Description
A rich, refreshing summer drink that perfectly balances deep chocolate flavor with cooling fresh mint. This velvety smooth beverage delivers the indulgence of hot chocolate with the refreshment of an iced treat, featuring a mint-infused simple syrup and premium cocoa powder.
Ingredients
Scale
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup water
- 15 fresh spearmint leaves (plus extra for garnish)
- ¼ cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder
- 2 cups whole milk, cold
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Ice cubes for serving
- Fresh mint sprigs for garnish
- Chocolate shavings (optional)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine sugar, water, and 15 mint leaves
- Bring mixture to a boil, stirring until sugar completely dissolves
- Remove from heat and let mint leaves steep for exactly 15 minutes
- Strain out mint leaves and let syrup cool completely
- In a large bowl, whisk cocoa powder with 2 tablespoons of cooled mint syrup to form a smooth paste
- Gradually whisk in cold milk until completely smooth and lump-free
- Add heavy cream and vanilla extract, whisking to combine
- Taste and adjust sweetness with additional mint syrup if desired
- Refrigerate mixture for at least 2 hours until well chilled
- Fill tall glasses with ice cubes
- Pour chilled mixture over ice and stir gently
- Garnish with fresh mint sprigs and chocolate shavings if desired
Notes
- Use Dutch-processed cocoa powder for the richest, deepest chocolate flavor
- Fresh spearmint works better than peppermint – avoid artificial mint extracts
- Always chill the base mixture before serving over ice to prevent dilution
- Use large ice cubes or ice spheres to minimize melting and watering down
- Mint simple syrup can be made up to 1 week ahead and stored refrigerated
- Store finished drink in refrigerator up to 3 days – stir before serving
- Can be made boozy by adding crème de menthe or vodka for adult version
- Recipe doubles or triples easily for parties and gatherings
- For extra mint flavor without sweetness, muddle 3-4 fresh leaves in mixture
- Avoid over-muddling mint as it releases bitter compounds from stems
- Recommended tools (Affiliate Links): Calphalon Hard-Anodized Nonstick 1-Quart Saucepan, OXO Good Grips 3-Piece Mixing Bowl Set, Tovolo King Cube Ice Trays, Fine Mesh Strainer Set by IPOW, Pyrex Glass Measuring Cup Set, OXO Steel Balloon Whisk, Libbey Iced Tea Glasses Set, RSVP Endurance Stainless Steel Muddler, Anchor Hocking Glass Pitcher with Lid
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass (8 oz)
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: minty iced chocolate, summer drinks, chocolate mint beverage, refreshing chocolate drink, iced chocolate recipe, mint chocolate, cold chocolate drink, summer dessert drink