When most of us think of chilled chocolate beverages what comes to mind is chocolate milk, you know, as in Hershey’s and Yoo Hoo; well, its time to think outside the milk carton when deciding on a great coco cool down. Chocolate drinks aren’t just for kids anymore and with all the new delectable and sophisticated iced drinks to savor why settle for kid’s stuff? Give some of my suggestions below a try; all of them are grown-up takes on liquid chocolate indulgence that may have you relinquishing the rest of the Yoo Hoo in your frig to the nearest youngster in your life.
I’ve compiled eight easy cold chocolate drink recipes for you to make for yourself, friends and family, they are all simply fantastic and will satisfy your chocolate cravings while cooling you down in the sweltering days and nights of summer. Try one or try them all, the choice is yours, there’s even a low fat drink recipe for those who are concerned about their bikini bottom!
Mayan Chocolate Mojito
Put a little coco in your mojo. Mojito comes from the African word mojo, which means "cast a little spell." This magical concoction was created by Karisma Hotels Resorts on the Riviera in Maya, Mexico. If you’re a chocophile who can’t decide between dessert or an after dinner aperitif, then this drink is perfect for you.
Recipe: Single Serving
1 ½ ounce simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water dissolved)
2 ½ ounce White Cacao liqueur
½ ounce dark rum
2 round slices of lime (about ¼ inch thick)
4 mint leaves
Ice
In a cocktail shaker muddle the lime rounds with the simple syrup and three of the mint leaves. Strain the mixture into an ice filled high ball glass. Add the Cacao liquor, top with rum and garnish with the remaining mint leaf. Stir and enjoy!
Nutella Martini
Chef and owner of Atlanta’s Sotto Sotto and Fritti restaurants, Riccardo Ullio, created this fantastic chocolate, nutty drink treat. It has become a favorite of guests who often order it to compliment Chef Ullio’s famous Zuppa al Cioccolato.
Recipe: Single serving
1 ounce Godiva Chocolate Liqueur
1 ounce Vodka
3/4 oz Frangelico Liqueur
Splash of Cream
Mix all ingredients with ice and strain into martini glass.
Chocolate Caramel Smoothie
This recipe comes from Haagen-Dazs, who is famous the world over for the rich satisfying flavor and creamy texture of their exceptional ice cream and frozen yogurt. After tasting this velvety frozen drink we think you’ll agree that Haagen-Dazs has well earned their reputation for excellence in chocolate anything.
Recipe: Serves 2
1 pint (2 cups) Häagen-Dazs® Chocolate frozen yogurt
1/3 cup fat-free caramel ice cream topping
2 tablespoons chopped pecans
3/4 cup skim milk
Place all ingredients in blender container; cover. Blend at medium speed 30 to 40 seconds or until smooth. Pour into 2 serving glasses; garnish with chocolate shavings.
Chocolate Punch (non-alcoholic)
This is the perfect recipe for a large crowd. Make this creamy, sparkling chocolate delight for your next party and your chocolate loving guests will be begging for the recipe.
Recipe: Serves 10-12
4 ounces semisweet chocolate
1/2 cup sugar
2 cups hot water
2 quarts milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 quart vanilla ice cream
1 quart club soda chilled
Add chocolate to hot water and sugar in a large saucepan and heat until boiling, stirring constantly until chocolate is melted. Add milk and heat through. Beat in vanilla extract with a whisk. Remove from heat and let cool completely. Put in the fridge until thoroughly chilled. Add cold club soda and gently mix just before serving.
Italian Chocolate Soda
(a/k/a Chocolate Egg Cream)
This is a sparkling drink with a hint of chocolate and cream; refreshing and satisfying. It’s so tasty and easy to make that you might find yourself downing several a day.
Recipe: Single Serving
3 tablespoons chocolate syrup
3 tablespoons heavy cream
Cold club soda, seltzer or other sparkling water
Ice (optional)
Add the syrup and cream to the bottom of a glass and mix well. Add soda water to the top and stir. Add ice if desired.
Iced Mocha
Not as creamy as most chocolate drinks, but with a touch of coffee flavor that knocks your socks off.
Recipe: Serves 2
1 tablespoons coffee crystals
1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 cup boiling water
2 tbs chocolate syrup
1 cup ice water
Add coffee and cinnamon to hot water and whisk until dissolved. Add syrup and whisk again until blended. Chill completely then stir. Stir in cold water and serve over ice.
Xtreme Chocolate Frappe
A low fat alternative to the above recipes, so you can still look good in your bathing suit this summer!
Recipe: Serves 2-3
1/3 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
2 cups lowfat or regular milk
1/4 cup light chocolate syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup lowfat or regular yogurt, chocolate, vanilla, or plain
4 ice cubes
1 ounce shavings of bittersweet chocolate, optional
Mix together sugar and cocoa powder in a small saucepan. Add 1/2 cup milk to sugar mixture; stir constantly over medium-low heat 3 minutes, or until mixture is hot and sugar is dissolved. Pour mixture into a blender. Add remaining milk, the chocolate syrup, vanilla, yogurt and ice cubes to cocoa mixture in blender. Process until smooth. Pour into glasses and sprinkle with chocolate shavings or additional cocoa powder.
Aztec Iced Chocolate
This last is the simplest of all; a delicious drink from Marie Belle in NYC called Aztec Iced Chocolate. To create a wonderful sipable iced chocolate simply add the mix to hot water and then add ice and enjoy. For a thicker, smoothie texture, try adding the drink mixture with crushed ice in your blender or smoothie maker with a touch of heavy cream and blend well. Aztec Iced Chocolate can be purchased online at www.MarieBelle.com for $22.00 per 20 once tin. To learn more about this fabulous chocolatier, check out my Spotlight on Marie Clair in this issue of Chocolate Zoom.
