As the UK sizzles in extended near heatwave conditions, Hotel Chocolat has stepped in with its timely summer coolers series of dual-flavoured iced drinks through its Velvetiser cafés, writes Neill Barston.

According to the company, the four new offerings have taken fresh inspiration from patisserie and fruit trends, pairing bold flavours with artful layering to earn a place in customers savoured social moments – both in-person and on social media.

Moreover, as the business confirmed, each drink is made using finely milled iced drinking chocolate as the base and then layered with a second flavour to create unique pairings for customers to enjoy a multi-sensory experience.

The Summer Coolers range consists of two types of drinks. Iced Chocolate Twists focus on being fruity, while the Iced Mochas are supercharged with espresso.

As for the first category, the ice choc twists including a tropical cherry variety, as well as a raspberry Brûlée, while its iced mochas feature in a caramelised banana version with buttery caramel. For good measure, there is also a double chocolate option loaded with a shot of espresso.

“We are seeing a shift in what consumers expect from their summer refreshment choices,” Ian Mackie, Head of Velvetiser Café at Hotel Chocolat, said.

“The visual and sensory experience is now a primary driver, especially in summer, as it’s the months, we’re out and about more with others. We understand that café drinks play such a big role in social moments, both in-person and through social media sharing. So, I’m excited to bring something we’ve never offered before to our cafes.”