Orange Scented Hot Chocolate
Indulge in the cozy embrace of our Orange Scented Hot Chocolate, where rich bittersweet chocolate meets the zesty brightness of orange peel and a hint of espresso. Perfect for chilly evenings, this delightful mocktail will warm your heart and awaken your senses!
Ingredients
- •2 cups Milk
- •4 oz chopped bittersweet or semi-sweet Chocolate
- •3 2-inch strips Orange peel
- •1/2 tsp instant Espresso
- •1/8 tsp ground Nutmeg
Instructions
- 1
Combine all ingredients in heavy medium saucepan
- 2
Stir over low heat until chocolate melts
- 3
Increase heat and bring just to a boil, stirring often
- 4
Remove from heat and whisk untily frothy
- 5
Return to heat and bring to boil again
- 6
Remove from heat, whisk until frothy
- 7
Repeat heating and whisking once again
- 8
Discard orange peel
- 9
(Can be prepared 2 hours ahead
- 10
Let stand at room temperature
- 11
Before serving, bring just to boil, remove from heat and whisk until frothy.) Pour hot chocolate into coffee mugs
- 12
Makes 2 servings.
Pro Tip
“For an extra frothy finish, use a handheld milk frother after the final whisking. It adds a professional touch and makes the drink feel extra special.”
The Story Behind the Orange Scented Hot Chocolate
The Orange Scented Hot Chocolate is a modern twist on the classic hot chocolate, believed to have originated in the cozy cafes of Europe. This delightful mocktail combines the rich, comforting flavors of traditional hot chocolate with a zesty citrus twist, making it a perfect choice for chilly evenings. The addition of orange peel and a hint of espresso elevates this drink to a sophisticated treat, reminiscent of the luxurious chocolate-orange combinations popularized in the 20th century.
What Pairs Well
Food Pairings
- 🍽️Chocolate croissants
The buttery, flaky texture of chocolate croissants complements the rich, creamy hot chocolate perfectly.
- 🍽️Orange scones
The citrus notes in the scones enhance the orange flavor in the hot chocolate, creating a harmonious pairing.
- 🍽️Almond biscotti
The crunchy texture and nutty flavor of almond biscotti provide a delightful contrast to the creamy drink.
Perfect For
- Rainy Sunday afternoon
There's nothing like a warm, comforting drink to enjoy while watching the rain fall outside.
- Cozy movie night
Pair this drink with your favorite film for a perfect night in.
- Book club meeting
This sophisticated mocktail is a great conversation starter and pairs well with literary discussions.
- Winter holiday gathering
Its festive flavors make it a hit at any holiday party, bringing warmth and cheer to the occasion.
Fun Facts
- ✨
Hot chocolate has been enjoyed for thousands of years, with origins tracing back to the ancient Mayans.
- ✨
The combination of chocolate and orange is a classic pairing, often found in desserts and confections around the world.
- ✨
Espresso adds a subtle depth to the hot chocolate, enhancing its richness without overpowering the other flavors.
Watch our bartenders mix it up with fun animations!