Christmas In July Recipe: Frozen Hot Chocolate

Ah, the delicious smells and tastes of the holidays. The warm, spicy scent of gingerbread. That first bite of just-out-of-the-oven Christmas cookies. Rich hot chocolate with marshmallows and melting whipped cream…

But why should winter have all the fun?

We’ve whipped up some cool summer versions of warm holiday favorites, so you can enjoy so you can enjoy a little Christmas cheer all year.

Now, let’s get back to that delicious hot cocoa.

Frozen Hot Chocolate

A drink made of water and ground-up cocoa seeds, mixed with chili peppers, dates as far back as the Mayans in 500 BC. This original “Hot” Chocolate was actually served cold and was known for its bitter and spicy taste. It took nearly 2,000 years before this drink made its way to Europe, where it was eventually altered in Spain to be served hot instead. In the 1700s, the drink became popular in London where it was again changed, this time by chocolatiers, who decided to turn the drink into an after-dinner treat by adding milk. When the drink made it to America, it was sweetened even further and was eventually simplified into the pantry-friendly shelf-stable hot cocoa powder we all love to sip around the Christmas tree.

Now, you may not want to drink a toasty beverage when the temperature outside is hotter than a Christmas turkey... but what about a summer refresher version?

Frozen hot chocolate is a perfect summer treat, mixing the best properties of slushies and ice cream with a distinct chocolate taste that will remind you of the holidays. One of the nicest things about this recipe is that you can tweak it as you like, just like your hot chocolate. Want to add some cinnamon to spice it up? Go right ahead. Happily, there’s not just one right way to make--and enjoy--this delightful summer treat!

Frozen Hot Chocolate Ingredients:

• Two packets pre-made hot chocolate mix 

OR

• One cup of cocoa powder
• Two cups of milk powder
• One cup white or powdered sugar

 AND

• Three cups ice
• One cup milk or half and half (or any milk substitute)
• Whipped cream (for topping)

Equipment you’ll need:

• Blender
• Measuring cups

Frozen Hot Chocolate Instructions:

1. First, blend the ice until it’s crushed.
2. Add hot chocolate mix and milk to blender. If using homemade cocoa mix, whisk together cocoa powder, milk powder and sugar in separate bowl before adding to blender with milk.
3. Blend on medium for about 20 seconds. The consistency should be thick enough to use a spoon.
4. Serve in dessert glasses, mason jars or bowls.
5. Top with whipped cream, and any other toppings you can imagine. We like adding some chocolate syrup, chocolate shavings and candy pieces for some extra Chocolatey goodness.
6. Enjoy!

Be sure to check out some other holiday favorite recipes straight from The Elf Squad Kitchen!