Name: Orange Hot Chocolate Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 orange; 1 ¾ cups (420 ml) whole milk; 1.75 oz (50 g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped; ½ teaspoon cinnamon powder; 2 teaspoons caster sugar; 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder; Orange zest; Cocoa powder; Orange slices; Whipped cream (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 100 reviews

If you’re a fan of cozy drinks that warm you from the inside out, then you’re going to absolutely love this Orange Hot Chocolate Recipe. It’s like your classic hot chocolate got a zesty makeover, with just the right amount of citrus sparkle to make every sip a little more magical. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be coming back for seconds — it’s rich, comforting, and surprisingly easy to make. So, grab your favorite mug and let’s dive into this fan-freaking-tastic twist on a wintertime favorite!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Burst of Fresh Citrus: The orange peel infusion adds a bright, natural flavor that beautifully complements the rich chocolate.
Smooth and Rich Texture: Using whole milk and quality chocolate makes every sip silky and indulgent.
Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these on hand, making this an easy but impressive treat.
Customizable Garnishes: Tweak it with whipped cream, extra zest, or cocoa for a personalized touch.

Orange Hot Chocolate Recipe - Recipe Step

Ingredients You’ll Need

To get that perfect balance of chocolatey richness and citrus brightness, you’ll want ingredients that play well together. I recommend sticking to good-quality chocolate and fresh oranges for that authentic flavor pop.

Orange Hot Chocolate Recipe - Ingredients

Orange: Fresh and fragrant; the peel and juice bring essential bright notes to the drink.
Whole milk: Adds creaminess and body, making this hot chocolate lush and comforting.
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate: Choose a chocolate that’s rich but not overly bitter; it melts beautifully for a smooth drink.
Cinnamon powder: Just a hint adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
Caster sugar: Sweetens the drink gently without overpowering the orange.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives that classic chocolate intensity and deep color.
Orange zest (for garnish): Intensifies the citrus aroma on top.
Orange slices (for garnish): Adds a pretty and fresh finishing touch.
Whipped cream (optional): Perfect for that extra indulgence.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile this Orange Hot Chocolate Recipe is—you can tweak it easily to suit what you have on hand or how adventurous you’re feeling. Here are a few tweaks that have worked well for me and my family.

Vegan Version: Swap whole milk for almond or oat milk, and use dark chocolate that’s dairy-free. It’s still creamy and comforting!
Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or nutmeg for a warm, spicy kick that pairs beautifully with the orange.
Extra Citrus Zing: Mix in a splash of freshly squeezed lemon along with the orange juice to brighten things further.
Make it Boozy: Add a splash of Grand Marnier or orange-flavored liqueur for an adult-friendly twist.

How to Make Orange Hot Chocolate Recipe

Step 1: Infuse the Milk With Fresh Orange Peel

Start by peeling your orange carefully with a vegetable peeler—just the orange part, avoid the white pith as it can be bitter. Add the peel to your whole milk in a small pot. Then, cut the orange halves and squeeze out about 2 tablespoons of juice, which you’ll set aside for later. Add the peeled halves to the milk as well for extra flavor.

Step 2: Warm and Steep the Milk

Heat the milk on low until it’s just a gentle simmer—not a full boil. Then remove it from the heat, cover the pot, and let those orange flavors steep for 10-15 minutes. This step is key for that bright citrus undertone that balances the chocolate.

Step 3: Remove Orange and Add Chocolate and Spices

Fish out the orange peel and halves, then return the pot to the stove on medium heat. Add your chopped chocolate, cinnamon, caster sugar, and cocoa powder. Whisk everything together until smooth and glossy—it should be thick but still drinkable. This is where the magic happens!

Step 4: Finish With Fresh Orange Juice

Lower the heat and stir in the freshly squeezed orange juice you reserved earlier. Adding it at the end prevents the milk from curdling, which can happen if juice hits it too soon. Let it warm through for about a minute—then you’re ready to serve.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Pour this luscious orange-infused hot chocolate into your favorite mugs. Garnish with a sprinkle of cocoa powder, a zest of orange, and maybe a slice of orange on the rim. If you’re feeling indulgent, a dollop of whipped cream on top makes it heavenly.

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Pro Tips for Making Orange Hot Chocolate Recipe

Avoid Bitter Pith: Always peel the orange carefully, skipping the white pith to keep your hot chocolate tasting smooth and fresh.
Don’t Boil the Chocolate: Melt the chocolate gently on medium heat to avoid burning or graininess in your drink.
Add Juice Last: Stir in fresh orange juice at the end to prevent curdling—this little step saved me so many times!
Use Quality Ingredients: Whole milk and good chocolate make all the difference; it really elevates this simple recipe.

How to Serve Orange Hot Chocolate Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a huge fan of pairing this hot chocolate with a bit of orange zest sprinkled on top for that citrus aroma right as you sip. Sometimes, I add a slice of orange on the rim to make it feel extra special. And of course, a generous swirl of whipped cream can’t be beat when you want a little indulgence.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this are simple: buttery shortbread cookies or an orange almond biscotti. Their crisp texture contrasts beautifully with the smooth drink, and the orange hints tie it all together. You can also try a dusting of cinnamon sugar on toast for a cozy snack alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, I like to serve this orange hot chocolate in clear mugs to show off the rich color. Adding some peeled orange segments on a skewer as a stir stick is a fun conversation starter! During the holidays, sprinkle edible gold dust or cinnamon stars on the whipped cream for a little extra sparkle.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (though I’ll admit my family rarely does!), store the hot chocolate in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Give it a good stir before reheating since some ingredients, like the cocoa powder, may settle.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t my preferred method for this orange hot chocolate because the citrus can change texture a bit, but if you want to freeze it, use ice cube trays for portion control and thaw gently in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on low heat, stirring often to keep everything smooth and prevent scorching. I never microwave this because it’s too easy to overheat and separate the cocoa and milk—slow stovetop warmth works wonders.

FAQs

Can I use orange extract instead of fresh oranges in the Orange Hot Chocolate Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute fresh orange peel and juice with a small amount of orange extract. However, a little goes a long way—start with just a drop or two and adjust to taste because extract is highly concentrated and can overpower the drink if overused.
Why does my hot chocolate sometimes curdle when I add orange juice?

Adding orange juice too early or heating it at high temperatures with milk can cause curdling because of the acidity. To prevent this, always add fresh orange juice at the very end on low heat and stir gently.
Can I make this Orange Hot Chocolate Recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute whole milk with your favorite plant-based milk like almond, oat, or coconut milk, and choose dairy-free chocolate. The recipe still works beautifully and tastes just as comforting.
What type of chocolate works best for this recipe?

I recommend semi-sweet or dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content for a balanced taste that isn’t overly sweet or bitter. Avoid milk chocolate, as it won’t give you that rich, deep flavor that makes this recipe shine.
Can I make this Orange Hot Chocolate Recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the hot chocolate base ahead and refrigerate it, but add the fresh orange juice just before serving to keep the flavors fresh and avoid curdling.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Orange Hot Chocolate Recipe transforms a simple cup of hot cocoa into something that feels special and a little bit luxurious. The bright citrus notes lift it just enough to keep it from being too heavy, which I find really delightful in cold weather. When I first tried this, I was surprised by how easily the flavors came together—it felt like a cozy hug in a mug that I wanted to share with everyone. So, next time you crave a warm drink that’s both familiar and a touch adventurous, give this recipe a go. I promise it’ll become one of your new favorites, just like it did mine!