Chilled chocolate ideas to cool you down this summer

Sit back and relax this summer with chilled chocolate — cool down, tantalise your tastebuds, and re-invigorate your senses.

The sun’s out and the temperatures are beginning to soar — which can only mean one thing. The refreshing allure of chilled summer chocolate is in full swing.

Our range of chilled chocolate creations has arrived just in time for summer to delight your senses. No matter if you’re lounging around in the garden with the kids, hosting a summer soirée with old friends from school, or even if you’re simply looking for an escape from the heat, we have a cacao treat to cool you down.

Savour the summer with these chilled chocolate ideas.

5 chilled chocolate ideas to cool your summer down

We’ve put together five spectacular ideas to help you get the most out of your chilled chocolate creations this summer. Which idea takes your fancy?

1. Make a chilled chocolate mousse

Nothing says summer indulgence like a light and airy chilled chocolate mousse. This sophisticated dessert is perfect for impressing guests or for treating yourself to an after-dinner indulgence.

To make this refreshing chilled chocolate mousse, you’ll need:

• 200g of our dark chocolate (we recommend our 70% Dark Chocolate Batons)
• 3 large eggs, separated
• 50g caster sugar
• 300ml double cream

The method:

1. Melt your chosen strength of dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water (the bain-marie method). Take a look at our guide to melting chocolate for tips on getting the best results.

2. Allow it to cool slightly before folding in the egg yolks.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites to stiff peaks, gradually adding in the sugar.

4. Fold the egg whites into the chocolate mixture, then whip the double cream until soft peaks form and gently fold it in.

5. Spoon the mousse into serving glasses and chill for at least two hours before serving.

6. Top with a dollop of whipped cream, our authentic chocolate shavings, or one of our bite-sized Chocolate Selectors for an extra pop of flavour and a snap of texture.

2. Try your hand at making ice cream

Creating homemade chocolate ice cream is a fun summer activity for all the family to get involved in. Why not have a competition and see who can make the most delicious concoction?

Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:

• 300ml double cream
• 300ml milk of your choice
• 150g sugar
• 100g of our dark chocolate, chopped (or opt for our Chocolate Pouches for different flavours)
• 3 large egg yolks

The method:

1. Heat the cream, milk, and half the sugar in a saucepan until it’s just about to boil.

2. In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the remaining sugar until pale and thick.

3. Gradually pour the hot cream mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly.

4. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens.

5. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped chocolate or chocolate flakes until smooth.

6. Cool the mixture completely before churning it in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

7. Freeze until firm and enjoy on a hot summer’s day. Top with sauces, gummy sweets, or a handful of Milk Chocolate Hazelnuts for a satisfying crunch.

3. Make a barista-grade iced chocolate drink using the Velvetiser

When it comes to cold chocolate drinks, nothing beats an iced hot chocolate made with the Velvetiser. After all, it only takes two and a half minutes to turn the ingredients into a perfectly smooth and velvety drink. What better way to cool down on a hot day?

Here’s what you’ll need to make your refreshing iced hot chocolate:

• 35g of our Hot Chocolate Flakes
• 220ml milk or a plant-based alternative
• Ice cubes
• A glass of your choice

The method:

1. Fill a glass with ice cubes and half of the milk.

2. Add the chocolate flakes and the remaining milk to your Velvetiser.

3. Press the button, and watch the magic happen.

4. Once stirred, whipped, and warmed to perfection, pour the chocolate mixture into your glass of chilled milk.

5. For an extra touch of decadence, top with whipped cream and a bite-sized chocolate Selector of your choice.

6. Sip, savour, and let the cool chocolate flavour over you as you relax in the sunshine.

4. Explore our Summer Chocolate range

Bursting with fresh and ripe seasonal fruit and flavours, our Summer Chocolates are the perfect addition to al fresco evenings, celebrations, and gatherings. In fact, we have two products that we recommend you store in the fridge for that oh-so-snappable mouthfeel and texture.

Summer Cocktails to Chill

These pre-mixed summer cocktails have been reimagined in chocolate form — and are, naturally, designed to be enjoyed chilled. As a refreshing and sophisticated alternative to traditional summer drinks, our cocktail chocolate box features a selection of expertly crafted cocktails, each with its unique chocolate twist.

From the rich and indulgent Lychee Martini to the zesty Mojito and Raspberry Daiquiri, there’s a cocktail to suit every palate. Simply store them in the fridge and reveal their snappable, spherical shells for your friends or family to try at a garden party barbecue, or simply just for a quiet evening on the patio.

Ice Cream Swirls

For a ready-made treat that’s sure to impress guests and family members alike, look no further than our Ice Cream Swirls. These delightful chocolate creations are designed to be stored in the fridge, ready to provide a cool, creamy experience whenever the mood may strike.

Our Ice Cream Swirls combine the rich, smooth texture of ice cream with the intense yet soothing flavour of our signature chocolate. The result? Best-loved flavour favourites like Raspberry, Vanilla, and Chocolate & Hazelnut. With 12 scoops of ice cream chocolate to choose from, how many will you be adding to your bowl?

At Hotel Chocolat we pride ourselves on creating chocolate designed for sharing — because it’s more fun when everyone can share the experience. If sharing’s not your thing, we won’t tell anyone if you decide to keep a stash in your fridge for those moments when you need a quick, delicious escape from the summer heat!

Are there any benefits of eating chocolate treats in summer?

With our chocolate being so creamy and smooth, you might be wondering whether chocolate can truly complement the sunny season. We’re glad to say that the answer is yes.

Chocolate is not only a comforting companion during winter but also a delightful indulgence in summer. Chilled chocolate — especially chilled chocolate drinks — offers a summer twist on your favourite chocolate treats, transforming them into a source of cooling comfort to tackle the heat with.

With the sun beaming above you, imagine the joy of biting into a creamy, chilled chocolate mousse or savouring a frosty chocolate ice cream. Chocolate’s versatility means it can adapt to any season, bringing a touch of luxury and delight to your summer days.

Bring your nearest and dearest together with chilled chocolates

Chocolate has an incredible way of bringing people together. After all, it’s why we’re lucky to have a team of fabulous people around us — in our locations, on our cacao farm, in the Inventing Room. We’re all connected by one thing — and that is chocolate.

Chocolate can turn your routine gathering into something extra special. Its adaptable flavours appeal to all ages, making it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

When is it okay to put chocolate in the fridge?

If you’ve followed us for a while, you Hotel Chocolat loyalists will know that we usually advise against refrigerating chocolate as it can cause the cocoa butter to bloom, resulting in a whitish coating that affects its texture and flavour.

However, there are exceptions to every rule — even for chocolate. During the peak of summer, when temperatures are high and your chocolate is at risk of melting, it’s perfectly acceptable to pop it in the fridge to keep it from becoming a gooey mess.

Certain chocolate products, like our Ice Cream Swirls and Summer Cocktails to Chill, are designed to be stored in the fridge for the best experience. If we can do it, you can do it, too.

But, before you do, take a look at our tips on how to store your chocolate in the fridge to prevent blooming.

Cool down this summer with chilled chocolate from Hotel Chocolat

Ready to explore our Summer Chocolate delights? From indulgent chocolate dessert recipes to refreshingly cold iced chocolate drinks, we hope we have everything you need to make this summer unforgettable.

Let the summer celebrations begin with Hotel Chocolat.

By Nicky Green