Are you looking for a special cold drink that combines the delight of chocolate with the magic of refreshment? Cold hot chocolate is the perfect solution! This drink is one of the most popular summer beverages, known for its rich and refreshing taste. Thanks to a blend of rich chocolate, milk, and whipped cream, you can enjoy a luxurious experience any time of the day. We offer you an easy and simple way to prepare cold hot chocolate using ingredients available in every home. No need to wait long at coffee shops — you can prepare it yourself and serve it in just minutes to enjoy a wonderful, refreshing taste.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole milk or plant-based milk (such as almond milk or coconut milk)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup dark chocolate or milk chocolate, grated or chopped into small pieces
• 1/2 cup cold whipped cream
• Ice cubes (as desired)

Instructions:

Prepare the hot mixture:

1. In a pot over medium heat, combine the milk (dairy or plant-based) with the cocoa powder.
2. Stir continuously until the cocoa powder completely dissolves into the milk and the mixture becomes smooth.

Add sugar and vanilla: 3. Add the sugar to the hot mixture, stirring constantly until it fully dissolves. 4. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.

Add chocolate: 5. Add the chopped or grated chocolate to the mixture and continue stirring until the chocolate fully melts.

Cool the mixture: 6. Remove the mixture from the heat and allow it to cool to room temperature. 7. Once cooled, place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Prepare the whipped cream: 8. In a separate bowl, whip the cold cream using an electric mixer until soft peaks form.

Add the ice: 9. Place ice cubes in serving glasses as desired.

Assemble the iced hot chocolate: 10. Pour the cooled hot chocolate mixture over the ice in the glasses.

Garnish with whipped cream: 11. Top the drink with the whipped cream. 12. You can garnish with grated chocolate or chocolate syrup if desired.

Time:

• Ingredient prep: 10 minutes
• Cooling the mixture: 30 minutes
• Whipping cream and serving: 5 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes

Serving and Garnishing:

Serve the iced hot chocolate in distinctive glasses. You can garnish it with whipped cream, grated chocolate, or other toppings such as chocolate pieces or caramel syrup.

Tips for Success and Avoiding Mistakes for Beginners:

• Choosing the Milk: You can use plant-based milk like almond milk or coconut milk if you prefer dairy-free alternatives.
• Mixing the Cocoa Well: Make sure the cocoa completely dissolves in the milk to avoid clumps.
• Cooling the Mixture Properly: Don’t rush to serve the iced hot chocolate before it’s fully cooled; this will give you a better taste.
• Avoid Over-Sweetening: You can adjust the amount of sugar to taste, but be careful not to add too much to maintain the balance of flavor.
• Choosing the Right Cream: Use cold whipped cream for the perfect creamy texture.

Healthy Ingredient Alternatives:

• Whole Milk: You can replace it with almond milk or oat milk for a lighter, healthier option.
• Sugar: Honey or coconut sugar can be used as a healthier alternative.
• Whipped Cream: It can be replaced with whipped coconut cream for a lighter, plant-based option.
• Unsweetened Cocoa: You can use raw cocoa to enhance the health benefits and flavor.

Side Dishes to Serve with the Recipe:

• Chocolate Cake: For a rich chocolate experience that complements the iced hot chocolate.
• Toasted Biscuits: Serve with iced hot chocolate for an extra delicious taste.
• Croissants: Perfect to serve with the cold drink, especially for special occasions.
• Butter Cakes: Ideal for serving with the cold drink, especially for special occasions.

Alternative Recipes with Other Ingredients to Boost Health Benefits:

• Iced Hot Chocolate with Fruit: Use coconut milk or almond milk with fresh blueberries or strawberries.
• Iced Hot Chocolate with Avocado: Replace part of the cream with avocado for a naturally creamy texture and extra health benefits.
• Iced Hot Chocolate with Spirulina: Add spirulina powder to create a drink rich in antioxidants and minerals.

Important Warnings and Recommendations:

• For Vegans:
  • You can replace animal milk with plant-based milk such as almond or coconut milk.
  • Be sure to use plant-based whipped cream to achieve the same creamy texture without animal products.
• For People with Chronic Diseases:
  • Diabetes: Reduce the sugar amount or use natural sugar substitutes like stevia or coconut sugar.
  • Heart Disease: It’s preferable to reduce saturated fats and use low-fat or plant-based milk like almond milk.
  • Food Allergies: Ensure that ingredients are free from allergens like latex or soy.
• For Children:
  • You can adjust the sugar to suit the child’s needs, either by reducing the amount or substituting it with honey or coconut sugar.
  • Make sure all ingredients are safe for children, avoiding anything that may be difficult to digest or cause allergies.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Can I make iced hot chocolate without sugar?
  Yes, you can replace sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or stevia. This will help reduce the calories while maintaining the rich flavor.
• Can I use plant-based milk in the recipe?
  Yes, you can use almond milk, coconut milk, or any other type of plant-based milk instead of traditional milk. This makes the recipe suitable for vegans or those with dairy allergies.
• How can I make iced hot chocolate healthier?
  You can reduce the sugar and use alternatives like coconut sugar or honey. You can also replace regular cream with coconut cream or plant-based whipped cream.
• Can I store iced hot chocolate?
  Yes, you can store iced hot chocolate in the fridge for up to two days, but it should be served cold. Be sure to stir it well before serving.
• Can I add other flavors to iced hot chocolate?
  Yes, you can add flavors like cinnamon or mint to enhance the taste. You can also add vanilla or caramel flavor for more variety.

Nutritional Values for Each Ingredient:

Whole Milk or Plant-Based Milk
Ingredients: 2 cups

• Whole Milk:
  • Calories: 150-200 per cup
  • Fat: 8-10 grams (5 grams saturated fat)
  • Carbohydrates: 12 grams
  • Protein: 8 grams
  • Calcium: 300-350 mg
  • Vitamin D: 2-4 micrograms
• Plant-Based Milk (such as almond or coconut):
  • Calories: 30-60 per cup
  • Fat: 2-3 grams (mostly unsaturated fat)
  • Carbohydrates: 1-2 grams
  • Protein: 1-2 grams
  • Calcium: 150-200 mg
  • Vitamin D: 2-4 micrograms

Health Benefits:

• Whole Milk: Rich in calcium and Vitamin D, promoting bone health.
• Plant-Based Milk: A dairy-free option, low in calories, and rich in healthy fats.

Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
Ingredients: 1/2 cup (about 40 grams)

• Calories: 120-130 calories
• Fat: 7 grams
• Carbohydrates: 16-18 grams
• Protein: 3 grams
• Fiber: 8 grams
• Sugar: 0 grams (unsweetened)

Health Benefits:

• Rich in antioxidants that help fight inflammation and improve heart health.
• Helps reduce the risk of heart and arterial diseases.

Sugar
Ingredients: 1/4 cup (about 50 grams)

• Calories: 200 calories
• Fat: 0 grams
• Carbohydrates: 50 grams (of which 50 grams is sugar)
• Protein: 0 grams
• Fiber: 0 grams

Health Benefits:

• Adds sweetness to the drink, but contains high calories and should be consumed in moderation by diabetics.

Liquid Vanilla
Ingredients: 1/4 teaspoon

• Calories: 12 calories per teaspoon
• Fat: 0 grams
• Carbohydrates: 2 grams
• Protein: 0 grams
• Fiber: 0 grams

Health Benefits:

• Adds a natural flavor to the drink without significantly affecting the nutritional values.

Dark Chocolate or Milk Chocolate
Ingredients: 1/4 cup (about 40 grams)

• Dark Chocolate (70-85% Cocoa):
  • Calories: 200-220 calories per 30 grams
  • Fat: 15-20 grams (of which 8-10 grams are saturated fat)
  • Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams
  • Protein: 2-3 grams
  • Fiber: 3-5 grams
  • Sugar: 5-7 grams (varies by cocoa percentage)
• Milk Chocolate:
  • Calories: 150-170 calories per 30 grams
  • Fat: 9-12 grams (of which 5-7 grams are saturated fat)
  • Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams
  • Protein: 1-2 grams
  • Fiber: 1-2 grams
  • Sugar: 15-18 grams

Health Benefits:

• Dark Chocolate: Rich in antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and improve heart health. Contains flavonoids that help improve circulation and support brain health. May help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Milk Chocolate: Provides a delicious taste but contains more sugar compared to dark chocolate. Contains some vitamins and minerals such as magnesium and iron, but also more calories and sugars.

Cold Whipped Cream
Ingredients: 1/2 cup (about 120 ml)

• Calories: 400-450 per 1/2 cup
• Fat: 40-45 grams (of which 25-30 grams are saturated fat)
• Carbohydrates: 3-5 grams
• Protein: 3-5 grams
• Cholesterol: 100-120 mg

Health Benefits:

• Adds a creamy texture and rich flavor to the drink. Contains saturated fat and high calories, so it is recommended to use in moderation. Can be replaced with plant-based whipped cream to reduce saturated fat.

Ice Cubes
Ingredients: As desired

• Calories: 0 calories
• Fat: 0 grams
• Carbohydrates: 0 grams
• Protein: 0 grams

Health Benefits:

• Contains no calories or nutritional components. Helps chill the drink without affecting its nutritional value.

Total Nutritional Values for Iced Hot Chocolate (1 Cup)

• With Whole Milk (2 cups of whole milk):
  • Calories: 516-636 calories per cup
  • Fat: 32-38 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 65-68 grams
  • Protein: 24-27 grams
  • Fiber: 8 grams
  • Calcium: 300-350 mg
  • Vitamin D: 2-4 micrograms
• With Plant-Based Milk (2 cups of plant-based milk):
  • Calories: 280-440 calories per cup
  • Fat: 26-32 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 40-45 grams
  • Protein: 18-22 grams
  • Fiber: 8 grams
  • Calcium: 150-200 mg
  • Vitamin D: 2-4 micrograms

Overall Health Benefits of the Drink:

• Iced hot chocolate promotes heart health thanks to the antioxidants in cocoa and dark chocolate.
• Supports bone health due to the calcium content in milk.
• It can be modified to be healthier by using plant-based milk instead of whole milk and plant-based whipped cream to reduce saturated fats.

Conclusion:  
An unforgettable experience in the world of cold desserts!  
Now that you’ve discovered the secret to making the best cold hot chocolate at home, it’s time to try this unique recipe that combines the flavor of dark chocolate with summer-winter refreshment! Whether you’re a fan of coffee or creamy desserts, these easy recipes and ingredients suit all tastes — no need to visit a Dunkin’ restaurant.