Sugar - Optional. I think hot chocolate should be on the sweet side, and the entire recipe only calls for two tablespoons, but you can definitely omit it if you want. Orange extract is a convenient alternative to using fresh oranges. While the taste may not be as intense or authentic, a small amount can still bring a pleasant citrusy note to your dish. To make ahead, store the hot chocolate in an airtight container or glass jar and keep in the fridge for up to 2 days. You may find a few pieces of chocolate have solidified in the fridge (this will melt again once reheated). This orange hot chocolate is a fun spin on traditional hot chocolate. Plus, in my opinion, the chocolate-orange combination isn't utilized enough. Don't add the orange juice in the beginning. If you do, the milk will curdle. Instead, wait until the end to add it.

Fresh orange juice gives the best results to this hot drink. You can also get pre-squeezed fresh juice from the store but be careful that it doesn’t have any additions to it.I mostly use Terry’s milk chocolate orange, but you can also use their white chocolate orange or dark chocolate version too. The good news, you can make this amazing orange hot chocolate vegan! The bad news, Terry’s chocolate orange isn’t vegan – but not to worry! Simmer the orange peels with the milk and then let them infuse. The longer you rest the milk, the stronger the citrusy flavour will get. Remove the rind. I know you can buy orange extract, but I haven't tried it in this recipe. If you've used it and love it, feel free to use it in place of the vanilla extract. But, start small -- no more than ½ teaspoon -- and go from there. Cocoa powder - No substitution; make sure to use unsweetened cocoa powder or cacao powder works too.

When you’re ready, reheat the hot chocolate in the microwave until hot or over the stove. Stir occasionally whilst reheating, then pour into your mug and enjoy! How To Make This Recipe Vegan Milk - Any kind! I almost always use almond milk or oat milk for all of my recipes, but any milk will do. Serve this cozy hot chocolate with biscotti, chocolate banana bread or any crunchy cookie dunked in it will be heavenly! VariationsIf you love Costa’s Terry’s chocolate orange hot chocolate, then you love this recipe too! It’s a simple drink that you can make in the comfort of your own home and it’s a lot cheaper. Taste, do you find it too bitter? Add in a little more sugar. Too sweet? - more unsweetened cocoa powder. If you find it too flavorful and rich - more milk. It's impossible to ruin this delicious cup of orange hot chocolate! Strain it into four (or two large!) cups to avoid drinking the zest. Dark chocolate - I used 70% dark chocolate; feel free to use whatever chocolate you want depending on the kind you like. For toppings, you can’t go wrong with lightly whipped cream, piled on top of the hot chocolate in big pillowy spoonfuls. I also added some chocolate shavings, although hot fudge sauce would be equally delicious. And finally, I had some candied orange slices left over from another project, so each mug got one of those as well. Totally optional, but I think we can all agree they’re pretty freaking cute that way.

Sugar - You don’t need to add sugar but I like my hot chocolate on the sweet side so I always add some. Winter is made for hot chocolate, and I can’t survive the cold weather without one ( or two)! It warms you up and provides the ultimate level of coziness.First: Melt the chocolate. Begin by adding the chopped dark chocolate and the milk to a saucepan, whisking frequently over medium heat until the chocolate has melted, being careful that it doesn't burn. Orange Extract (Optional): Add orange extract for a strong orange flavour. If you’re using plain chocolate, you can add orange extract to create a chocolate orange taste. Simply add a large strip of orange peel to the milk and heat in a pan until it starts to steam. Then add cocoa power, mix and remove the orange peel. Pour the hot chocolate into a cup and enjoy. You can keep the orange peel in for a stronger infused flavour. Using white chocolate orange will make this hot chocolate really sweet! Try the hot chocolate first before adding extra sugar.