Frozen Hot Chocolate

This frozen chocolate drink is synonymous with the Serendipity 3; the little café in New York City where people like Jackie Kennedy had their own tables. Now there are multiple locations including a spot in Las Vegas, but the one on East 60th and 3rd Avenue is where I first encountered this blended drink meant for sharing which they serve in a glass goblet topped with thick homemade whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

When I think of Serendipity, I imagine stepping through the small doorway and past the display cases filled with glitzy trinkets and into the area crowded with other hungry customers pushing to get their names on the list.

Frozen Hot Chocolate

Why I This Recipe is Special to Me

While many kids, myself included, went to the kitschy eclectic restaurant, growing up I always went after my doctors’ appointments in New York City. I had melanoma (a form of skin cancer) when I was 11 years old and was treated at Sloane Kettering Memorial Hospital in New York City. Once I was cancer-free I would still have to return for checkup in the 10 years following.

My mom devised a brilliant plan for these visits. She would invite my two closest friends to go with me into the city for a day-long adventure. They were thrilled, both because wanted to be supportive, and because they could get a day off from school. They would stay in the waiting room during my appointment, would congratulate me on my good news, and then we would go shopping at Bloomingdales, and make a stop at Dylan’s candy bar. We would top off our day with a visit to Serendipity for lunch. And with our lunch, we would have Serendipity’s signature frozen hot chocolate drinks.

To this very day, I associate Serendipity frozen hot chocolate with the strength (and initiative) of my mom, the presence of my friends and the good news of continually being deemed “cancer-free”. The same friends who were there for then are the same friends who are there for me now and I am so grateful for that.

Key Ingredients in This Recipe

• Hot chocolate mix – The hot chocolate is added to amp up the concentrated chocolate flavor in the base of the frozen hot chocolate.
• Semi-sweet chocolate –  Semi-sweet chocolate is a dark chocolate made up of a at least 35% cacao. Semi-sweet chocolate can be used interchangeably with bitter-sweet chocolate. Because of its strong chocolate flavor this is great for this blended recipe. Use either high-quality chocolate chips or chop up chocolate bars.
• Whipped cream – While store bought whipped cream can be substituted for homemade whipped cream, the less sugary and richer homemade version better compliments the dessert. Simply add heavy whipping cream to a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Whisk on high speed until the cream forms stiff peaks.

How to Make Frozen Hot Chocolate

1. Make the base. In a medium saucepan over medium heat bring the milk to a simmer. Add the semi-sweet chocolate, hot chocolate mix, granulated sugar, and table salt, whisking, until the chocolate has completely melted.
2. Let cool. Remove the pot from heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature.
3. Blend. Add the cooled chocolate mixture and 3 cups of ice to a blender. Blend until completely combined, adding more milk if the mixture is too thick.
4. Assemble and serve. Pour the mixture into a large glass or mug and top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. Serve with straws and spoons.

Other Recipes to Try

If you enjoy this recipe, I recommend checking out some of these:

• Double Chocolate Malt Milkshake
• Mint Mojito Iced Coffee
• Frosé
• Balsamic Fig Ice Cream

Frozen Hot Chocolate

Print Pin

Prep Time 30 mins

Cook Time 0 mins

Serves 1 (24-ounce) drink

Ingredients:

• 1 cup whole milk
• 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• 1 tablespoon store-bought hot chocolate mix
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon table salt
• Whipped cream, as needed (homemade whipped cream recommended)
• 2 tablespoons milk chocolate shavings

Instructions:

• In a medium saucepan over medium heat bring the milk to a simmer. Add the semi-sweet chocolate, hot chocolate mix, granulated sugar, and table salt, whisking, until the chocolate has completely melted.
• Remove the pot from heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature.
• Add the cooled chocolate mixture and 3 cups of ice to a blender and blend until completely combined, adding more milk if the mixture is too thick.
• Pour the mixture into a large glass or mug and top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. Serve with straws and spoons.

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