The temperature is so hot in California right now, that my new idea of a good time is curling up in my shortest shorts under the nearest AC vent while reading a magazine.
Doesn’t that just sound divine?
Forget poolside. Poolside still means you’re outside, of which I want absolutely nothing to do with. It’s over one-hundred degrees out there – staring at a glistening pool is not my idea of a good time. And frankly, neither does swimming (hello, bikini – no thanks) but that’s a different story.
Not to mention, we don’t have a pool or know anyone with a pool besides my grandma, who lives about 15 minutes away. We could go over there to swim, but that requires bearing the heat and travel time which doesn’t bode well when the temperature gauge is over a hundred.
So basically, if you need anything done from me at any given time during June-September, it’s a requirement that it’s done in the house, that the AC is blasting, and that I’ve had adequate time to bring my body to temperature. It’s the worst when I come home from my 8am walk with Mannie, enter the home dripping with sweat, and am asked to do something. Leave me alone and let me stop cooking.
Anywho. Despite burning up 24/7, I’m still getting the urge to bake which I’m trying to curb with plenty of no-bake treats. One of the things we crave in the summertime is ice cream and tons of it, but I get kinda tired of it every night all the time between sundaes and milkshakes. So I set out to create a summertime treat that was kinda like ice cream, kinda not, but 100% delicious. And it serves as inspiration for my favorite wintertime drink… *drumroll please*… Frozen Hot Chocolate!
If you’ve never had Frozen Hot Chocolate, you’re missing out. This frosty, freezy-cool drink is icy and utterly delicious, creamy and chocolaty, and tastes just like rich milk chocolate cocoa but frozen. It’s so scrumptious! And topped with whipped cream and a generous drizzle of glossy chocolate syrup, it’s our new favorite way to cool down and beat the heat.
For this Best-Ever Frozen Hot Chocolate, I’m using Nielsen-Massey Pure Chocolate Extract. This stuff is seriously divine and really elevates the rich, warm chocolate flavor in these drinks. I love using Nielsen-Massey extracts in my baking because it’s a family-owned company that really cares about the quality of its products. Their vanilla bean paste continues to be a favorite of mine, and I cannot function without their Madagascar Vanilla Extract. It’s so velvety and delicious. If you haven’t already, you should check them out!
And whatever you do, you oughta make one of these drinks for yourself! They’re worth it!
The Best Frozen Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk I used 1%
- 3 cups ice
- 3 (.75-1 oz) pkgs hot cocoa packets (depending on the brand, they vary in ounces. Look for this range, which is typical for powdered hot cocoa packets)
- 2 tsp Nielsen-Massey Pure Chocolate Extract optional but recommended
- 1 tsp Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Extract or Tahitian Vanilla Extract
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate syrup
Instructions
- In a large blender, blend together the milk, ice, hot cocoa packets, chocolate and vanilla extracts on high speed until blended and smooth, about 1 minute.
- Pour into two tall Mason jars or glasses and garnish with fresh whipped cream and chocolate syrup. Likewise, you can also drizzle your glasses with chocolate syrup before pouring the hot chocolate into the glass for extra pizzazz and flavor.
- Drink up!
I mean… talk about heaven in a glass! I love the icy texture of this sweet cocoa drink. The hot chocolate flavor really comes through as it’s enhanced by the Chocolate Extract and rounded out with the Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Extract, both of which add tremendous richness and flavor. These hot chocolates totally taste like the ones at the famed Serendipity in New York City and Miami!
Be sure to connect with Nielsen-Massey on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest for more inspiration and recipes!
Have a sweet day!
xo, Hayley
In the interest of full disclosure, Nielsen-Massey has compensated me for this recipe. However, all opinions, as always, are 100% my own.
Kayle (The Cooking Actress) says
mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm so refreshing and CHOCOLATEY
thedomesticrebel says
Yes! Super chocolaty!
Erin @ Miss Scrambled Egg says
Hayley – I can’t believe how hot it’s been in California! I’ve never been, but based on what other bloggers have said, it seems unbearable. It’s in the 80s in CT and I’m really enjoying it. 🙂 This hot chocolate sounds decadent. I’ve been to Serendipity in NYC and they have a famous Frozen Hot Chocolate, but I have yet to try it. I think I’ll try this one first and save some money in the process!
thedomesticrebel says
This tastes eerily similar to Serendipity’s! I hope you do save some $$ and make mine instead 😉 Thanks Erin!
Stephanie @ smothered in flour says
I love frozen hot chocolate but I can never seem to perfect my own. This recipe seems like hit so I must be trying it.
thedomesticrebel says
Thanks Stephanie! You’re gonna love it!
CakeSpy says
It’s oddly not that hot in santa fe but could I do this? Yes, I could do this. 🙂
thedomesticrebel says
Yes you can! <3
Andie @ The Well Bread Baker says
Ugh yes it has been so hot here in Baltimore these past few days. I’m a summer girl but 100 degrees is just too much!
This looks absolutely AMAZING. I’m definitely going to have to try it next weekend. Also, adorable straw!! 🙂
thedomesticrebel says
Oh man, I know! The heat is the worst 🙁 Stay cool in Baltimore, Andie!
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust says
I’ve been wanting a frozen hot chocolate FOREVER. This looks insane Hayley! And I bet that vanilla takes it to another level.
thedomesticrebel says
You’re so right! The vanilla and chocolate extracts make this extra decadent 🙂 Thanks Dorothy!
Kelly - Life Made Sweeter says
Oh my goodness, this looks like the best way to beat the heat! So chocolatey, decadent and super delicious!
thedomesticrebel says
Super chocolaty! I know you’ll love it!
Stephanie @ Macaroni and Cheesecake says
This looks so fabulous!! And the perfect treat for this hot hot hot weather!!
thedomesticrebel says
Right? It’s been SO hot. These are the perfect way to cool down!
Annette says
We finally got to try the frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity in NYC on our 2nd try there. Who knew you needed reservations? Delicious and so worth the wait (and weight) 🙂 I’m going to have to try this at home (after I find the chocolate extract). Love, love, love. Thanks Hayley!
thedomesticrebel says
Annette – I think you’ll love this recipe! The chocolate extract isn’t necessary; I just added it to enrich the chocolate flavor a little more. But if you don’t have it, no worries – you can still enjoy this recipe at home right now!
Sajeda Essop says
Love d recipes thanx
thedomesticrebel says
Thank you! So glad you liked it!
Satiya says
Perfect
Jeannie says
This looks amazing! Can’t wait to try this recipe!
thedomesticrebel says
Thanks so much Jeannie!
Brittanie says
This looks so good! I can’t wait to try it!
thedomesticrebel says
Thanks Brittanie!!
Crystal @HelloCreativeFamily says
Oh my goodness you have me DROOLING with this recipe! It looks heavenly!
I included this in a roundup I did of decadent chocolate recipes! I’d love for you to check it out and share it on social media if you think your followers would like it! Here is the link:
http://hellocreativefamily.com/36-decadent-chocolate-recipes/
Thanks so much for creating such a delicious dessert!
Best Wishes,
Crystal
Bella says
I’ve made this recipe a couple times and I love it!
thedomesticrebel says
Bella, so happy to hear that! Thank you!
Emily says
I’m really looking forward into trying your recipe. By the way it looks, it looks like it I’ll taste awesome. I was also wondering where you got your mason jar from? Thx
thedomesticrebel says
Hi Emily! I buy my Mason jars typically from Target! They’re super cheap there 🙂
Kennedy says
Absolutely LOVE this recipe! ?