Indulge in Christmas in July: The Ultimate Frozen Hot Chocolate Recipe (Serendipity 3 Style!)

There’s something undeniably enchanting about celebrating every holiday, even the unconventional ones. This year, I’m diving headfirst into the festive spirit of Christmas in July! And what better way to beat the summer heat while embracing holiday cheer than with a decadent, icy-cold glass of Frozen Hot Chocolate? Grab your favorite Santa mug and prepare for a nostalgic journey that brings winter comfort to the peak of summer.

Beyond delicious treats, I love weaving in a few fun “Christmasy” activities to fill the day with joy. Even adults deserve a dash of holiday magic now and then! For a whimsical touch, consider grabbing a pack of these awesome no-melt indoor snowballs for a playful (and mess-free!) snowball fight. It’s a fantastic way to embrace the paradox of winter fun in summer.

This particular Frozen Hot Chocolate recipe transports me back to a cherished memory in New York City, where I made a special trip to seek out the legendary Serendipity 3 and experience their iconic frozen hot chocolate firsthand. With many places, including Serendipity 3, facing temporary closures, bringing that magical taste into your own kitchen is the next best thing. This recipe aims to recreate that unparalleled richness and delightful chill, making it a perfect tribute to the original.

Why Frozen Hot Chocolate is Your Perfect Christmas in July Companion

Christmas in July has become a beloved tradition for many, offering a mid-year break to enjoy the warmth and joy of the holiday season without the usual winter chill. And what could be more perfect for this paradoxical celebration than a drink that embodies both? Frozen hot chocolate takes the comforting, familiar taste of a classic hot cocoa and transforms it into a frosty, invigorating beverage that perfectly complements sunny summer days. It’s a delightful contradiction that works beautifully, allowing you to sip on festive flavors while staying cool.

This isn’t just any cold chocolate drink; it’s a meticulously crafted blend designed to deliver the creamy texture and profound chocolate flavor typically associated with a gourmet hot cocoa, but in a refreshing, ice-blended form. It’s an experience, a treat, and a celebration all in one mug.

The Secret to a Truly Indulgent Frozen Hot Chocolate: Richness and Texture

Just like its hot counterpart, the key to an exceptional frozen hot chocolate lies in its richness, which comes primarily from the fat content. While some recipes might opt for just milk, for a truly luxurious experience that rivals those served in famous cafes, you’ll want to incorporate cream. This recipe calls for a blend of heavy cream and whole milk to achieve that perfect balance of decadence and smoothness.

• Heavy Cream: This is where the magic happens. Heavy cream adds unparalleled richness, body, and a silky texture that elevates your drink from a simple chocolate milkshake to a gourmet frozen hot chocolate. It helps create that signature thick, creamy consistency.
• Whole Milk: Whole milk complements the heavy cream by adding additional liquid without diluting the flavor or richness too much. Its fat content further contributes to the creamy mouthfeel. While you can use half-and-half as a minimum, the combination of heavy cream and whole milk truly makes a difference.
• High-Quality Hot Cocoa Mix: The quality of your cocoa mix is paramount. A good mix will provide a deep, complex chocolate flavor. I personally love using my Sugar-Free Hot Cocoa Mix for this recipe. Not only is it a staple in my pantry, but the subtle kick from cinnamon and a hint of cayenne pepper adds an unexpected layer of warmth and spice that makes this frozen treat even more special and intriguing. It prevents the drink from being one-dimensionally sweet, adding a sophisticated edge.

What You Need: Simple Ingredients for a Gourmet Treat

You only need a handful of ingredients to create a Frozen Hot Chocolate that would make Serendipity 3 proud. The simplicity of the components belies the incredible flavor and texture you’ll achieve.

Beyond the ingredients, a high-speed blender is your best friend for this recipe. It ensures that the ice is perfectly pulverized and incorporated, resulting in a smooth, slushy texture without any icy chunks.

Crafting Your Frozen Hot Chocolate: Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this delightful frozen hot chocolate is incredibly straightforward, promising a professional-tasting result with minimal effort. Follow these simple steps for the perfect festive treat:

Tips for the Ultimate Frozen Hot Chocolate Experience

• Blender Quality: A high-speed blender truly makes a difference in achieving the perfect smooth, icy consistency. If your blender isn’t high-powered, you might need to blend in shorter bursts and scrape down the sides occasionally.
• Adjust Sweetness: Taste the mixture before adding ice if you’re concerned about sweetness. You can add a touch more sugar or a sweetener of your choice if needed, though most cocoa mixes are sufficiently sweet.
• Flavor Enhancements: For an added layer of flavor, consider including a splash of vanilla extract (1/4 teaspoon) or a pinch of instant espresso powder (1/4 teaspoon) to deepen the chocolate notes. A drop of peppermint extract could transform it into a festive mint chocolate treat.
• Garnish Galore: Don’t stop at whipped cream! Mini marshmallows, chocolate syrup drizzle, chocolate curls, or even a sprinkle of festive red and green sprinkles can elevate the visual appeal and taste.
• Dairy-Free Option: As mentioned in the recipe notes, this drink is easily adaptable. For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut cream and whole milk with almond or oat milk. Just ensure your cocoa mix is also dairy-free.

More Hot Chocolaty Greatness to Explore

If you’re a fan of rich, comforting chocolate beverages, whether hot or cold, there’s a world of deliciousness to discover! For more variations on this beloved classic, be sure to check out some of my other favorite recipes:

• 3 Ingredient Nutella Hot Chocolate: A quick and easy delight for Nutella lovers.
• Pink Hot Cocoa Bombs: A fun and colorful way to enjoy a warm cup of cocoa.
• Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate: Perfect for autumn or whenever you crave those cozy fall flavors.
• Sugar-Free Hot Cocoa Mix: The versatile mix I use in this recipe, great for mindful indulgence.

This Frozen Hot Chocolate is more than just a drink; it’s an invitation to celebrate, cool off, and create cherished memories, even in the middle of summer. So go ahead, whip up a batch, put on some holiday tunes, and enjoy your very own Christmas in July!

Did you make this recipe? Let me know by leaving a review or comment! And be sure to sign up for my newsletter, and follow along on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook!

📖 Recipe

Frozen Hot Chocolate

Celebrate Christmas in July with this delicious recipe that will cool you off in the middle of summer with rich, creamy chocolatey goodness.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Heavy Cream
• ¾ cup Whole Milk
• 6 tablespoons Hot Cocoa Mix
• 12oz cup of Ice

Instructions

1. Combine Liquids and Cocoa Mix: Place the heavy cream, whole milk, and hot cocoa mix in your high-speed blender. Blend on low speed for 60 seconds to ensure the cocoa mix is fully dissolved and well dispersed.
2. Add Ice and Blend to Perfection: Add the 12-ounce cup of ice to the blender. Blend on high until you no longer hear large pieces of ice being blended, typically 30-45 seconds. The goal is a thick, smooth, and slushy consistency.
3. Serve and Garnish: Serve immediately in a festive Christmas mug with a spray of whipped cream on top, or other desired garnishes, and enjoy!

Notes

This recipe can be made with dairy-free milk if your diet requires that. Almond or oat milk, paired with full-fat coconut cream, would be my recommendation for a rich, creamy substitute.

Recommended Products

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• Vitamix E310 Explorian Blender, Professional-Grade, 48 oz. Container, Black

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1 grams

Amount Per Serving:
Unsaturated Fat: 0g

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