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Half mug of Blood Orange Hot Chocolate with blood orange rondel, steam curling upward, cozy rustic background.

Blood Orange Hot Chocolate

Chef Naya
Warm up your cozy nights with this rich and zesty Blood Orange Hot Chocolate. Bursting with citrus flavor and creamy chocolate, it’s the perfect winter treat for chocolate lovers and anyone craving a comforting, indulgent beverage.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Dessert, Drinks, Hot Beverages
Cuisine American, European Fusion, Winter-Inspired Fusion
Servings 2
Calories 259 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Small saucepan For heating the milk and chocolate
  • 1 Whisk To mix ingredients smoothly
  • 1 set Measuring Cups & Spoons For accurate ingredient measurement
  • 1 Zester or fine grater For blood orange zest
  • 1 Cutting Board For slicing the orange
  • 1 Sharp knife To cut the orange
  • 2 Mugs or serving cups For serving the hot chocolate
  • 1 Spoon For stirring and serving

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups milk warm
  • ½ cup chocolate chopped
  • 1 whole blood orange zest + juice

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Warm the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until it begins to steam.
  • Step 2: Add the chopped chocolate and whisk until fully melted and smooth.
    Chopped chocolate melting in a small saucepan of steaming milk, whisk in motion, smooth chocolate texture visible.
  • Step 3: Stir in the cocoa powder and sugar, whisking to remove any lumps.
  • Step 4: Add the blood orange zest and a splash of blood orange juice, mixing gently.
    Blood orange zest and a splash of juice being stirred into rich hot chocolate, vibrant orange contrast.
  • Step 5: Simmer the mixture for 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavor without boiling.
  • Step 6: Taste and adjust sweetness or citrus intensity to your liking.
    Close-up of steaming Blood Orange Hot Chocolate in a rustic mug with blood orange zest on top.
  • Step 7: Pour into mugs and garnish with whipped cream, marshmallows, or extra zest.
    Top-down view of Blood Orange Hot Chocolate in a rustic mug topped with whipped cream, mini marshmallows, and blood orange zest.

Notes

  • Chocolate Choice Matters: For a richer, creamier hot chocolate, use high-quality dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa. For a sweeter version, milk chocolate works beautifully [Chocolate Types Explained ].
  • Adjust Citrus Flavor: Blood orange zest and juice can be adjusted based on preference. Start with a small amount and taste, adding more for a brighter, tangy flavor.
  • Serving Suggestions: Garnish with whipped cream, mini marshmallows, or a twist of blood orange zest. Pairing it with cozy desserts like cranberry pinwheels [How To Make Savory Cranberry Pinwheels For A Viral, No-Bake Christmas Appetizer ] enhances the indulgence.
  • Storage Tip: Hot chocolate is best enjoyed immediately but can be stored in the fridge for 1–2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
  • Fun Fact: The combination of chocolate and blood oranges has been a European favorite for centuries, celebrated for its balance of rich sweetness and zesty brightness [Blood Orange Benefits].
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