If you’re craving the scrumptiousness of hot chocolate, but the weather is way too warm, frozen hot chocolate is the perfect solution.
With this fun twist on the classic, you can delight in the same chocolatey flavor of hot cocoa, but in a frozen, slushie form.
This concept is so brilliant, whoever came up with it deserves an award!
Here’s the best part: not including the toppings, this recipe only calls for three ingredients and less than 5 minutes to make. Amazing, am I right?
Thirsty yet? I know I am! Let’s get to it.
Frozen Hot Chocolate
I’m such a sucker for hot chocolate. I’m one of those people who prefer having hot chocolate in the morning instead of coffee. Yup, I’m a certified sweet tooth and a kid at heart.
Even in the summer, when it’s way too warm for a hot beverage, nothing can stop me from enjoying my favorite drink.
It’s simple, really: just turn it into a slushy!
Want to transform hot cocoa into a refreshing summer treat? Easy. This recipe is all you’ll need.
Why Is It Called Frozen Hot Chocolate?
It’s a bit strange, isn’t it? How can something frozen be hot?
Calling it frozen hot chocolate may not make sense initially, but once you try it, you’ll totally understand.
The reason it got its name is that it calls for a combo of hot cocoa mix and ice cubes. So, while it’s technically a frozen treat, it has the flavor of your favorite hot chocolate.
Here’s a fun fact, for you, though: did you know that hot chocolate and hot cocoa are actually two different things?
They’re similar in the sense that they’re both chocolate beverages. The difference lies in the type of chocolate used in the drink.
Hot cocoa uses cocoa powder, while hot chocolate calls for melted chocolate.
How to Make Frozen Hot Chocolate
Just pop the ingredients into the blender, and blend away. Once it’s blended and slushy-like, pour it into a glass.
Voila! It couldn’t be simpler. It won’t even take you 5 minutes.
You can end there, or make your frozen hot chocolate even more extra by finishing it with toppings. How does a dollop of whipped cream, a dusting of cocoa, and a cherry on top sound?
The Best Ice to Use
This depends on your blender. If you own a high-powered one, then ice cubes are safe to use. For low-powered blenders, though, you’ll have to use crushed ice so it’s easier to blend.
Tips for the Best Drink
- I know the go-to hot cocoa mix is usually Swiss Miss, but you can try out other types of mixes, too. Callebaut, Trader Joe’s, Scharffen Berger are awesome for this recipe, too.
- Experiment with other cocoa flavors. I’ve tried peppermint and raspberry cocoa, and they both turned out amazing.
- This drink is basically a blend of hot cocoa and milk, so the flavors of both will definitely shine through. That said, you’ll want to use high-quality brands
- Want an extra chocolaty frozen hot chocolate? Use chocolate milk instead of regular milk! Or, why not a mix of both? Just the thought of it is already making me drool.
- If you want a creamier drink, use a combo of milk and cream or half-and-half.
- For a non-dairy version, use almond or coconut milk.
- If you have a high-powered blender, you can use ice cubes instead of crushed ice.
- Make your frozen hot chocolate stay cold longer by freezing the glass for 30 minutes before serving.
Mix-ins and Toppings
While frozen hot chocolate itself is already delicious, I personally feel that it’s not complete without the mix-ins and toppings. I highly recommend the following:
Mix-ins:
- Espresso Powder. Did you know that a shot of espresso or a teaspoon of hot coffee can enhance the flavor of chocolate? Don’t worry if you don’t like the flavor of coffee, you definitely won’t taste it!
- Salt. A small pinch goes a long way. A sprinkling of sea salt also amps up the flavor of chocolate, giving your drink a deeper, bolder flavor. Plus, it balances out the sweetness of the drink as well.
- Cinnamon. Cinnamon and chocolate make such a warming combination. Why not give your frozen hot chocolate a fun Mexican twist?
- Pumpkin Spice. This one is perfect if you’re missing the flavors of fall. Just a small sprinkling will add so much warmth and coziness to the drink.
- Cayenne Pepper. Give your hot cocoa a bit of a kick!
- Peanut Butter. If you’re a fan of peanut butter cups, this is definitely a must-try.
- Ripe Banana. You can’t go wrong with the classic chocolate banana combination.
- Ice Cream. Want to make things more extra? Turn your frozen hot cocoa into an ice cream milkshake! You can pick the classic chocolate or vanilla, but you can give other flavors a try, too. Personally, I’m a huge fan of butter pecan.
- Vanilla or Peppermint Extract. Or any extract, for that matter. Just be sure to pick a good quality brand so you won’t have to worry about that artificial flavor.
- Alcohol. Now, that’s the stuff! A shot of whiskey, rum, peppermint schnapps, throw in whatever you have. It’s a great way to make frozen hot chocolate even more fun to drink.
Toppings:
- Whipped cream
- A dusting of cocoa mix
- A sprinkle of cinnamon
- Mini marshmallows
- Crushed toffee candy, i.e. Heath
- Chocolate chips (dark, semi-sweet, milk, white – anything goes)
- Chunks of cookies or brownies
- Butterscotch chips
- Caramel sauce
- Chocolate Fudge
- Sprinkles
- Crushed peppermint candy
How to Make Homemade Whipped Cream
Cool Whip is okay, but freshly whipped cream is a thousand times better. Here’s how to make it at home:
Ingredients
1 pint whipping cream
1/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Directions
1. Place the whipping cream in a large mixing bowl. Beat the cream first at low speed and gradually increase to high speed.
2. Continue beating, adding the sugar a few tablespoons at a time. Add the vanilla and beat until stiff peaks form.
Tips:
- Use cold whipping cream for fluffier results
- Chill the bowl and beater attachments 30 minutes before whipping. This will help the cream whip more fully.
More Drinks You’ll Love
- Ghirardelli Hot Chocolate
- Mexican Chocolate
- Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino
- Vanilla Milkshake (without Ice Cream)
- Strawberry Milkshake (without Ice Cream)
Frozen Hot Chocolate (Easy Recipe)
1
servings5
minutes1027
kcalIngredients
6 fluid ounces milk
1/2 cup hot cocoa mix
2 cups crushed ice
Whipped cream, optional
Additional hot cocoa mix, optional
Instructions
- Pour milk into a blender. Add hot cocoa mix and crushed ice.
- Blend at low speed for a few seconds. Increase to high speed and blend until the ice is finely crushed.
- Pour into a tall glass and top with whipped cream and cocoa mix, if desired. Serve and enjoy!
