish and extra flavor.
- 1 tablespoon honey: To coat the rim of the cup.
- 2 tablespoons Cool Whip: For a creamy topping.
- ¼ teaspoon green sanding sugar: Adds a decorative touch.
Recommended Tools
- Aerolatte milk frother: For creating a perfect foam.
- Blender: An alternative for frothing the milk.
- Measuring cups: To measure ingredients accurately.
- Coffee maker or espresso machine: For brewing the coffee or espresso.
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cup
Start by preparing your cup to add an extra layer of flavor and presentation.
Dip the rim of the cup in honey.
This helps the crushed Thin Mint cookies stick to the edge.
Once the rim is coated in honey, dip it into the crushed Thin Mint cookies.
Set the cup aside to let the coating set while you prepare the rest of the drink.
Step 2: Brew the Coffee
Brew your coffee to create a strong base for the latte.
Use either a strong brewed coffee or a double shot of espresso.
This will give your latte a robust flavor that pairs perfectly with the chocolate and mint.
Set the brewed coffee aside for later.
Step 3: Heat the Milk Mixture
Next, combine your milk, chocolate syrup, and mint extract.
Pour the milk into a small saucepan and add 3 tablespoons of sugar-free chocolate syrup and ¼ teaspoon of mint extract.
Stir the mixture well to ensure the chocolate syrup and mint extract are fully incorporated into the milk.
Heat this mixture on low to medium heat until it is very hot but not boiling.
This step is crucial as it ensures the flavors meld together properly.
Step 4: Froth the Milk
Once the milk mixture is heated, it’s time to froth it.
You can use a milk frother or a blender for this step.
Frothing creates a creamy, airy texture that enhances the latte.
If using a milk frother, move it up and down in the milk mixture until a generous foam forms.
If using a blender, blend the mixture until you see a good amount of foam.
Step 5: Assemble the Latte
Now, it’s time to bring everything together.
Pour the brewed coffee into the prepared cup.
Then, carefully add the frothed milk mixture.
The foam should sit nicely on top of the coffee.
For the final touches, top the latte with a swirl of Cool Whip.
Drizzle extra chocolate syrup over the Cool Whip, and sprinkle the top with additional crushed Thin Mint cookies and a pinch of green sanding sugar.
Nutritional Information
Caloric Content
Each serving of the Thin Mint Latte contains approximately 287 calories.
This makes it a moderate-calorie treat suitable for an afternoon pick-me-up.
Nutritional Breakdown
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the nutritional values per serving:
- Total Fat: 7 grams
- Saturated Fat: 5 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 grams
- Protein: 11 grams
- Total Carbohydrates: 52 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Sugars: 39 grams
- Cholesterol: 5 milligrams
- Sodium: 350 milligrams
This breakdown shows that while the latte is relatively low in cholesterol and provides a decent amount of protein, it is higher in sugars, making it a sweet treat rather than an everyday beverage.
The use of fat-free milk helps keep the fat content lower while still providing a creamy texture.
Enjoy this delightful drink in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Variations
Iced Thin Mint Latte
For a refreshing twist on the classic Thin Mint Latte, try making an iced version.
Here’s how:
1. Prepare the Cup
Dip the rim of a tall glass in honey.
Coat the honey-coated rim with crushed Thin Mint cookies.
Set aside.
2. Brew the Coffee
Brew a strong coffee or a double shot of espresso.
Let it cool to room temperature.
3. Prepare the Milk Mixture
Combine 1 cup of cold fat-free milk with 3 tablespoons of sugar-free chocolate syrup and ¼ teaspoon of mint extract.
Stir well.
4. Assemble the Iced Latte
- Fill the prepared glass with ice.
- Pour the cooled coffee over the ice.
- Add the milk mixture and stir.
- Top with Cool Whip, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, and additional crushed Thin Mint cookies.
Vegan Thin Mint Latte
For a dairy-free, caffeine-free version, use these ingredients and steps:
1. Ingredients
- 2 cups thick unsweetened oat milk
- 2 packets Stash peppermint tea
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons cacao powder or unsweetened cocoa powder
2. Instructions
- Bring the oat milk to a boil in a saucepan. Remove from heat and add the peppermint tea packets. Let steep for 5 minutes.
- Mix the maple syrup and cacao powder in a small bowl.
- Remove the tea packets from the milk, then whisk in the cacao mixture until smooth.
- Use an immersion blender to froth the latte, or blend it in a regular blender.
- Pour into two cups and enjoy.
Other Homemade Latte Recipes
Expand your homemade latte repertoire with these delicious variations:
Dark Chocolate Latte
- Use dark chocolate syrup instead of sugar-free chocolate syrup.
- Top with dark chocolate shavings.
Coconut Nutella Latte
- Add 2 tablespoons of Nutella and ¼ cup of coconut milk to your milk mixture.
- Top with toasted coconut flakes.
Caramel Mocha Latte
- Add 2 tablespoons of caramel sauce to the milk mixture.
- Drizzle additional caramel on top of the Cool Whip.
Maple Latte
- Replace the chocolate syrup with 3 tablespoons of pure maple syrup.
- Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Peanut Butter Latte
- Add 2 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter to the milk mixture.
- Garnish with crushed peanuts on top of the Cool Whip.
Tips and Tricks
Frothing Tips
Achieving the perfect foam can elevate your Thin Mint Latte.
Here are some tips for using different frothing tools:
- Milk Frother: Hold the frother at a slight angle and move it up and down in the milk mixture. This helps incorporate air, creating a creamy foam.
- Blender: Pour the hot milk mixture into the blender and blend on high for about 30 seconds. This creates a frothy texture with minimal effort.
- French Press: Pour the hot milk mixture into the French press, then pump the plunger up and down vigorously until the milk is frothy.
Milk Options
Different types of milk can affect the texture and taste of your latte:
- Fat-Free Milk: Froths well and keeps the calorie count low. It produces a light and airy foam.
- Whole Milk: Creates a richer, creamier foam and adds a fuller taste to your latte.
- Oat Milk: A great dairy-free option that froths well and has a slightly sweet, nutty flavor.
- Almond Milk: Froths nicely but may produce a slightly thinner foam. It adds a nutty undertone to your latte.
- Coconut Milk: Adds a tropical flavor and produces a rich, creamy foam, perfect for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
The Thin Mint Latte is versatile and can be enjoyed on various occasions:
- Afternoon Pick-Me-Up: Perfect for a mid-day energy boost. Pair it with a light snack like a biscotti or a piece of dark chocolate.
- After-Dinner Treat: A delightful way to end a meal. Serve it with a dessert like brownies, mint chocolate chip cookies, or a slice of chocolate cake.
- Holiday Gatherings: Impress your guests with this festive drink. Garnish with extra Thin Mint cookie crumbles and a candy cane for a seasonal touch.
Conclusion
The Thin Mint Latte is a versatile and delicious treat, perfect for any time of the day.
Its blend of mint and chocolate creates a delightful flavor that satisfies both coffee and dessert cravings.
Try this easy recipe at home and enjoy a coffee shop-quality drink without leaving your kitchen.
We’d love to hear how your Thin Mint Latte turned out!
Share your experience and any variations you tried in the comments section below.