The Best Orange Hot Chocolate Recipe: Rich, Creamy & Easy to Make
If you’re a devoted fan of the iconic Terry’s Chocolate Orange, prepare to fall in love with your new favorite warm beverage. This delightful Orange Hot Chocolate recipe brings that classic, irresistible citrus-chocolate flavor right into your mug. It’s an effortlessly sweet, wonderfully aromatic, and incredibly easy drink to whip up, perfect for any occasion that calls for a comforting treat.
While some reserve hot chocolate for the colder months, there’s no denying its universal appeal. Personally, I believe it’s a delightful indulgence all year round, but the holiday season, in particular, calls for a warm, steamy cup. And what better way to celebrate than by trying innovative hot chocolate recipes that elevate the classic? This particular recipe is a loving homage to a personal and family favorite: Terry’s Chocolate Oranges. For many, finding one of these delightful spheres in a Christmas stocking is a cherished tradition. This easy-to-make Orange Hot Chocolate offers the perfect liquid alternative, delivering that same decadent, citrus-infused chocolate flavor you crave, but in a warm, sippable form.
Explore More Fantastic Hot Chocolate & Seasonal Drinks
If you’re already a connoisseur of cozy drinks or simply looking to expand your repertoire beyond this delicious Orange Hot Chocolate, here are some of my other top picks. Each offers a unique twist on warm beverages, perfect for chilly evenings or a sweet pick-me-up:
- Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate: A nutty, comforting twist for those who adore the classic combination of peanut butter and chocolate.
- Slow Cooker Mexican Hot Cocoa: Infused with warm spices and a hint of chili, this slow-cooked cocoa is perfect for a crowd or a leisurely weekend.
- Hot Buttered Kahlua: An adult-friendly indulgence, blending rich Kahlua with buttery warmth for a truly luxurious sip.
- Lemonade Cider: A refreshing and unexpected blend, proving that not all seasonal drinks need to be hot chocolate!
The Quest for Perfect Chocolate Orange Flavor: Why Orange Extract Reigns Supreme
Achieving that classic orange chocolate taste in a hot beverage was quite the journey, involving a significant amount of trial and error. My initial goal was to incorporate fresh oranges, believing this would yield the most authentic flavor. However, experiment after experiment proved otherwise, often compromising the very qualities we cherish in a good hot chocolate: its smooth, rich texture.
I tried simmering orange peels, hoping to extract their essential oils and zest. The result? A subtle, almost imperceptible orange note, overshadowed by an unpleasantly bitter undertone, and sometimes a slightly grainy texture. Next, I attempted adding orange juice directly. This, too, proved problematic, thinning out the hot chocolate and introducing a tartness that clashed with the chocolate’s inherent sweetness, making it taste more like a watered-down chocolate drink with a strange citrus aftertaste rather than a harmonious blend. Despite all these efforts, a truly robust and pure orange flavor remained elusive.
My ultimate solution, and one I highly recommend, is good quality orange extract. While some might consider using an extract a “cheat,” it is, without a doubt, the quickest, easiest, and most reliable way to infuse a vibrant, authentic orange flavor into your hot chocolate. It delivers that bright citrus tang we’re aiming for, all while preserving the luxurious, rich flavor and velvety smooth texture that define an exceptional hot chocolate. It bypasses the bitterness and textural issues encountered with fresh fruit, ensuring a consistently delicious result every time. Trust me on this one – save yourself the experimental hassle and go straight for the extract!
The Secret to Silkiness: Don’t Fear the Water!
One common misconception in hot chocolate making is that adding water will inevitably lead to a “watered-down” taste or thin consistency. However, for this recipe, starting with a small amount of water is actually the key to achieving an incredibly smooth, rich, and lump-free chocolate base. This initial step creates a concentrated chocolate syrup that perfectly dissolves all the dry ingredients.
Through countless hot chocolate recipes I’ve tried, a recurring frustration has been finding stubborn globs of undissolved cocoa or chocolate clinging to the bottom of the pan. This method completely eliminates that problem. By simmering the water with cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and chocolate chips first, you allow these ingredients to melt and combine thoroughly before any milk is introduced. The result is a flawlessly blended, intensely flavored chocolate syrup that serves as the perfect foundation for your Orange Hot Chocolate. This ensures that every sip is consistently smooth, rich, and utterly delicious, without any unexpected textural surprises.
What Do I Need To Make This Decadent Orange Hot Chocolate?
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to enjoying this wonderful beverage. Here’s what you’ll need for this simple yet sensational Orange Hot Chocolate:
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup water: Essential for creating that smooth, lump-free chocolate base.
- 2 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder: Provides the deep, rich chocolate flavor without added sweetness, allowing you to control the sugar.
- 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar: Balances the bitterness of the cocoa and sweetens the drink to perfection.
- 1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bar: Adds extra richness and a luxurious texture as it melts into the syrup.
- 2 cups milk (preferably whole or 2%): Whole milk offers the creamiest, most decadent experience, but 2% works beautifully too.
- 1/2 teaspoon orange extract: The star ingredient for that distinct, bright orange flavor without bitterness or texture issues.
Optional Garnishes & Enhancements:
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: A dash of vanilla can deepen the chocolate notes and add another layer of warmth.
- Orange slices to garnish: For a beautiful presentation and an extra hint of fresh citrus aroma.
- Whipped cream: The ultimate topping for any hot chocolate, adding a cloud of creamy sweetness.
- A segment of Terry’s Chocolate Orange: To truly lean into the inspiration and add a delightful melt-in-your-mouth chocolate orange bite.
Step by Step Instructions: Crafting Your Orange Hot Chocolate
Follow these simple steps to create a mug of the most exquisite Orange Hot Chocolate:
Step 1: Create the Chocolate Base. Add the 1/3 cup of water to a small saucepan and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, add the unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and semisweet chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate bar) to the hot water. The warm water will immediately start dissolving the sugar and cocoa, and melting the chocolate.
Step 2: Whisk to a Smooth Syrup. Whisk constantly over medium-low heat until the chocolate chips have completely melted and all the ingredients are thoroughly combined into a smooth, glossy chocolate syrup. This step is crucial for preventing any grittiness and ensuring a perfectly uniform base.
Step 3: Add Milk and Heat. Carefully pour in the two cups of milk into the chocolate syrup. Continue to heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it is steaming hot and small bubbles begin to form around the edges of the pan. Be careful not to let it boil. Once hot, remove the saucepan from the heat.
Step 4: Infuse with Orange. Now for the magic! Add the 1/2 teaspoon of orange extract (and the optional vanilla extract, if using). Stir thoroughly to ensure the delightful orange flavor is evenly distributed throughout your hot chocolate. Your homemade Orange Hot Chocolate is now ready!
Serve immediately in your favorite mugs. For an extra touch of indulgence, garnish with a generous swirl of whipped cream, a fresh orange slice, or even a segment of a Terry’s Chocolate Orange for the ultimate experience. This rich and creamy Orange Hot Chocolate is perfect for sipping on a cozy, firelit night, curled up with your favorite book, or sharing with friends during festive gatherings. Enjoy the exquisite balance of deep chocolate and bright, tangy orange!
Pin this recipe or click the ❤️ to save it for later!
Orange Hot Chocolate
Print
Rate
SaveSaved!
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup water
- 2 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bar
- 2 cups milk (preferably whole or 2%)
- 1/2 teaspoon orange extract
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional)
- Orange slices to garnish (optional)
Instructions
-
Add the water to a small saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Add the cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and chocolate chips to the simmering water.
-
Whisk constantly over medium-low heat until the chocolate chips have completely melted and you have a smooth, lump-free chocolate syrup.
-
Pour in the milk and continue to heat, stirring occasionally, until steaming hot. Remove from the heat.
-
Add the orange extract (and optional vanilla extract). Stir thoroughly to combine. Serve immediately, garnished with orange slices and whipped cream if desired.
Notes
Recommended Products
Nutrition
