Frozen Hot Chocolate
Updated
Updated
Frozen hot chocolate is everything you love about a cozy mug of cocoa, transformed into a thick, icy treat that’s made for summer. It comes together in just 5 minutes with chocolate milk, your favorite hot cocoa mix, a little chocolate sauce, and ice. The result tastes just like real hot chocolate, only cold, creamy, and perfect for sipping through a straw on a 95-degree afternoon.
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Pin ItSerendipity Frozen Hot Chocolate
I’ll admit it: I’ve never actually stood in the famous line at Serendipity 3 in New York City for their legendary Frozen Hot Chocolate. But I’ve made my own version more times than I can count, and I promise you don’t need a plane ticket (or a two-hour wait) to enjoy something just as good. If you’ve got leftover hot cocoa packets sitting in the pantry, this is the most delicious way to use them. It tastes a bit like a Wendy’s Frosty, only lighter and icier.
After making this for years, I’ve learned the secret is getting the balance just right. Too much ice and it turns watery. Too much hot cocoa mix, and it becomes gritty instead of silky. I also like adding a spoonful of marshmallow fluff. It’s completely optional, but it adds a subtle marshmallow flavor and makes the drink taste even more like a mug of hot cocoa, just frozen.
Helpful Tips
- Buying hot cocoa mix in bulk instead of packets? One standard 1-ounce hot cocoa packet equals about 2 tablespoons of loose mix, so you can measure straight from a canister without a trip to the store.
- Use a high-powered blender if you can. Lower-end blenders struggle to break down ice completely, which leaves your drink chunky instead of smooth. If a high-powered blender isn’t in your kitchen, crushed ice is your best friend — it blends far more easily than cubes.
- Don’t over-blend. This one surprises people. The original Serendipity 3 version actually has small bits of ice throughout, not a completely smooth texture like a milkshake. I’ve tested this both ways, and slightly under-blending gives you that classic “frozen hot chocolate” texture instead of turning it into a smoothie. Blend just until the mixture is mostly smooth with a little texture left — that’s the sweet spot.
Frozen Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 2 cups chocolate milk
- 3 (1 oz.) hot cocoa packets, (see note)
- 2 tbsp chocolate sauce
- 2 tbsp marshmallow fluff, (optional)
- 3-4 cups crushed ice
- whipped cream, for serving
- chocolate shavings or sprinkles, for serving
Instructions
- Add the milk, hot chocolate mix, chocolate syrup, marshmallow fluff (if using), and ice (in that order) to a high-powered blender.
- Process the mixture until smooth.
- Pour into glasses.
- Pipe whipped cream on top with some chocolate shaving or sprinkles, if desired.
- Serve with a thick straw and enjoy!
Notes
- Use crushed ice, not cubes, if your blender isn’t high-powered. Cubed ice in a weaker blender leaves the drink chunky instead of smooth.
- Don’t over-blend. A few tiny ice bits are fine. The original Serendipity 3 version isn’t perfectly smooth, and over-blending turns this into a smoothie instead of a proper frozen hot chocolate.
- 1 (1-ounce) hot cocoa packet = about 2 tablespoons loose mix, so you’ll need 6 tbsp dry hot cocoa mix, if you’re using hot cocoa from a canister instead of individual packets.
- Add the ice last when loading the blender. It helps everything blend more evenly.
- This drink is best served immediately. Leftovers separate and turn icy in the refrigerator (see the Storage section for the best option).
- The marshmallow fluff is optional, but it adds a subtle marshmallow flavor and makes the drink taste even more like classic hot chocolate.
Nutrition
Nutritional information given is an automatic calculation and can vary based on the exact products you use and any changes you make to the recipe. If these numbers are very important to you, I would recommend calculating them yourself.
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How to Make Frozen Hot Chocolate Step by Step
Gather all the ingredients together.
Add everything to the blender and blend: Pour in 2 cups chocolate milk, 6 tbsp dry hot cocoa mix, 2 tbsp chocolate sauce, 2 tbsp marshmallow fluff (if using), and 3–4 cups crushed ice, in that order. Adding the ice last helps it blend more evenly. Process until the mixture comes together and looks thick and frosty. Remember: a few tiny ice bits are totally fine, even authentic to the original version. Pour into glasses.
Top it off and serve: Pipe whipped cream and finish with chocolate shavings or sprinkles, if you’re feeling fancy. Serve immediately with a thick straw. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
Frozen hot chocolate is a treat on its own, but here’s how I like to serve it. I always pour it into a tall glass with a thick straw and top it with a big swirl of whipped cream or, if I’m feeling extra, a couple of my homemade marshmallows dropped right on top. I try to serve it the second it’s done blending, while it’s still at its coldest and thickest.
When I’m making a batch for the whole family or a summer get-together, I like to set out something salty alongside it, like my foolproof stovetop popcorn or a warm batch of homemade soft pretzels. I love that sweet-salty contrast, and both come together just as fast as the drink does. And on our full “Christmas in July” days, I’ll usually make a batch of my Mocha Frappuccino too, so the coffee lovers in my house have something cold to sip on right alongside the chocolate lovers.
How to Store Leftovers
Frozen hot chocolate is best enjoyed right after blending, but if you have leftovers, pour them into an airtight container or jar and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Expect some separation, and give it a good stir before drinking.
Freezer
This drink doesn’t freeze and re-blend well once it’s already been mixed. The texture turns icy and separates unevenly when thawed. Instead, freeze any leftover chocolate milk mixture (before blending with ice) in an airtight container for up to 1 month, then blend fresh with new ice when you’re ready.
Re-Blending
If it melts too much in the fridge, a quick 10-second re-blend with a splash of extra ice will bring it back to life.
More Cool Summer Drinks
- Chick-fil-A Frosted Lemonade: This creamy frozen lemonade is part milkshake, part refreshing citrus drink. It’s a quick copycat recipe that’s perfect for cooling off on hot afternoons.
- Mocha Frappuccino: If you love chocolate and coffee together, this homemade mocha frappuccino delivers coffeehouse flavor for a fraction of the cost with just a handful of ingredients.
- Orange Julius: Skip the mall and make this classic Orange Julius at home. It’s smooth, frothy, and packed with bright orange flavor that everyone loves.
- Creamsicle Slushy: Inspired by the classic popsicle, this creamy orange slushy is sweet, refreshing, and an easy frozen treat for kids and adults alike.
Could I add some liquor to the frozen hot chocolate? Maybe peppermint schnapps?
Sure!
Is the packet of hot chocolate the instant kind or can I use regular hot chocolate mix (the kind you make with milk)
I use packets of Ghirardelli hot chocolate mix, which just needs to be added to milk or water
Another great sounding recipe to make in my creami!! I can’t wait!