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Beat the Heat with Holiday Cheer: Indulge in Refreshing Hot Chocolate Floats!

The calendar might say July, but in my home, the festive spirit of Christmas often makes an early appearance. My sister might call me a little “crazy” for discussing Christmas in July, but who can blame me? The holidays have a way of sneaking up on us, and I always prefer to get a head start on planning and shopping. There’s a certain tranquility in tackling holiday preparations early, avoiding the frantic rush that inevitably descends as December approaches.

This year, with Christmas on my mind, coupled with my daughter Cora’s birthday just around the corner from the festive season, I felt inspired to infuse some holiday joy into our summer days. What better way to celebrate than with a delightful “Christmas in July” themed recipe? And trust me, this isn’t just any recipe; it’s an absolute game-changer. These Hot Chocolate Floats are so incredibly delicious, they’re perfect whether you’re dreaming of snow in July or cozying up by the fire during the actual holidays.

The Sweet Inspiration: A Birthday Party with a Twist

For Cora’s upcoming birthday, I’m planning a charming “Cupcakes, Cookies, and Cocoa with Cora” party. The theme popped into my head long before I had all the details ironed out. Then came the delightful challenge: how do you make cocoa exciting and kid-friendly for a group of lively toddlers? The answer, like a sudden burst of inspiration, was clear:

Hot Chocolate Floats!

These floats are simply divine, a harmonious blend of warm and cold, rich and refreshing. They’re cool enough for little ones to enjoy without getting burnt, making them the perfect centerpiece for our cocoa bar. Finding this ideal Hot Chocolate Floats recipe has me incredibly excited, especially since its versatility means I can use it for both Cora’s birthday celebration and our family’s Christmas festivities. It’s a true year-round treat!

A Symphony of Flavors: Warm Cocoa Meets Cool Mint

Imagine this: a steaming mug of rich, velvety hot chocolate, topped with a generous scoop of cold, creamy mint chocolate chip ice cream. The warmth of the cocoa gently melts the ice cream, creating a luscious, minty swirl that is utterly melt-in-your-mouth good. It’s a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures that dances on your palate, offering a comforting yet invigorating experience. While mint chocolate chip is our personal favorite for its holiday-esque charm, feel free to experiment with other ice cream flavors like vanilla, chocolate, or even peppermint stick for an extra festive kick.

Elevate Your Hot Chocolate Floats with Elegant Touches

To make these Hot Chocolate Floats truly special, I decided to add a few decorative and delicious touches that elevate them from simple drinks to gourmet experiences. Presentation is key, especially when you’re aiming for that ‘wow’ factor at a party or holiday gathering.

Chocolate-Dipped Rims: A Sweet First Impression

The first enhancement was dipping the rims of the glasses in melted Chocolate Almond Bark. This simple step creates a beautiful, professional-looking edge that also adds an extra layer of rich chocolate flavor with every sip. It’s a small detail that makes a big impact. Here’s how to do it perfectly:

Melt Chocolate Almond Bark according to package directions until smooth and fluid.
Pour the melted chocolate into a shallow dish or plate, wide enough for the glass rim.
Carefully dip the rim of each glass into the melted chocolate, twisting gently to ensure an even coating.
Immediately place the dipped glasses upright on parchment paper or a wire rack to allow the chocolate to set. You can pop them in the refrigerator for a few minutes to speed up the hardening process.

Handcrafted Chocolate Designs: Edible Art for Your Drinks

For an even more whimsical touch, I also created hardened chocolate designs. These delicate pieces can be added as garnishes, making each float look like a work of art. They’re surprisingly easy to make and add a touch of sophistication:

Melt additional Chocolate Almond Bark as described above.
Using a spoon, a piping bag, or even a ziploc bag with a corner snipped off, drizzle the melted chocolate onto a sheet of wax paper or parchment paper in various shapes and patterns. Think swirls, zigzags, or even small tree shapes for a Christmas theme.
Let the chocolate designs harden completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Once solid, carefully peel them off the wax paper and use them to adorn your Hot Chocolate Floats.

The result of these little efforts? Pure magic! I honestly have no idea where Hot Chocolate Floats have been all my life, but I am incredibly grateful to have discovered them now. My waistline might not thank me, but come Christmas time, I know exactly what festive treat we’ll be serving at all our parties! And there’s no need to wait for December; why not try one now?

Additional Topping Ideas to Spark Joy

While the chocolate-dipped rims and designs are fantastic, don’t stop there! The beauty of a Hot Chocolate Float is its adaptability. Here are more ideas to customize your floats and cater to every taste:

Whipped Cream: A classic for a reason! A generous swirl of homemade or store-bought whipped cream adds an extra layer of indulgence.
Mini Marshmallows: The quintessential hot chocolate companion. They float beautifully and add a soft, sweet texture.
Chocolate Shavings or Sprinkles: A simple yet effective way to add visual appeal and extra chocolatey goodness.
Caramel Drizzle: For those who love a sweet and salty kick, a swirl of caramel sauce is irresistible.
Crushed Candy Canes: Especially festive for the holidays, they add a delightful crunch and minty flavor.
Espresso Powder: A tiny pinch can deepen the chocolate flavor without making it taste like coffee.
Spices: A dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper can add a sophisticated warmth.

Enjoy this delightful treat with your family and savor every sip of a luscious Hot Chocolate Float!

Ready to create your own Hot Chocolate Floats? Head over to Walmart, your one-stop shop for both delicious hot chocolate mix and a wide variety of ice cream flavors. You’ll find everything you need to whip up this festive treat in no time.

Happy Hot Chocolate Float Drinking!

Created by: Kristy Still

Hot Chocolate Floats

Servings

6
Cups

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Ingredients

6 Cups of Water
1 Cup of Swiss Miss Hot Chocolate Mix
Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

Optional Toppings:

Chocolate Almond Bark
Mini Candy Canes

Instructions

Hot Chocolate:

In a medium sized pot, mix the water and hot chocolate mix then place on medium heat on the stove.
Let this simmer and stir frequently until it begins to boil, then reduce heat.
Serve each in a glass with 1 scoop of ice cream.

Chocolate Dipped Cups:

Melt the Chocolate Almond Bark (2 Squares) in accordance with the package instructions.
When it is warm, twirl the rim of the cup in the chocolate to coat, set aside and let it harden.

Chocolate Designs:

Melt the Chocolate Almond Bark (2 Squares) in accordance with the package instructions.
Drizzle chocolate onto wax paper and let harden.
Break apart and top the floats with the chocolate pieces.

Nutrition

Serving:
6
Cups

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