The Secret to Serving Large-Scale Hot Chocolate That Will Wow Your Customers

​A recent discussion in a popular mobile coffee business owners group sparked a great question: Is Ghirardelli Premium Hot Cocoa Mix any good? The short answer is a resounding yes. But the real question is, how do you efficiently prepare it for a large event without sacrificing quality?

As a coffee business consultant and a Bunn dealer, I'm always looking for ways to help my clients maximize their efficiency and deliver top-notch products. So, when I see a question like this, I know there's an opportunity to share a game-changing tip that could save you time and boost your profits.
Forget whisking small batches on the stovetop or dealing with lukewarm water from an airpot. There's a much better way.

The Ultimate Hot Chocolate Batching Method
This method utilizes equipment you likely already have in your coffee setup. Here’s what you'll need:

• Bunn ICB Platinum DV Brewer: This workhorse of a brewer is perfect for more than just coffee. Its precise water dispensing and programmable recipes make it ideal for this hot chocolate hack.
  
• 2.5 Gallon Cambro Server: A standard in the catering and events industry for a reason. It's insulated, durable, and the perfect vessel for our hot chocolate.
  
• Ghirardelli Premium Hot Cocoa Mix (2lb bag): The star of the show. This mix dissolves beautifully and delivers a rich, chocolatey flavor that customers love.
  
• Third Wave Water Carboy Mixer: This is my secret weapon for a perfectly blended, lump-free hot chocolate every time.
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Prep your Cambro: Start by emptying a full 2lb bag of Ghirardelli Premium Hot Cocoa Mix directly into your 2.5-gallon Cambro server.
• Program your Bunn Brewer: On your Bunn ICB Platinum DV, program a simple recipe to dispense the correct amount of hot water (176 oz.) directly into the Cambro. You'll want to remove the brew basket for this. The brewer's precise temperature and volume controls ensure a consistent result every time.

• Mix it up: Once the hot water is in the Cambro, it's time for the magic. Attach your Third Wave Water Carboy mixer to a drill and give the hot chocolate a good mix. This will ensure the powder is fully dissolved and you have a smooth, creamy final product.

• Ready to Serve: That's it! In a matter of minutes, you have 2.5 gallons of delicious, perfectly mixed hot chocolate, ready to be served to a crowd.

Why This Method Works

• Efficiency: This process is incredibly fast and requires minimal hands-on time, freeing you up to serve customers and manage other aspects of your event.
• Consistency: By using a commercial brewer, you're guaranteeing a consistent temperature and water volume, which means a consistently delicious product.
• Quality: The Ghirardelli mix combined with this preparation method results in a premium hot chocolate that will have your customers coming back for more.

Take Your Business to the Next Level
As a coffee business consultant, I specialize in helping owners like you streamline their operations, improve their product quality, and increase their profitability. If you're looking for more tips and tricks like this, or if you're interested in learning more about how the right tools and training can transform your business, I'd love to chat. 
Contact me for more information 
As an authorized Bunn dealer, I can also help you get the best equipment for your needs.
Don't just make hot chocolate; make it an experience. With this simple hack, you can serve a high-quality product at scale, leaving a lasting impression on your customers.