A rich and comforting orange hot chocolate infused with fresh citrus peel and melted dark chocolate. This cozy drink is smooth, decadent, and layered with natural orange flavor, making it perfect for chilly evenings or festive gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This orange hot chocolate feels luxurious yet is surprisingly simple to prepare. There’s no need for special equipment—just a saucepan and a whisk.
The fresh orange peel gently infuses the milk with bright citrus notes, giving the drink a natural and vibrant flavor. Using high-quality dark chocolate creates a silky texture and deep chocolate richness that far surpasses any powdered mix.
It’s easily customizable with your choice of milk, naturally sweetened with maple syrup, and ready in under an hour—including steeping time. Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or anytime you want a comforting treat.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the hot chocolate:
1 large orange (peel removed in wide strips, plus 1/2 teaspoon finely grated zest for garnish)
2 cups (480 ml) milk of choice
3.5 ounces (100 g) dark chocolate (60–70% cocoa), finely chopped
2 teaspoons (10 ml) pure maple syrup
1 pinch ground ginger (about 1/16 teaspoon)
1 small pinch salt (about 1/16 teaspoon)
Using a vegetable peeler, remove the peel from the orange in large strips, avoiding as much of the white pith as possible. Set aside a small amount of zest for garnish.
Pour the milk into a medium saucepan and add the orange peel strips. Warm over medium heat until the milk is steaming but not boiling.
Turn off the heat, cover the saucepan, and let the orange peels steep in the warm milk for 30 minutes. For a stronger citrus flavor, steep up to 1 hour.
After steeping, use a slotted spoon to remove and discard the orange peels.
Return the saucepan to medium heat. Add the chopped dark chocolate, maple syrup, ground ginger, and salt.
Whisk continuously until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened. Do not allow it to boil.
Pour the hot chocolate evenly into two mugs.
Top with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and a sprinkle of freshly grated orange zest. Serve immediately.
Spiced Orange Hot Chocolate: Add a small pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.
Mocha Orange Version: Stir in 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder when adding the chocolate.
Dairy-Free Option: Use almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk for a completely dairy-free drink.
Extra Dark and Intense: Increase the chocolate to 4 ounces (113 g) for a thicker, richer beverage.
Sweeter Version: Add an additional teaspoon of maple syrup or substitute with honey if preferred.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftover hot chocolate in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To reheat, pour into a small saucepan and warm gently over low heat, whisking frequently. Avoid boiling to preserve the smooth texture.
You can also reheat in the microwave in 20–30 second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.
If the mixture thickens too much after refrigeration, add a splash of milk while reheating to loosen it.
FAQs
Can I use chocolate chips instead of a chocolate bar?
You can, but chopped high-quality chocolate bars melt more smoothly and create a richer texture since chocolate chips often contain stabilizers.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare it up to two days in advance and gently reheat before serving.
What type of milk works best?
Whole milk gives the creamiest result, but almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk also work beautifully.
Can I make it without maple syrup?
Yes. You can substitute honey or granulated sugar, adjusting to taste.
How do I avoid bitterness from the orange peel?
Be careful to remove only the outer orange layer and avoid the white pith, which can taste bitter.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Simply double all ingredients and use a larger saucepan.
Why shouldn’t the milk boil?
Boiling can scorch the milk and cause the chocolate to separate, affecting the smooth texture.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, but the drink will be sweeter and less intense. You may want to reduce the maple syrup slightly.
How do I make it thicker?
Increase the amount of chocolate slightly or let the mixture simmer gently (without boiling) for an extra minute while whisking.
Is the orange zest topping necessary?
While optional, freshly grated orange zest enhances the aroma and gives the drink a bright citrus finish that elevates the flavor.
Conclusion
This orange hot chocolate transforms a simple stovetop drink into something truly indulgent. With real chocolate, gently infused orange peel, and customizable toppings, it delivers deep flavor and a smooth, velvety texture in every sip. Whether you’re serving it during the holidays or enjoying a quiet winter evening at home, this recipe is a comforting upgrade to classic hot chocolate.
Orange Hot Chocolate is a rich and velvety drink infused with fresh orange peel and melted dark chocolate. Naturally flavored and gently sweetened with maple syrup, this cozy beverage delivers deep chocolate richness with bright citrus notes.
Ingredients
1 large orange (peel removed in wide strips, plus 1/2 teaspoon finely grated zest for garnish)
2 cups (480 ml) milk of choice
3.5 ounces (100 g) dark chocolate (60–70% cocoa), finely chopped
