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Orange Hot Chocolate

Orange hot chocolate combines bittersweet chocolate and infused orange zest for a smooth, steaming drink with a bright citrus aroma. Heat it gently on the stovetop and finish with vanilla for a cozy mug.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 11 minutes
steeping 10 minutes
Total Time 26 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Drink
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 orange zest 2-inch strips, removed with a vegetable peeler, avoiding the white pith
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 0.13 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 6 ounces bittersweet chocolate finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

  • 1 3-quart saucepan

Method
 

  1. Heat the milk, cream, and orange zest in a 3-quart saucepan over medium-low heat for 5 to 7 minutes, until steaming but not boiling.
  2. Remove the saucepan from the heat, cover, and steep for 10 minutes.
  3. Strain out the zest and return the infused milk mixture to the saucepan.
  4. Whisk in the cocoa powder, sugar, and salt over medium-low heat for 2 to 3 minutes, until smooth and steaming.
  5. Add the chopped chocolate and whisk over low heat for 2 to 3 minutes, until fully melted and smooth.
  6. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
  7. Ladle into mugs and serve hot.

Notes

For the smoothest texture, keep the mixture steaming but do not let it boil. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days; freezer storage is not recommended. For a dairy-free variation, use unsweetened oat milk, a plant-based cream, and dairy-free bittersweet chocolate.