Frozen Hot Chocolate: How A Beloved Dessert Was Born

Are you a fan of frozen hot chocolate? The delicious, rich drink was actually born in New York in the fifties and has a host of celebrity fans! Read on to learn more

Very few desserts have confused foodies as much as frozen hot chocolate. How can something hot be frozen? Turns out, the name is not a trick after all. The drink simply features frozen chocolate made from hot cocoa mix. Originating from the culinary experiments of the 1950s at New York dessert parlor Serendipity 3, the icy concoction has become a symbol of indulgence and creativity. The founders of the joint Stephen Bruce and Preston "Pres" Bailey, stumbled upon the creation almost by accident.

During their experimentation with a traditional hot chocolate recipe, they decided, on a whim, to blend the beverage with ice. This impromptu fusion resulted in a chilled, slushy version of the beloved hot chocolate. This accidental discovery brought together the familiar warmth of hot chocolate with refreshing ice, Bruce and Bailey decided to introduce their creation as Frozen Hot Chocolate on the Serendipity 3 menu.

What Happened Next

The Frozen Hot Chocolate quickly became Serendipity 3’s star attraction. The combination of rich cocoa flavors, velvety texture, and the unexpected twist of being served frozen made it the perfect post-meal dessert. The drink became so famous that celebrities, locals, and tourists alike flocked to the restaurant to indulge in this unique frozen delight. Marilyn Monroe, Andy Warhol, Grace Kelly, Cary Grant, Blake Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds are all fans. And Selena Gomez, who is an investor in the brand., even did a collaboration with the brand to release a line of hot chocolate mixes.

In a few years the frozen hot chocolate trend began cropping up in restaurants across the world. The concept of frozen hot chocolate found special resonance in countries with warmer climates since regular hot chocolate is not usually ideal for humid temperatures. Moreover, the commercial success of the Frozen Hot Chocolate in the States inspired other business across the world to pick up the trend.

The trend actually contributed to the popularity of hot chocolate pre-packaged mixes and blends, to simplify the process of creating hot chocolate and its variants. These commercially available mixes offered the charm of the gourmet hot chocolate.

In addition to its widespread adoption across the United States, the concept of frozen hot chocolate found resonance internationally, particularly in countries with warmer climates. The dessert's adaptability and broad appeal made it a welcome addition to menus across the world. As more people embraced the concept, variations emerged that incorporated local flavors and ingredients, adding a unique twist to the classic frozen treat.

Best Frozen Hot Chocolate In The World

Serendipity 3 (New York City, USA)

The birthplace of the frozen hot chocolate remains an iconic destination. Their signature ‘Frrrozen’ Hot Chocolate is a legendary concoction that promises a rich, velvety texture. Serendipity 3 uses multiple types of cocoa for one serving of the dish which is often served in a desert glass topped with wafers and chocolate shavings.

Café de Flore (Paris, France)

Known for its historic charm and status as a literary and intellectual hub, Café de Flore in Paris offers a sophisticated take on frozen hot chocolate. Their version has a simplistic mix of chocolate offered in a simple cup, alongside a portion of whipped cream

Max Brenner (Various Locations Worldwide):

Max Brenner, the chocolate-focused restaurant chain with locations worldwide, is celebrated for its indulgent chocolate creations. Their Chocolate Chunks Pizza and Chocolate Mess Dessert, which includes a luscious frozen hot chocolate, are favorites among chocolate lovers

Dylan's Candy Bar (New York City, USA):

Known for its vibrant and candy-filled environment, Dylan's Candy Bar in New York City serves up a Frozen Hot Chocolate which marries sweetness and whimsy, featuring a colorful presentation that adds to the overall experience.

The Peninsula Boutique & Café (Bangkok, Thailand):

The Peninsula Boutique &s; Café offers a sumptuous frozen hot chocolate; pastry chef Anne Coruble swears by a hint of Timut pepper which elevates the frozen dessert since it has citrusy notes. Their frozen hot chocolate combines the finest cocoa with some indulgent cream.

Sockerbit (New York City, USA):

For those with a penchant for Scandinavian flavors, Sockerbit in New York City offers a Frozen Hot Chocolate that blends the smoothness of chocolate with a touch of Nordic sweetness. The cozy and minimalist setting adds to the appeal of this unique dessert destination.