Spiced Orange Hot Cocoa With Candied Peel – so good!

I love warming up with this spiced orange hot cocoa with candied peel on chilly days!

Just heat milk with orange zest, cinnamon and cardamom until steaming, then strain over chopped chocolate and whisk until smooth.

Top with whipped cream and homemade candied orange peel for a fancy touch.

The citrus-chocolate combo is absolutely magical, and the aromatic spices take it to another level.

The secret to perfect spice infusion is allowing the milk to simmer with the aromatics for at least five minutes before straining.

Ingredients

• • Milk (dairy or plant-based)
  • Chocolate (milk or semisweet)
  • Orange zest
  • Cinnamon stick
  • Green cardamom pods
  • Nutmeg
  • Vanilla extract
  • Candied orange peel
  • Whipped cream
  • For an extra indulgent experience, consider adding Decadent Mocha Coffee Overnight Oats to complement your hot cocoa.

Recommended Tools

Making Spiced Orange Hot Cocoa at home is easy when you have the right tools on hand. With these kitchen essentials, you can create this cozy winter treat with perfect flavor infusion, silky texture and beautiful presentation every time.

• • • Medium Saucepan:
      

      Essential for gently heating milk with spices and preventing scorching during the infusion process.

    • Fine Mesh Strainer:
      

      Helps remove the cinnamon stick, cardamom pods and orange zest strips for a smooth finished cocoa.

    • Microplane Zester:
      

      Perfect for grating orange zest finely and also works great for fresh nutmeg.

    • Heat-Resistant Bowl:
      

      Needed for straining the infused milk over chocolate to create a smooth mixture.

    • Whisk:
      

      Makes quick work of blending the chocolate into the hot milk until completely smooth.

    • Insulated Mugs:
      

      Keeps your spiced cocoa hot longer and provides the perfect vessel for adding whipped cream and candied peel.

Additionally, using meal prep techniques can help you efficiently freeze and reheat any leftover hot cocoa for future enjoyment.</p

Instructions

Ready to warm up with something absolutely delicious? This spiced orange hot cocoa is like a cozy hug in a mug! Let’s get cooking!

1. Grab your saucepan and pour in 2 cups of milk – any kind works great, whether you’re a dairy fan or prefer plant-based options!
2. Add a cinnamon stick, 1 tablespoon of green cardamom pods (totally optional if you don’t have them!), and several strips of orange zest to your milk. These flavor-bombs will transform your cocoa!
3. Heat this fragrant mixture until it’s steaming and tiny bubbles form around the edges. But watch out! Don’t let it boil or you’ll end up with a scorched mess. Yikes!
4. For extra-amazing flavor, let everything hang out together for 10-15 minutes. The longer you infuse, the more those spices will shine!
5. Place 4 oz of chopped milk or semisweet chocolate in a bowl and strain your spiced milk over it. Say goodbye to those spices – they’ve done their job!
6. Whisk like you mean it until your mixture is silky smooth. Those chocolate chunks should completely disappear into chocolatey perfection.
7. Stir in ¼ teaspoon of grated nutmeg and ½ teaspoon of pure vanilla extract for that extra flavor punch!
8. Pour your creation into your favorite mugs and top with candied orange peel for that gorgeous citrus pop. Want to take it over the top? Add a dollop of whipped cream! A bowl of creamy pumpkin soup can be an excellent pairing for this delightful beverage on a chilly day.

Now wrap your hands around that mug and enjoy your masterpiece! Isn’t making fancy hot chocolate at home just the best?

Pro Tips

For maximum citrus infusion, slightly crush the cardamom pods with the flat of a knife before adding them to the milk mixture, which releases their aromatic oils more effectively than using whole pods. Incorporating energizing detox smoothies into your morning routine can also enhance your overall well-being and vitality.</p

Substitutions & Variations

This warm winter treat can be easily adapted to suit different tastes preferences and dietary needs without losing its signature orange-chocolate harmony.

• Dark Chocolate Version: Replace milk chocolate with 70% dark chocolate for a more intense cocoa flavor that contrasts beautifully with the bright citrus notes.
• Mexican Spice Blend: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper and replace cardamom with star anise for a south-of-the-border twist that brings subtle heat and complexity.
• Coconut Creamsicle: Substitute coconut milk for regular milk and add a tablespoon of coconut cream to create a tropical flavor profile that pairs surprisingly well with the orange.
• Ruby Citrus Blend: Mix in 1 tablespoon of blood orange juice and use blood orange zest instead of regular orange for a deeper ruby hue and slightly berry-like undertone.
• White Chocolate Snowfall: Use white chocolate instead of milk chocolate and add a drop of orange extract for a sweeter milder version that looks like winter in a mug.
• Boozy Nightcap: Stir in 1 ounce of Grand Marnier or orange-flavored liqueur just before serving for an adults-only version perfect for holiday gatherings.
• Vegan Option: For a plant-based twist, consider using vegan chocolate alternatives to create a deliciously rich and creamy version that everyone can enjoy.

Leftovers & Storage Tips

While customizing your spiced orange hot cocoa is wonderful, knowing how to store any leftovers properly will help you enjoy this treat beyond just one serving.

I’ve found that refrigerating leftover cocoa in an airtight container keeps it fresh for up to three days.

When you’re ready for more, reheat it gently on the stove—never microwave it! The flavors actually deepen overnight, making day-two cocoa even more delicious.

Try Tonight

Spiced Orange Hot Cocoa with Candied Peel

Yield: 2 Prep Time: 5 mins Cook Time: 15 mins Total Time: 20 mins Rating: ★★★★★

A rich hot chocolate infused with orange and warming spices, topped with candied orange peel.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 4 oz chopped milk or semisweet chocolate
• 1 tablespoon grated orange zest (plus strips for infusion)
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 tablespoon green cardamom pods (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon grated nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Candied orange peel (for garnish)
• Whipped cream (optional)

Directions:

• In a saucepan, combine milk, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and orange zest strips; heat to simmer without boiling.
• Strain milk into a bowl over chopped chocolate; whisk until smooth.
• Stir in nutmeg and vanilla extract.
• Pour into mugs, garnish with candied orange peel and whipped cream if desired.

Sharing is caring!