How to Make Frozen Hot Chocolate
Updated: Mar. 22, 2023
You can sip frozen hot chocolate all year long!
I know that winter is the perfect time for curling up with a mug of hot cocoa. But I’ll be honest, I like my treats cold! I’m the kind of gal that orders cold brew coffee all year and will happily stop for fast-food ice cream even when temps are well below freezing. So how do I combine my appreciation for hot chocolate with my love of all things chilly? With a frozen hot chocolate!
You’re probably thinking, can you even make cold hot chocolate? I get it—it’s definitely an oxymoron, but it is possible to turn winter’s favorite drink into an icy treat worth enjoying no matter the weather.
What Is Frozen Hot Chocolate?
It’s just what it sounds like: hot chocolate that’s frozen. This blended drink combines chocolate, cocoa powder, milk and ice. You can keep the ingredients list short and simple with just the essentials, or indulge in a decadent version like the drinks from Serendipity 3 in New York.
Frozen Hot Chocolate Recipe
This recipe makes about four servings.
Ingredients
- 5 ounces chocolate, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1-1/2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 cups ice
- The garnishes of your choosing, like marshmallows, whipped cream or sprinkles
Tools You’ll Need
- Blender: This reliable and sturdy KitchenAid was one of our Test Kitchen’s picks for the best blenders.
- Saucepan: Look for a saucepan with a wooden handle—it’ll stay cool as you mix this recipe’s chocolate base.
- Measuring Cups: You need to keep good measuring cups handy!
Directions
Step 1: Mix the chocolate base
The foundation of a great hot chocolate—frozen or otherwise—is a great chocolaty base. For this recipe, combine your chocolate, cocoa powder, confectioners’ sugar and one cup of milk (save the other cup for later) into a small pot. Warm over medium heat, stirring until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is nice and smooth. Keep a close eye on this one—you don’t want it to boil.
Step 2: Blend the frozen hot chocolate together
Now’s the time to break out your blender. Pour your chocolate mixture inside along with the other cup of milk, the vanilla extract and ice. Then blend away until your mixture is nice and smooth.
Editor’s Tip: To make this taste a bit more like the holidays, substitute in a half teaspoon of peppermint extract for the vanilla. Who doesn’t love a good chocolate and mint treat?
Step 3: Garnish with chocolate shavings
Serve up your frozen hot chocolate in any mug or glass you like, but be sure to give it a little garnish. I like a big dollop of homemade whipped cream and some chocolate shavings. But you can mix it up however you like with sprinkles, caramel, crushed peppermint candies or whatever toppings you love.
The result is an exceptionally chocolaty drink that’s as rich as it is refreshing!
Originally Published: November 28, 2018
