If you love Terry’s Chocolate Oranges, you’ll enjoy this simple, citrus-kissed Orange Hot Chocolate.
Hot chocolate season is here — and this Orange Hot Chocolate brings a bright, chocolatey twist that tastes like a cozy sip of Terry’s Chocolate Orange. I love hot chocolate year-round, but this version is perfect when you want that indulgent citrus note without sacrificing a smooth, rich texture. After lots of testing, I settled on a method that gives consistent flavor and a velvety finish.
Looking for more drinks and hot chocolate ideas?
- Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate
- Slow Cooker Mexican Hot Cocoa
- Hot Buttered Kahlua
- Lemonade Cider
I experimented with fresh orange peel, juice and simmering methods, but those approaches often altered texture or introduced a bitter edge. The orange flavor I wanted — bright, clean and complementary to chocolate — came easiest from orange extract. It preserves the hot chocolate’s richness and smoothness while delivering the citrus note that makes this drink special.
Using a small amount of water at the start may sound counterintuitive, but it helps form a silky chocolate syrup base. The water melts the cocoa and chocolate evenly so you avoid clumps or leftover globs of melted chocolate on the pan. Once you add milk, you end up with a uniformly smooth, creamy hot chocolate in minutes.
What You Need
- 1/3 cup water
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2% recommended)
- 1/2 teaspoon orange extract
Optional:
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Orange slices and whipped cream for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Add the water to a small saucepan and bring it to a gentle simmer. Whisk in the cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and chocolate chips.
Step 2. Whisk constantly until the chocolate is fully melted and you have a smooth chocolate syrup.
Step 3. Pour in the milk and warm until steaming, but not boiling. Remove from the heat.
Step 4. Stir in the orange extract and, if using, the vanilla extract. Taste and adjust the orange flavor if desired.
Serve topped with whipped cream and an orange slice, or a small segment of chocolate orange if you have one on hand. This hot chocolate is perfect for cozy evenings, holiday gatherings, or any time you want a comforting, citrusy treat.
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Orange Hot Chocolate
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Ingredients
- 1/3 cup water
- 2 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- 2 cups milk (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. Add the cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and chocolate chips to the simmering water.
- Whisk constantly until the chocolate chips have completely melted and you have a smooth chocolate syrup.
- Pour in the milk and heat until steaming, then remove from the heat.
- Add the orange extract (and optional vanilla). Stir to combine. Serve garnished with orange slices and whipped cream.
Notes
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Nutrition
Calories: 424 kcal |
Carbohydrates: 56 g |
Protein: 12 g |
Fat: 18 g
