Orange Hot Chocolate: A Citrus Twist on a Cozy Classic
Looking for a comforting winter drink with a refreshing citrus twist? This Orange Hot Chocolate combines the richness of dark chocolate with the vibrant flavor of fresh orange juice and zest, creating a cozy, indulgent treat that’s perfect for chilly days. With almond milk as the base, this recipe can be easily adapted for dairy-free diets, making it a versatile and flavorful option for everyone.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate (approx. 2 oz.), chopped
- 1 cup almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon cane sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2-3 orange peel rinds
Directions:
1. Melt the Chocolate and Milk:
In a medium saucepan, melt the dark chocolate and almond milk together over medium-high heat, stirring frequently to ensure the chocolate doesn’t burn.
2. Add Flavorings:
Once the chocolate has fully melted and blended with the milk, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the cocoa powder, cane sugar, vanilla extract, freshly squeezed orange juice, and the orange peel rinds.
3. Simmer the Mixture:
Let the hot chocolate simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the orange essence to infuse into the chocolate, resulting in a rich and slightly citrusy drink.
4. Remove Orange Peels:
After simmering, remove the saucepan from the heat. Carefully discard the orange peel rinds to avoid any bitterness.
5. Serve:
Pour the orange hot chocolate into mugs. If you like, add your favorite toppings such as whipped cream, extra chopped dark chocolate, or a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an extra touch of indulgence. Enjoy this warm, flavorful beverage!
Recipe Summary:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Calories: 180 kcal per serving
- Servings: 2 servings
Pro Tips:
- Orange Flavor Boost: For a stronger citrus flavor, add an extra tablespoon of orange juice or grate a bit of orange zest directly into the mixture.
- Milk Alternatives: While almond milk offers a smooth, light texture, feel free to use any milk of your choice, such as whole milk, oat milk, or coconut milk, for varying creaminess and flavor.
- Toppings Galore: Elevate your drink with fun toppings like whipped cream, mini marshmallows, or even a drizzle of orange syrup to complement the citrus notes.
This Orange Hot Chocolate is the ultimate cozy beverage to sip on during cold weather. The rich, velvety dark chocolate is perfectly complemented by the bright, fresh flavor of orange, creating a drink that feels both indulgent and refreshing. Perfect for enjoying by the fireplace or sharing with friends, this unique twist on a classic hot chocolate is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy every sip!
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Orange Hot Chocolate
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
Description
This Orange Hot Chocolate is a decadent twist on the classic hot cocoa. Rich dark chocolate pairs beautifully with the zesty, fresh flavor of orange, creating a warm and comforting drink that’s perfect for cozy evenings. The subtle citrus notes elevate the deep cocoa flavors, while the addition of freshly squeezed orange juice and orange peel infuses every sip with bright, refreshing sweetness.
Ingredients
1/4 cup dark chocolate (approx. 2 oz.), chopped
1 cup almond milk (or milk of choice)
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
1 tablespoon cane sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
2–3 orange peel rinds
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, melt the dark chocolate and almond milk together over medium-high heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Once the chocolate is fully melted, reduce the heat to low and stir in the cocoa powder, cane sugar, vanilla extract, orange juice, and orange peel rinds.
Simmer the mixture on low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the hot chocolate reaches your desired warmth and richness.
Remove the saucepan from heat and discard the orange peel rinds.
Pour the orange hot chocolate into mugs and add your favorite toppings, such as whipped cream or extra chopped chocolate. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 180