The Best Spiced Orange Hot Chocolate Recipe
There’s something magical about a steaming mug of orange hot chocolate on a cold winter night. The rich taste of cocoa mixed with the brightness of orange feels both indulgent and refreshing—like Christmas captured in a cup. Unlike plain cocoa, this version adds a festive twist that makes it a perfect Christmas hot drink to share with family and friends during the holiday season.
I’ve always loved the harmony of citrus and chocolate, so creating a homemade spiced hot cocoa with orange was only natural. What makes this recipe even better is that it’s a non-dairy hot chocolate, made with plant-based milk, fresh orange juice, and warming spices like cinnamon and ginger. The result is a cozy, velvety drink that’s not just delicious but also wholesome enough to enjoy all winter long.
The Story Behind Spiced Orange Hot Cocoa
Each year, when the holidays arrive, I look forward to cozy winter drinks. Peppermint mochas and gingerbread lattes are everywhere, but I wanted to serve something different at our Christmas gathering—something festive yet unexpected.
That’s when I remembered a childhood favourite: a chocolate-orange bar I once received as a gift. The zesty citrus cutting through the rich chocolate felt magical, and I knew I had to bring that memory to life in a cup.
So, one December afternoon, I reached for what I had at home—non-dairy milk, cocoa powder, and a splash of orange juice. I added cinnamon and ginger, letting the mixture slowly warm on the stove. Soon, the kitchen filled with the scent of chocolate, spice, and citrus.
The first sip was everything I hoped for: smooth, velvety, and perfectly festive. That simple experiment became more than just a recipe—it turned into a new family tradition. Now, this spiced orange hot chocolate is our go-to cozy drink every Christmas.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is that it requires only simple, everyday ingredients—yet the result tastes gourmet.
- Unsweetened non-dairy milk – Almond, oat, soy, or cashew milk all work beautifully. For an even creamier base, try unsweetened vanilla plant milk or a splash of vegan cream.
- 100% pure orange juice – Fresh-squeezed or bottled, with or without pulp. This adds brightness and a natural vitamin C boost.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder – A good-quality baking cocoa or raw cacao powder makes all the difference in depth of flavour.
- Sweetener – Maple syrup, raw sugar, or coconut sugar all balance the richness with a touch of sweetness.
- Cinnamon – Essential for warmth and festive charm.
- Ginger – Adds depth and gentle spice; optional but recommended.
- Cayenne pepper (optional) – Just a dash for a subtle heat.
- Pinch of salt – Enhances and rounds out all the flavours.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Orange Hot Chocolate
Step 1: Warm the Base
In a medium saucepan, combine the non-dairy milk and orange juice. Heat gently over medium-low, stirring occasionally, until warm but not boiling.
Step 2: Add Cocoa and Sweetener
Whisk in the cocoa powder, sweetener of your choice, and a pinch of salt. Keep stirring until the cocoa fully dissolves and the mixture becomes smooth.
Step 3: Spice It Up
Add cinnamon, ginger, and if desired, a tiny pinch of cayenne. Stir slowly to let the flavours mingle. The kitchen will fill with the aroma of chocolate and spice.
Step 4: Keep It Cozy
Turn the heat down to low to keep the cocoa warm until you’re ready to serve. This allows the spices to infuse even more flavour.
Step 5: Pour and Garnish
Serve the hot cocoa in your favourite mugs, and don’t forget the toppings (see ideas below).
Delicious Topping Ideas
No cozy drink is complete without toppings. Here are a few festive favourites:
- Coconut whipped cream – Dairy-free, fluffy, and indulgent.
- Shaved dark chocolate – Adds richness and looks café-style.
- Vegan marshmallows – A holiday classic that makes kids happy.
- Candied orange peel – Elegant and perfectly on theme.
- Cinnamon stick stirrers – Add charm and subtle spice.
Hosting a party? Create a DIY hot chocolate bar with bowls of toppings—guests will love customising their own mugs.
Perfect Occasions for Orange Hot Chocolate
This isn’t just any drink—it’s one you’ll want to bring out for special moments. Some of my favourites include:
- Christmas Eve – After dinner, while the lights glow and gifts wait under the tree.
- Family movie nights – A fun surprise that kids and adults both enjoy.
- Holiday brunch – A lighter alternative to eggnog.
- Self-care evenings – Light a candle, grab a blanket, and sip slowly.
- Snowy afternoons – Warm up after playing outside or coming in from the cold.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Dairy-free & vegan-friendly – Perfect for everyone, including guests with dietary needs.
- Rich yet refreshing – Chocolate indulgence balanced with citrus brightness.
- Simple ingredients – You likely have most of them at home already.
- Quick & easy – Ready in about 10 minutes.
- Festive & cozy – A unique alternative to classic hot cocoa.
Variations to Try
The best part of homemade hot cocoa is how versatile it can be. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:
- Mocha Orange Hot Chocolate – Add a shot of espresso for a citrusy mocha kick.
- Spiked Version – Stir in a splash of orange liqueur or Baileys for an adults-only Christmas drink.
- Extra Spiced – Add cloves or nutmeg for a bolder spice profile.
- Kid-Friendly Fun – Top with chocolate syrup, sprinkles, or marshmallow snowmen.
- Sugar-Free Option – Swap sweeteners for monk fruit or stevia.
Spiced Orange Hot Chocolate Recipe
Course: Egyéb1
servings5
minutes5
minutes250
kcalIngredients
1 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk (almond, oat, soy, or cashew)
¼ cup 100% pure orange juice (fresh or bottled, with or without pulp)
1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tsp sweetener (raw sugar, maple syrup, or coconut sugar)
¼ tsp ground cinnamon
⅛ tsp ground ginger (optional but recommended)
1 small pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
1 small pinch of salt
Directions
- In a small saucepan, add the non-dairy milk, orange juice, cocoa powder, sweetener, cinnamon, ginger, and salt.
- Heat over medium-low, whisking until the cocoa powder dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
- Reduce heat to low and keep warm until ready to serve.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or spices if needed.
- Pour into a mug and enjoy.
- Optional: Garnish with whipped coconut cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or vegan chocolate shavings.
Notes
- For the best flavour, always use fresh orange juice and high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder.
- This spiced orange hot chocolate is naturally dairy-free and vegan, making it a cozy winter drink that everyone can enjoy.
If you loved this spiced orange version, don’t miss our creamy pumpkin hot chocolate recipe for a cozy autumn treat.
FAQs About Orange Hot Chocolate
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the cocoa, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently before serving.
Can I make it without orange juice?
If you don’t have orange juice, try orange extract (just a drop or two) for a similar effect.
What’s the best non-dairy milk to use?
Oat milk makes it extra creamy, while almond milk adds a nutty note. Choose your favourite!
Can I use dark chocolate instead of cocoa powder?
Absolutely—melt a few squares of high-quality dark chocolate into the mixture for a richer drink.
Is it suitable for kids?
Yes, the base recipe is completely kid-friendly. Just skip the cayenne and alcohol variations.
Wrapping Up: Your New Favourite Orange Hot Chocolate
This spiced orange hot chocolate is more than just a winter drink—it’s a holiday experience. With the richness of cocoa, the brightness of citrus, and the warmth of cinnamon and ginger, it brings festive comfort to every sip. Whether you make it for a Christmas hot drink with family, serve it at a holiday brunch, or enjoy it as a quiet cozy winter drink on your own, it’s guaranteed to become a tradition.
The best part? This recipe is quick, easy, and completely customisable. You can make it as a non-dairy hot chocolate, add extra spices for bold flavour, or top it with whipped cream and chocolate shavings for a café-style treat. However you enjoy it, this orange hot chocolate recipe is the perfect way to bring warmth and joy to the season.
So grab your favourite mug, light a candle, and let this festive drink wrap you in holiday cheer. One sip, and you’ll see why this cozy spiced cocoa deserves a place on your Christmas menu every year.
