The holidays have a way of filling every quiet space. More people. More noise. More expectations. And somehow, less margin.

That’s why a simple coffee ritual matters this time of year.

Not a complicated recipe. Not something that takes fifteen ingredients or turns your kitchen into a mess. Just a good cup of coffee, made with intention, that gives you a moment to slow down before the day pulls you in every direction.

This Peppermint Mocha is one of our favorite ways to enjoy Rise + Serve coffee during the holidays—rich, warm, and just festive enough without being sweet or overdone.

Peppermint Mocha

What You’ll Need

• Freshly brewed Rise + Serve coffee (medium or dark roast works best)
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder (or high-quality chocolate syrup)
• 1–2 teaspoons maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)
• A splash of milk or cream (optional)
• 1–2 drops peppermint extract (a little goes a long way)
• Optional topping: whipped cream or shaved dark chocolate

How to Make It

1. Brew your coffee strong
   Start with a solid cup of Rise + Serve coffee. This recipe shines when the coffee backbone is bold enough to carry the chocolate and peppermint without disappearing.
   

2. Mix the chocolate
   In your mug, stir the cocoa powder with a small splash of hot coffee until it fully dissolves. This prevents clumps and gives you a smoother finish.
   

3. Sweeten gently
   Add maple syrup or honey and stir. You’re aiming for warmth and balance—not dessert.
   

4. Add peppermint
   One or two drops of peppermint extract is all you need. Go slow. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out.
   

5. Finish the cup
   Top with the rest of your coffee. Add milk or cream if you like. Stir once, then let it settle.
   

6. Optional topping
   If you’re feeling festive, add a small dollop of whipped cream or a few shavings of dark chocolate.

Why This Matters

This isn’t about copying a coffee shop drink.

It’s about reclaiming a moment.

Early morning before the house wakes up.
Late night after everyone’s gone to bed.
A quiet pause before prayer, work, or conversation.

Rise + Serve exists for moments like this—when you choose to be present, grounded, and intentional, even in a busy season.

Make the coffee.
Take the breath.
Then go serve your people well.

A Simple Way to Share It

This recipe also makes a great excuse to invite someone over.

Brew a small pot. Pour two mugs. Sit down. Talk about real things. The holidays don’t need to be louder—they need to be more meaningful.

Good coffee helps!

Brew With Purpose This Season

If you haven’t tried Rise + Serve yet, our holiday blends are roasted for moments just like this. Strong, smooth, and made to be shared.

Drink good coffee.
Serve faithfully.
Live on purpose.

Here’s a BONUS Warm Classic: 

Gingerbread Latte with Rise + Serve Coffee

If peppermint is bright and festive, gingerbread is grounding and familiar.

This Gingerbread Latte is for slow mornings, cold air, and conversations that linger. Warm spices, subtle sweetness, and a strong coffee backbone—nothing artificial, nothing overpowering. Just comfort in a mug.

What You’ll Need

• Freshly brewed Rise + Serve coffee
• ½ cup milk (whole, oat, or almond all work well)
• 1 tablespoon molasses
• 1–2 teaspoons maple syrup or honey (to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of ground nutmeg or cloves (optional)
• Optional topping: frothed milk or cinnamon

Tip: A medium-dark or dark roast Rise + Serve coffee pairs best with gingerbread spices. If you want something nutty, try our Hazelnut Flavored coffee.

How to Make It

1. Brew the coffee
   Start with a strong cup of Rise + Serve coffee. Gingerbread flavors need a bold base to stay balanced.
   

2. Warm the milk
   In a small saucepan, gently heat the milk over medium-low heat. Do not boil.
   

3. Add the flavor
   Whisk in molasses, maple syrup, ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg or cloves. Stir until fully combined and warm.
   

4. Assemble the latte
   Pour the brewed coffee into your mug, then slowly add the spiced milk mixture.
   

5. Finish and serve
   Top with lightly frothed milk if desired. A small sprinkle of cinnamon on top is plenty.

Brew This Recipe with Rise + Serve Coffee

Both of these holiday recipes work best when the coffee itself is strong, smooth, and balanced enough to carry warm spices without getting lost.

That’s exactly what Rise + Serve coffee is roasted for.

Our holiday blends and core roasts are crafted to be bold without bitterness—perfect for lattes, mochas, or a simple black cup on a cold morning.

If you’re brewing these recipes at home, start here:

• Explore our → Holiday Coffee Collection 

• Shop All → Rise + Serve Coffee

• Learn → the Mission Behind Rise + Serve

Each bag is roasted with intention and supports a mission focused on faith, family, and service—so the coffee you brew does more than just taste good. Enjoy!!