Why More UK Cafés Are Adding Iced Drinking Chocolate, And How to Get It Right

By The Gentle Mug

Summer menus are evolving. Walk into any progressive café from Brighton to Edinburgh, and you will notice something interesting: iced drinking chocolate is quietly claiming space alongside the usual suspects of cold brew and iced lattes.

Why the Shift?

The answer lies in what café owners like Sophie know all too well, customers are seeking premium, caffeine-free alternatives that feel special rather than basic. While iced coffee dominates, there is a growing appetite for indulgent drinks that will not keep anyone up at night.

The Business Case for Iced Cocoa

• Margin-friendly: Quality drinking chocolate typically offers better profit margins than espresso-based drinks, with lower equipment demands and simpler preparation.
• Year-round appeal: Unlike hot chocolate’s seasonal limitations, iced variants work from March through October, extending your cocoa category’s earning potential.
• Instagram-worthy: Rich, velvety textures and creative garnishes make iced drinking chocolate naturally photogenic, the kind of drink customers share.

Getting the Preparation Right

The difference between success and disappointment often comes down to technique:

• Use premium drinking chocolate, not powdered mixes. Real cocoa creates the smooth, café-quality texture customers expect.
• Temperature matters. Prepare your chocolate base warm, then cool gradually. This prevents separation and maintains that signature velvety mouthfeel.
• Customise thoughtfully. Oat milk froths beautifully for toppings. A pinch of sea salt or cinnamon can elevate the experience without complicating prep.

Menu Positioning That Works

Position iced drinking chocolate as a premium alternative, not a children’s drink. Frame it alongside artisanal offerings: “Japanese Matcha Iced Cocoa” or “Salted Caramel Cold Chocolate” signals sophistication.

The bottom line? Customers are ready for drinking chocolate that works in any season. The cafés that get there first often find it becomes a quiet bestseller.

Ready to explore iced cocoa for your menu? Request café samples and see how The Gentle Mug’s blends perform in your space.