Enjoy peppermint in the form of warm beverages and sweet treats throughout winter in the Hudson Valley.
What do you get when you cross water mint and spearmint? You get peppermint, one of the most beloved flavors of wintertime. As we prepare to wave goodbye to the holidays, we can rest assured that peppermint-flavored treats will keep us cozy through the cold months. Whether you’d prefer to enjoy the aromatic herb in a tea, ice cream, or French macaron, there’s a little something for everyone to savor in the Hudson Valley.
French Macarons
Amanda’s Macaron Shoppe
Poughkeepsie
Macarons are rather difficult to make, but luckily, the namesake of Amanda’s Macaron Shoppe attended the Culinary Institute of America, where she perfected the confection. Amanda’s is a staple in Eastdale Village, serving up a slew of creative macaron flavors as well as her trademark “Macarownies,” which are—as the name suggests—made by baking a macaron inside of a brownie. This winter, be sure to stop in and sample the extra-large peppermint-Oreo macaron for a mouthful of pure deliciousness.
Hot, Iced, or Frozen Peppermint Mocha
Ready Coffee
Wappingers Falls, Newburgh, LaGrange
Can you possibly think of a more delicious union of flavors than chocolate and peppermint? Ready Coffee, the mini-chain with three locations in the Hudson Valley, serves unbeatable seasonal coffee. Among the current offerings is a peppermint mocha, served hot, iced, or frozen.
Child’s Pose Tea
Matcha Thomas
Beacon
Peppermint teas are a dime a dozen, so we’re spotlighting one particularly enticing blend: the Child’s Pose tea from Matcha Thomas. It balances the sharply fragrant peppermint with sweetness in the way of holy basil and rose for a cup that is equal parts cozy and refreshing. The tea is just one of many robust offerings at this Beacon café, so be sure to also plan a trip to try the signature matcha latte and boba teas.
Ice Cream
Stewart’s Shops
Various locations in the Hudson Valley
As usual, Stewart’s knows the assignment. The peppermint stick ice cream is made by combining peppermint-flavored ice cream with crushed mint candies for a perfectly seasonal scoop. Keep in mind that this is a “limited edition” flavor, so waste no time in securing a half-gallon at your local shop.
Vegan Peppermint Patties
Lagusta’s Luscious
New Paltz
If you haven’t yet heard of Lagusta’s Luscious, an all-vegan chocolate shop in New Paltz, allow us to introduce you via the peppermint patties. Crafted with “truly ethical chocolate,” artisanal thin mints, and house-made fondant, you’d be hard-pressed to find a peppermint candy of higher quality anywhere in the Hudson Valley.