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 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.
Candy Cane Lane Cocktail
Cosimo’s Brick Oven
Poughkeepsie, Middletown, Newburgh, Woodbury
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Not only does Cosimo’s Brick Oven make mouthwatering Italian specials at various locations around the Hudson Valley, but the popular dining spot gets crafty behind the bar. While Cosimo’s usually mixes up a traditional espresso martini, complete with Bailey’s Irish Cream and three espresso beans, the restaurant spices things up for the winter season. Dubbed “Candy Cane Lane,” this cold-weather take on the classic cocktail uses peppermint-infused vodka, chocolate liquor, cream, sherry, chocolate bitters, and a candy cane garnish to top it all off. The festive drink won’t be around forever, so order it while you can!
French Macarons
Amanda’s Macaron Shoppe
Eastdale Village, Poughkeepsie
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Macarons are rather difficult to make, but luckily, the namesake behind 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
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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 featuring the flavor of the season. Among the current offerings is a peppermint mocha, served hot, iced, or frozen. Also in the seasonal lineup, try hot or cold gingerbread, eggnog, and pomegranate-inspired flavors to keep the rotation festive all winter long.
Peppermint Bark Ice Cream
Carmel Creamery
Carmel
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At this newly-opened, family-owned and -operated ice cream shop in Putnam County, there is an endless supply of hard ice cream flavors, many of which are also vegan. The Carmel Creamery handcrafts ice cream from scratch with only the necessary ingredients of milk, sugar, and cream to create silky smooth scoops that change with the seasons. This winter, throw caution to the wind and enjoy a frozen treat in the form of peppermint bark ice cream made with Ghirardelli chocolate, peppermint extract, Hershey’s chocolate chunks, and crushed candy canes.
Vegan Peppermint Patties
Lagusta’s Luscious
New Paltz
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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 Parties.” Crafted with “truly ethical chocolate,” vegan sugar, and house-made fondant, the product is a delicious artisanal thin mint that perfectly balances sweet and rich with refreshing. You’d be hard-pressed to find a peppermint candy of higher quality anywhere in the Hudson Valley.
Related: Peppermint Bark Is a Festive Treat in the Hudson Valley
