Enjoy one of your favorite nostalgic drinks anytime of year with this Easy Frozen Hot Chocolate Recipe. It's creamy, frosty, and full of rich chocolate flavor—an idyllic blend of cozy and refreshing. You won't believe how easy it is to make with everyday ingredients and the whole family will slurp it up—so do everyone a favor and make a double batch!
As you might expect, my kids get very excited whenever I’m testing new hot chocolate recipes—and this frozen hot chocolate was no exception! They were (understandably) a little confused about how something could be hot and frozen at the same time, but after their first sip, they were completely sold.
Tasting just like hot chocolate but in a cool, frosty form, they both drained their glasses faster than I could say “drink up.” My son loved that it reminded him of a milkshake, and my daughter thought it was hilarious that she could drink “hot” chocolate on a warm day. Me? I loved how quick and easy it was to make.
I’ll definitely be blending up batches for Christmas parties and cookie-decorating nights this winter, but I’m just as sure it’ll make an appearance—right alongside my fan-favorite lemonade— at family get-togethers and pool parties next spring and summer. After all, who says hot chocolate season has to end when the weather warms up? This frosty version keeps the magic going all year long.
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What Is Frozen Hot Chocolate?
Frozen hot chocolate—also known as frozen hot cocoa, cold hot chocolate, or iced hot chocolate—is a frosty, blended twist on the classic winter drink. It’s cool, creamy, and every bit as chocolatey as the original—just served ice-cold. Made by blending milk, hot chocolate mix, and ice, it’s divine topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of shaved chocolate.
What Does It Taste Like?
With its deep chocolate flavor and milky, frosty consistency, frozen hot chocolate tastes like hot cocoa and a chocolate milkshake had a baby. The milk makes it creamy, the ice gives it that refreshing chill, and the hot chocolate mix adds a nostalgic, malted chocolate twist. It’s just as perfect for sipping during the holidays as it is for cooling off poolside on a warm summer afternoon—one of my favorite ways to get creative with hot chocolate cravings!
Why You'll Love Frozen Hot Chocolate
As if the milky, chocolatey flavor and cool, frosty finish aren’t reason enough, here are a few more reasons to whip up iced hot cocoa:
- Seriously Simple — Just measure the ingredients, blend, and sip! It's so easy you could practically make it with your eyes closed.
- Anytime Indulgence — This cold hot chocolate is frosty and refreshing enough for warm-weather months, yet rich and chocolatey enough to satisfy your cozy hot chocolate cravings year-round.
- Made with Everyday Ingredients — Most of which you may already have on hand.
- Easy on the Wallet — Whip up this frozen hot cocoa when you want a cool, refreshing treat that won’t break the bank. At the time of publication, a double batch (enough for my family) costs less than $2.50!
Ingredients
- Milk — Use your milk of choice. I typically go with whole milk, but 2% or 1% also work if you prefer a lighter drink.
- Hot Chocolate Mix — For a rich, milk-chocolatey flavor, measure about ½ cup of dry mix (or roughly three packets).
- Ice — Adds an icy texture and frosty finish.
- Toppings — Think whipped cream or chocolate shavings—but don’t let me box you in! Sprinkles, jimmies, mini chocolate chips, cocoa powder, mini marshmallows, or sanding sugar all make fun garnishes, too.
Substitutions
Running low on ingredients and don't want to fuss with an extra trip to the store? I've got you! Try these easy, everyday swaps:
- Milk — Mix powdered or evaporated milk with water for an easy milk substitution, or swap your preferred plant-based milk, such as soy, oat, or almond milk. For a rich and decadent drink, swap up to half the milk with half-and-half or cream.
- Hot Chocolate — Don't have premade packets? It's surprisingly simple to make homemade hot cocoa mix! You can also use ¼ cup of chocolate syrup + 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, adding extra syrup to taste.
How to Make Frozen Hot Chocolate
Anyone (really, anyone!) can make this refreshing drink. Just grab your measuring cups and blender and follow these super simple steps:
Step 1: Add the cocoa mix, milk, and ice to the blender.
Step 2: Blend until smooth and frosty.
Step 3: Serve! Pour the frozen hot cocoa into serving glasses and drink up!
Optional Variations & Dietary Adjustments
Craving something a little different? Mix things up with one of these fun twists or dietary swaps to make your iced hot chocolate your own.
- Double Chocolate — Use chocolate milk instead of regular milk for an extra-indulgent layer of chocolate flavor.
- Dark Chocolate — Blend in dark chocolate dry hot chocolate mix for a deeper, richer chocolate taste.
- Thick and Creamy — 1-2 tablespoons of powdered milk (or a splash of half-and-half or cream) gives the homemade frozen hot chocolate extra body and richness.
- Add Extracts — For a flavor infusion, blend in a few drops of peppermint or coconut extract for a festive or tropical twist.
- High-Protein — Add a scoop of chocolate or vanilla protein powder for extra staying power.
- Low Sugar — Watching your sugar intake? Use 3 packets of reduced sugar or no-sugar-added hot cocoa mix. (Since the volume of sugar-free mix can vary, measure by packets rather than cups).
- Dairy-Free — Choose a non-dairy hot chocolate mix and use your favorite plant-based milk for a frozen hot chocolate recipe that's easy on the stomach.
Serving Suggestions
The fun thing about iced hot cocoa is its year-round versatility! No longer reserved for chilly months, you can enjoy it anytime — and in so many delicious ways:
- Poolside Refresher —Consider iced hot chocolate the chocolate lover's version of an iced latte. It's cool, creamy, and refreshing, perfect for sipping at pool parties and summer barbecues.
- Frozen Mocha Moment — Blend in two shots of espresso for a caffeinated twist similar to a Frappuccino.
- Simply Spiked — Make a special pitcher for the adults, blending in a few shots of Kahlúa, coconut rum, or Irish cream.
- Warm Weather Christmas — Celebrating the holidays closer to the equator (or Christmas in July)? Serve tall glasses garnished with candy canes or crushed peppermint candies.
- Hot Chocolate Popsicles — Make an extra batch or pour leftovers into popsicle molds for a cool, chocolatey treat that’s perfect for hot days.
- Drinkable Dessert — Give it a milkshake-like twist by topping with a scoop of vanilla ice cream before garnishing with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
Recipe Success Tips
- Mind Your Blender — Most high-speed blenders work best when you add liquids first, followed by dry ingredients and ice. Start blending on low speed, then gradually increase to medium for a smooth, even texture.
- Let It Sit — Blending aerates the cocoa, creating light bubbles. For a thick, pourable drink, let the pitcher rest for about 30 seconds before pouring to let the bubbles settle.
- Use Quality Hot Chocolate Mix — Choose a mix made with real cocoa, sugar, and minimal fillers. The better the mix, the better the drink!
- Keep It Cool — Chill your serving glasses in the freezer for at least 15 minutes before serving for an extra-frosty finish—perfect for warm-weather sipping.
- Adjust to Taste — For extra chocolatey flavor, blend in more cocoa powder or a drizzle of chocolate syrup. Want it icier? Add another handful of ice. For an ultra-indulgent version, use chocolate milk instead or regular or splash in a little half-and-half or cream.
FAQs
Frozen hot cocoa is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the ingredients ahead. Mix the milk and hot chocolate mix together and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then blend with ice just before serving.
You actually can! Whisk the milk and hot chocolate mix together until smooth, then shake it in a protein shaker, cocktail shaker, or mason jar for an appliance-free version.
Use a dairy-free hot chocolate mix and a non-dairy milk (like oat, almond, or soy). For an indulgent, yet dairy-free finish, top with coconut whipped cream.
Certainly! Blend in a scoop of chocolate or vanilla ice cream, a few tablespoons of powdered milk or cream, or a few extra ice cubes.
Nutritional Info
Each glass of this frozen hot chocolate comes in at 224 calories (8 grams of fat, 6 grams of protein, and 37 grams of carbohydrates), making it a sweet and creamy treat that satisfies without feeling overly heavy.
Unlike traditional milkshakes that can clock in at 600 calories or more—mostly from fat and sugar—this version gives you that same milkshake-like experience at a fraction of the calories, thanks to using ice instead of ice cream.
Want to tweak it to your goals? It’s easy! To cut sugar and carbs, use a no-sugar-added hot chocolate mix. Lower the fat by opting for 1% or 2% milk. Or boost the protein by blending in a scoop of chocolate or vanilla protein powder.
Total nutritional content per serving is:
- Calories: 224 calories
- Total Fat: 8 grams
- Protein: 6 grams
- Sodium: 326 mg
- Carbohydrates: 37 grams
- Sugar: 26 grams
*This nutritional information is an estimate and calculated based on the ingredients used to create the recipe. The nutritional value of your ingredients may differ slightly. Furthermore, this food is not intended to prevent, diagnose, cure, or treat any disease.
Other Hot Chocolate Recipes
Easy Frozen Hot Chocolate
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk of choice I used whole milk
- ½ cup dry hot chocolate mix (about 3 packets Swiss Miss)
- 1 ½ cups ice
- whipped cream and/or chocolate shavings optional for garnish
Instructions
- Add the milk, dry hot chocolate mix, and ice to a high-speed blender and blend until smooth.
- Divide between two glasses, then garnish with whipped cream and/or chocolate shavings. Drink up!
Nutrition
xoxo Megan
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