Icy Peppermint Hot Chocolate Float
A winter-inspired twist on classic hot chocolate, topped with a scoop of peppermint ice cream and a dusting of cocoa powder for a frosty, indulgent drink. This recipe, ready in about 12 minutes, brings together whole milk, dark cocoa powder, granulated sugar for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 2, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- 3 tbsp dark cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 scoops peppermint ice cream
- 1/2 cup whipped cream
- 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium saucepan, whisk together 2 cups whole milk, 3 tablespoons dark cocoa powder, and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar over medium heat.
- Step 2: Heat the mixture for 5-7 minutes, whisking frequently until the cocoa powder dissolves fully and the hot chocolate is steaming but not boiling.
- Step 3: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for added depth.
- Step 4: Pour the hot chocolate into two heatproof mugs about 3/4 full.
- Step 5: Top each mug with 1 scoop of peppermint ice cream and 1/4 cup whipped cream.
- Step 6: Lightly dust each drink with 1/2 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder.
- Step 7: Serve immediately with a spoon to enjoy the melting ice cream blending into the hot chocolate.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Icy Peppermint Hot Chocolate Float take to make?
Total time is about 12 minutes (5 min prep + 7 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Icy Peppermint Hot Chocolate Float?
Refrigerate any leftover icy peppermint hot chocolate float in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Icy Peppermint Hot Chocolate Float?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Icy Peppermint Hot Chocolate Float for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Icy Peppermint Hot Chocolate Float?
Cocktails cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
