Description
A rich and velvety hot chocolate infused with the zest and juice of fresh orange, spiced with cinnamon, and perfectly balanced with cocoa and sugar for a cozy, citrus-kissed winter drink.
Ingredients
1½ cups whole milk
50 g semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped
Peel of 1 orange
½ tsp ground cinnamon
1 tbsp white sugar
1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tbsp fresh orange juice
Instructions
- In a pot, add milk and orange peels. Bring to a simmer, then remove from heat. Cover and let steep for 10–15 minutes (or up to 30 minutes for stronger flavor).
- Remove orange peels. Add chocolate, cinnamon, sugar, and cocoa powder. Whisk until smooth.
- Return pot to medium heat and stir until chocolate is fully melted.
- When the milk begins to simmer, stir in the orange juice. Reduce heat and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour into a mug, dust with cocoa powder, and garnish with orange zest. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
- Add a splash of vanilla extract for extra depth.
- Stir in 1 oz of orange liqueur (like Grand Marnier or Cointreau) for an adult twist.
- Make it spicier with a pinch of cayenne or chili powder.
- Top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings for a decadent finish.
- Use white chocolate instead of dark for a creamier, sweeter drink.
- Replace orange juice with blood orange juice for a deeper citrus flavor.
- Add a cinnamon stick while steeping the milk for stronger spice.
- Mix in a few drops of almond extract for a nutty undertone.
- Turn it into an iced drink by chilling and serving over ice cubes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American, European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 55 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
