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Know why I’m smiling in this photo?
Because I did not pay $4+ for a tall Peppermint Mocha!
For a less expensive version, request a peppermint mocha Misto, which is coffee + steamed milk instead of espresso + steamed milk. Just as good if you ask me. Still cheaper even if you order a grande. So, more peppermint mocha flavor to love and less cash leaves your wallet. Happiness. However, I have two suggestions for the folks at Starbucks: Your size tall should go by another name as it is not tall at all in my opinion. Please offer skinny versions of your peppermint mochas year-round. Thank you.
Sincerely,
HEAB
{ 51 comments }
That’s the best news! I have never had a peppermint mocha…but I am going to try your version for sure. Thanks for the tip!
Brilliance. Tomorrow I may have to crack open to wallet again.
Side note, you are so beautiful! Such a happy glow.
Thanks Heather. Peppermint + chocolate always makes me glow.
haha that’s like my ‘latte’ trick ordering 1 shot espresso over ice and then hopping over to the milk bar to fill ‘er up! i adore that hat! unfortunately i look rather troll like with hats…big hair and small forehead do not a flattering hat head maketh.
Someday, I’ll be hip to all of this cool coffee lingo. For now, I’ll be as confused as ever, lol.
I rarely, rarely pay for Starbucks b/c I am 1. cheap and 2. can suck down a coffee (hot…and iced is a big fat joke how fast I can drink those) sooo fast so I brew and drink at home. But…if I am ever forced to break down and buy a ‘Bucks, I always use the Misto trick. Works every time.
Glad you discovered it.
Adorable picture of you!
I will cheers to that. Great tip, Heather!
Love that picture – cute hat!
If you get a Starbucks gift card and register it online, the peppermint syrup (and any other syrup for that matter, as well as soy milk) will be free. You’ll also get a free drink every 15 times you use it, plus a free one on your birthday!
Tara,
Really? I did not know this – thanks for the info. Makes me very happy!
I always do this. Pay with my bucks registered card. I order a vanilla soy americano misto. You still get the espresso but less milky and way cheaper, like under 3 bucks! Love!
I love my misto’s!! It’s so much better than a latte and definitely less expensive.
i agree with the misnomer “tall” label. i think i will start ordering “shorties”
i’ve never had the peppermint flavor but i love, love, love the sugar free cinnamon dulce!!!
Best smile ever!
Oooh; THANKS for the tip Heather! I think it should be available year round too. I had a sugar free peppermint mocha the other day and got hives in return. Another lesson that sugar is probably better for us than anything unnatural that we substitute for it – or that a little stevia in the purse will never be a bad idea.
Jenna,
Oh no – hives? So sorry. Yeah, if only Torani made their syrups with stevia. I’d buy them in bulk!
You are too cute! Im a mistoaholic!
Heather — good news (or possibly bad!), you CAN get a peppermint mocha at Starbucks year round. Even though it is only featured on the menu at xmas time, they carry the peppermint syrup and the mocha syrup all the time. I order iced peppermint mochas all the time in the summer — one to try!
Bridget,
Yes, but I don’t think they carry the sugar free mocha & peppermint syrups year-round which is what I always order, or maybe they do. I’ll inquire as an iced peppermint mocha sounds lovely.
Great idea! On the days when I don’t have time to get to the coffee shop, I add a couple drops of peppermint flavoring to some hot chocolate and coffee for a peppermint mocha substitute.
Health Bee,
Sounds like a perfect (& much cheaper) substitute. Good thinkin’!
love this picture of you!!
Yes, this is what I need to spend my Starbucks gift cards on! I received at least 15 for teachers gifts! Super cute photo!
Sarah,
15 gift cards? Lots of peppermint mocha Mistos coming your way. I’m jealous. Enjoy!
I love skinny sugar free vanilla mistos! My daughter is addicted to skinny peppermint mocha lattes!
Wow! I really see Summer in this photo of you!
Denise,
Yeah, everyone has been saying she is looking more and more like me. I still see Chris in her though – she has her daddy’s eyes and amazing eye lashes. Hope you and Tom are doing well. Merry Christmas!
Yep, I’m one, too! I always order mine with 2 pumps, so I feel a little better about consuming all that sugar! Still super yum. Thanks for the $ saving tip. Will they do that with de-caf?
Jen,
Yes, but Starbucks (at least the ones around here) don’t brew decaf after 12-noon, and so I can only get decaf mistos in the morning. Kind of lame, but better than nothing.
I’ve never tried one of these before…mostly because of the price! I’ve been wanting to make a homemade version though since so many bloggers are tempting me with visions of this delicious hot creamy beverage…
Jamie,
Another blogger told me she makes hers with Trader Joe’s candy cane green tea + cocoa powder + stevia + milk of choice. I plan to try it soon myself.
I’ve yet to have a peppermint mocha! Have you ever tried the extract (like vanilla extract?) That might work too. I usually add stevia and maple extract to my tea and coffees (sometimes with a little milk) – so good!
And – you actually look like CD in this photo! The eyes
Finally, just read your bagel post – I heart bagels and english muffins – but what kind do you buy? I thought you stayed away from wheat for some reason (which I think is way OVER-hyped in blogs and stuff at times – unless you have a diagnosis). Everything within reason right?
Jen,
I usually just buy the Thomas brand whole wheat bagels. I’m not a huge fan of wheat, but I’m a less of a fan of how expensive gluten free bagels are. So, I eat the wheat ones. They’re super good and much cheaper.
HEAB, you’re a genius! I’ll have to try that.
Also, Starbucks does indeed have peppermint mochas year round – they just won’t have the chocolate shavings on top
Jennie,
I know, but I don’t think they offer the sugar free version year-round which is what I always order. I need to inquire or at least put in a request for them to carry the sugar free mocha and peppermint syrups year-round. Love them so, sucralose and all.
I’ve never had starbucks or coffee before and I don’t have a coffeemaker. Is it possible to make coffee without one and how so? I’ve heard coffee can be a good stimulant in the morning for uncooperative (ahem) bowels. Any thoughts?
I’ve been away and unable to read some of your posts and think your breakfast idea is wonderful. I was on a smoothie kick for a while, but I think smoothies are over-rated in my opinon. Unless they include a lot of granola and oats
I’ve heard the Udi’s bagels are nice? I usually pick up bagels from Dunkin Donuts!
Tara,
Never tried coffee, huh? Coffeemakers are pretty inexpensive – you can one for under $20 at Target or you could just use a French Press to make individual cups. Coffee does often help get things moving in the morning – I think it’s the caffeine. But I know others say a hot mug of water with lemon will do the same thing. Personally, I like my coffee with lots of cream and slightly sweetened. If you’ve never tried it before, I would recommend doctoring it up a bit. Black coffee is really bitter – I’m not a fan at all, but I love coffee with cream. Next time you’re at Dunkin Donuts, try a small cup of their coffee. It’s good. Never had the Udi’s bagels. I always look at them in the store, but they’re so pricey compared to other brands.
Amen. I wnat to save every single penny, especially at the ‘bucks, that I can. Thanks for the tip!
In response to your reply to my comment in your last post…. I totally agree. I would never go to Starbucks for real coffee (Australia does far-too-awesome coffee for me to be able to stomach Starbucks in that regard; to be honest I’ve never even really found any coffee in America that compares, sorry!!
) but I go there for what I call “coffee candy”… things like this. Or, for me, a plain coffee frappuccinos that makes my heart sing. One day I’ll be there for these seasonal flavours…. AND IT WILL BE AMAZING.
Hannah,
Haha – coffee candy. That is so me. Love it. See you next Christmas then?
Or perhaps even sooner….
Yes please!
I too frequent starbucks. Here is my litle tip to save money. I got a gift card and registered it online. And, i constantly reload money on it. The perk? if u keep using your regestered card( it has to be registered) you accumulate points. Once you get enough points you start earning free things. I no longer have to pay for my upgrade in breve style- but it will also included freee soy milk. I also do not have to pay for syrup flavoring. I also think once u hit so many points u get a free drinkon your birthday and free coffee refills. once you earn 50points you are a gold member- which i am now!
hope this helps. oh.. does your sbux have the skinny peppermint mocha- less caloried and less sugar.
Whoa- awesome! Thanks for sharing that tip! I’m on it!! (And I will be passing this word on to many of my friends!)
Shannon,
Yes yes yes!! So excited about this – another commenter mentioned registering the gift card. I so rarely go to Starbucks, that I didn’t know about this. Wish I would have known when the holiday cups first made their appearance! I always order the skinny mochas, and I so wish that Starbucks would carry the sugar free peppermint and mocha syrups year-round. I always do the sucralose thing when it comes to my coffee shop beverages.
Thanks again for the info!
Brilliant! I do the same thing with lattes- I just ask them to fill it up halfway with coffee and half with milk. Not as strong as with espresso, but good enough for me!
And I never say “tall” or “grande”- just “small” or “medium.” They know what I mean.
Lauren,
Yeah, not a fan of the Starbucks lingo either.
gosh i love starbucks. i allow myself to go get a latte about once every 2 week, usually on pay day when i’m feeling wealthy tee hee
My wallet thanks you for this bit of news!!!
Thanks for the pro tip, friend! And thanks for your smiling face… good lord woman you are gorgeous! Happy Monday, sweet Heabie!
GREAT idea!
I’ll have to try a soy misto…
Amen, HEAB. Amen! LOVE mint anything, really.
Also, Starbucks. Please please offer almond milk or something as an alternative to soy
. Peppermint almond milk misto…would be aahhhmazing.
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