Print

Orange Hot Chocolate Recipe

4.9 from 108 reviews

A cozy and indulgent Orange Hot Chocolate recipe combining rich dark chocolate with bright citrus notes for a delightful twist on a classic winter beverage.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups milk
  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Garnish

  • Whipped cream
  • Additional orange zest

Instructions

  1. Warm the Milk: Heat 2 cups of milk in a saucepan over medium heat until it becomes warm but not boiling, preparing it to melt the chocolate smoothly.
  2. Melt Chocolate and Add Zest: Add 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips and the zest of 1 orange to the warm milk, whisking continuously until the chocolate melts fully and the mixture is smooth and combined.
  3. Add Orange Juice and Vanilla: Stir in 1/4 cup fresh orange juice and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract to infuse bright citrus flavor and aroma into the hot chocolate.
  4. Serve and Garnish: Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and top with whipped cream and additional orange zest for a decorative and flavorful finish.

Notes

  • Use full-fat milk for a richer, creamier hot chocolate.
  • Adjust orange juice quantity for desired citrus intensity.
  • Dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content works best for balance of bitterness and sweetness.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute milk with almond or oat milk and use dairy-free whipped cream.
  • Whisk continuously to prevent scorching and ensure smooth texture.

Keywords: Orange Hot Chocolate, winter drink, citrus hot chocolate, warm beverage, chocolate recipe