Celebrating World Ice-Cream Day with Delicious Chocolate Pairings

There’s something universally joyful about ice cream. Whether it’s a nostalgic scoop of vanilla on a sunny summer day or a decadent bowl topped with a delicious topping, it holds a timeless place in our hearts.

But once a year, we’re given an official reason to go all-in on our frozen favourite: World Ice Cream Day.

At Hotel Chocolat, we believe in celebrating with style, indulgence, and of course, luxury chocolate. This year, we invite you to take your scoops to the next level. From creative serving ideas to opulent chocolate pairings and our own revolutionary Ice Cream of the Gods, here’s how to make this World Ice Cream Day your most delicious yet.

The Origins of World Ice Cream Day

Before we dive into the world of chocolate drizzle and truffle toppings, let’s take a quick look at how this delicious celebration began. World Ice Cream Day was officially established in the United States in 1984, when President Ronald Reagan declared it a national day of recognition. He praised ice cream as a fun, wholesome, and nutritious food enjoyed by over 90% of the American population.

When is World Ice Cream Day?

World Ice Cream Day takes place every year on the third Sunday of July. The date shifts slightly each year, but its timing in the heart of summer makes it the perfect excuse to cool down with your favourite scoop. In 2025, for example, World Ice Cream Day will fall on Sunday, 20 July. Whether you’re celebrating with a waffle cone, sundae, or a tub on the sofa, it’s the ideal day to treat yourself – and maybe even share.

A Scoop Above the Rest

If you’ve ever tasted our Ice Cream of the Gods, you’ll understand why we call it that. It’s made using Theobroma Cacao, the “food of the gods” in Latin – hence the name – and infused with cacao-nib-infused milk, giving it a uniquely rich depth unlike any other ice cream.

It’s worth mentioning, this isn’t your average ice cream. Our Ice Cream of the Gods embodies everything we stand for at Hotel Chocolat: bold cacao flavour, minimal sugar, and a luxuriously creamy texture. From our Billionaire’s Sundae made with our Ice Cream of the Gods, our Billionaire’s Shortbread chocolate and delicious crispy pearls, to our Mango & Passionfruit Sundae, perfect for those who prefer a sweet treat with a zingy, fruity twist on a summer’s day. Indulge in true luxury at any of our 103 eligible locations.

A New Level of Indulgence

For World Ice Cream Day, we’re taking satisfaction seriously. Imagine the contrast of smooth, cool ice cream with a melt-in-the-mouth truffle or adorably-sized selector. It’s a pairing that turns dessert into an occasion.

Delicious truffle-inspired combinations to try:

• Classic Vanilla Ice Cream + Salted Caramel Selectors

The creamy base of the vanilla, along with our Salted Caramel Selector, allows the caramel notes to shine, while a hint of sea salt adds a sense of sophistication. Perfect for those looking to add a tasty twist to a classic.

• Chocolate Ice Cream + Chocolate Coconut Truffles

Layer richness on richness with our creamy chocolate coconut truffles. The texture of the coconut with the creamy ice cream creates an irresistibly delicious dessert.

• Coffee Ice Cream + Dark Chocolate Truffles

The pairing of coffee ice cream with our Dark Chocolate Truffle Selector creates an utterly divine dessert for caffeine and chocolate lovers.

To serve, simply slice your truffles in half and nestle them into your scoop. Or let them melt gently on top for a gooey, chocolatey finish.

Chocolate and flavour combinations to savour:

1. Dark Chocolate and Raspberry

Looking for a sweet and slightly sour flavour combination? The tartness of raspberry cuts through the intensity of dark chocolate, making this a timeless combination. Try our dark chocolate shavings sprinkled over chocolate ice cream, and top with one of our zingy, creamy Raspberry Chocolate treats.

2. White Chocolate & Pistachio

For those who are loving the ever-popular pistachio right now will love our next flavour pairing. The natural nuttiness of our Pistachio Chocolate is gently lifted by the creamy sweetness of our beautiful White Chocolate. Serve over either Vanilla ice cream or Pistachio ice cream for a toothsome delight.

3. Elevate Classic Chocolate with Tantalising Flavours

Love the taste of classic chocolate ice cream, but looking for something to take it to the next level? Top your ice cream with delicious flavours such as warming Ginger Chocolate for an uplifting kick, cooling Mint Chocolate for a refreshing, classically British combination, or vibrant Orange Chocolate for a citrus twist. No matter your preference, we have a flavour combo for everyone.

Elegant and Playful Serving Inspiration

There truly are endless ways to present and enjoy your ice cream, and we’ve put together some tempting ideas that balance elegance with decadence and elevate the classic dessert into something special.

Chocolate-Dipped Cones

Upgrade your cones by dipping them in melted Hotel Chocolat chocolate. Choose from dark, milk, or white and roll in toppings like crushed truffles or chocolate flakes. Let them set before adding your tasty scoop.

Ice Cream Charcuterie Board

A dessert board isn’t just for cheese and crackers. For a summertime twist, assemble a board with truffle selections, chocolate shards, chocolate-covered fruits and nuts and let guests build their dream ice cream masterpiece.

Something for the Grown-Ups

Looking for a cooling treat with a grown-up twist? Pour a shot of our Velvetised Chocolate over vanilla or hazelnut ice cream for a dessert-drink combination that oozes luxury. Perfect for summer evenings, or when you fancy a truly luscious tipple.

Make It a Cacao Celebration

World Ice Cream Day isn’t just about the ice cream; it’s about the celebration. At Hotel Chocolat, we celebrate cacao in every form, from bean to truffle to scoop. Whether you visit us for a freshly made serving of Ice Cream of the Gods or create your own DIY masterpiece at home with our chocolate treats and pairings, you’re joining us in a ritual of taste, texture, and utter joy.

The Final Scoop

Start with quality: Always begin with a premium ice cream as your base. If you can’t get Ice Cream of the Gods near you, look for high-cacao milk options. Trust us, you want only the best for your ice cream celebration.

Layer textures: Try mixing soft with crunchy, smooth with chewy. Add shards of chocolate, chopped truffles, or chocolate-covered fruits and nuts to your creation.

Don’t forget the sauce: A warm drizzle of melted luxury chocolate can transform any bowl into a showstopper.

Want the real deal? Visit your nearest Hotel Chocolat location and treat yourself to an Ice Cream of the Gods. Available in a cone or cup, it’s freshly spun to preserve its velvet-smooth texture and signature cacao depth. While you’re there, browse through our variety of chocolate truffles and take home some pairings for your very own World Ice Cream Day celebration.

This World Ice Cream Day, don’t settle for ordinary. Whether you’re creating a truffle-topped sundae or enjoying a scoop in store, let your dessert be a moment of celebration, indulgence and joy. After all, chocolate and ice cream were made for each other, and you were made to enjoy both in their most luxurious form.