Frozen Hot Chocolate is a refreshing, icy cold version of the classic hot chocolate. Made with real melted chocolate, cocoa powder, milk, and ice, it’s a delightful treat perfect for cooling down on a warm day. 

FULL RECIPE:

Ingredients

• 4 ounces high-quality semi-sweet chocolate
• 2 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• Pinch of salt
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1–2 cups ice cubes
• Whipped cream for topping (optional)

Directions

1. Melt the chocolate: Chop the chocolate into small pieces and melt in the microwave on half power, stirring every 20 seconds, until melted.
2. Combine ingredients: Stir in the sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Slowly add 1/2 cup of milk, stirring until smooth.
3. Blend: Transfer the mixture to a blender. Add the remaining 1 cup of milk and 1 cup of ice cubes. Blend until smooth. For a thicker consistency, add more ice as desired.
4. Serve: Pour into glasses and top with whipped cream, if desired. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 251 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4 g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.02 g
• Cholesterol: 13 mg
• Sodium: 41 mg
• Potassium: 317 mg
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 22 g
• Vitamin A: 162 IU
• Calcium: 134 mg
• Iron: 2 mg

What is Frozen Hot Chocolate?

Frozen Hot Chocolate is a delicious hybrid of a milkshake and traditional hot chocolate. Unlike its warm counterpart, this icy treat combines melted chocolate, cocoa powder, sugar, milk, and ice, blended together to create a creamy yet frosty texture. It’s a decadent beverage often topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, making it a luxurious drink for any season. Originally made famous by Serendipity 3, a well-known café in New York City, Frozen Hot Chocolate quickly became a must-try drink for dessert lovers worldwide. It offers the rich, chocolatey flavor of hot cocoa while providing the cooling sensation of an icy beverage, making it perfect for summer days, special occasions, or whenever you’re in the mood for a chocolate indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Frozen Hot Chocolate is incredibly easy to make and requires only a handful of ingredients. Unlike traditional hot chocolate, which is best enjoyed in colder months, this version is refreshing and ideal for year-round enjoyment. It’s a great alternative to store-bought chocolate milkshakes, offering a homemade touch with customizable sweetness and richness. Plus, it’s a fun way to enjoy hot cocoa flavors in a new and exciting form.

History and Popularity of Frozen Hot Chocolate

Frozen Hot Chocolate gained widespread popularity thanks to the famous New York restaurant Serendipity 3, which introduced it as a signature dessert. Over the years, celebrities and food lovers alike have raved about this treat, leading to its replication in homes and other restaurants worldwide. While its exact origins remain unclear, the idea of a chilled chocolate drink dates back centuries. Ancient Mayans and Aztecs are known to have enjoyed cacao-based drinks, some of which were served cold. Over time, variations of chilled chocolate drinks have evolved, culminating in the modern Frozen Hot Chocolate that people love today.

Tips for the Best Frozen Hot Chocolate

For a creamier texture, use whole milk or even a splash of heavy cream. If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute with almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. To make it extra chocolatey, mix in melted dark chocolate or a scoop of chocolate ice cream. Blending at high speed helps achieve a smooth and thick consistency, so make sure your blender is powerful enough to handle ice cubes. If you want a sweeter drink, adjust the hot cocoa mix or add a bit of powdered sugar to taste.

Variations and Add-Ins

Frozen Hot Chocolate is easily customizable to fit different flavor preferences. For a mocha twist, add a shot of espresso or instant coffee to give it a caffeine boost. If you love mint chocolate, mix in a few drops of peppermint extract for a refreshing holiday-inspired version. Peanut butter lovers can add a spoonful of peanut butter for a rich, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with chocolate. You can also blend in a banana for a naturally sweet and creamy texture.

How to Store and Serve

While Frozen Hot Chocolate is best enjoyed immediately, you can prepare the chocolate mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply blend it with ice to achieve the frozen texture. If you have leftovers, you can freeze them in an ice cube tray and re-blend later for a quick, refreshing treat. Serve in tall glasses with a straw and garnish with extra chocolate toppings for a beautiful and irresistible presentation.

Perfect Occasions for Frozen Hot Chocolate

This chilled chocolate drink is great for any occasion, from summer afternoons to holiday gatherings. It’s a fun treat for kids and adults alike, making it an excellent choice for parties, birthdays, or family movie nights. Frozen Hot Chocolate also makes a great dessert alternative when you want something sweet and satisfying but lighter than a traditional milkshake. Whether you’re cooling down on a hot day or simply craving something chocolatey, this frozen drink is always a good idea.

Tips for Making the Best Frozen Hot Chocolate

• Use High-Quality Chocolate: Since chocolate is the main ingredient, using high-quality chocolate will ensure a richer, more indulgent taste.
• Blend in Stages: Start by blending the chocolate mixture with milk before adding ice to achieve a smooth texture.
• Adjust the Ice: If you prefer a thicker consistency, add more ice; for a smoother, milkshake-like texture, use less.
• Sweeten to Taste: Depending on the chocolate you use, you might want to adjust the sugar level to match your desired sweetness.
• Serve Immediately: Frozen hot chocolate is best enjoyed fresh to prevent melting.

Is Frozen Hot Chocolate Healthy?

While Frozen Hot Chocolate is undeniably a treat, there are ways to make it healthier:

• Use Dark Chocolate: Dark chocolate has antioxidants and less sugar than milk chocolate.
• Reduce Sugar: Opt for natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
• Choose Low-Fat Milk: Use almond milk, oat milk, or skim milk for a lighter version.
• Add Protein: Blend in Greek yogurt or a scoop of protein powder to make it more filling.

Pairing Frozen Hot Chocolate with Other Desserts

Frozen Hot Chocolate pairs wonderfully with various desserts. Here are some great ideas:

• Cookies: Enjoy it with chocolate chip cookies, peanut butter cookies, or shortbread.
• Brownies: A fudgy brownie complements the chocolatey richness of the drink.
• Cake: Pair it with vanilla, chocolate, or red velvet cake for an extra indulgence.
• Donuts: The contrast of a warm, fluffy donut with the icy drink is delightful.

Conclusion

Frozen Hot Chocolate is the ultimate treat for chocolate lovers, combining the best aspects of hot cocoa and milkshakes. Whether you make it for a summer gathering, a holiday celebration, or simply as a sweet pick-me-up, this drink is sure to impress. With endless variations, toppings, and customization options, you can make it uniquely yours.