Orange Zest Hot Chocolate a Terrys Chocolate Orange Dream

Orange Hot Chocolate Terrys Chocolate Orange in a Mug

By Emma PrescottSeptember 21, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction: Get Cosy with Orange Hot Chocolate

Ever get that craving for a Terry's Chocolate Orange , especially when the weather's grim? Honestly, same here! This orange hot chocolate recipe is basically that craving in a mug.

It's a hug in a cup, and seriously easy to whip up! You know, the perfect chocolate orange drink for a chilly night.

A Cuppa Comfort: What is it?

This recipe takes the classic homemade hot chocolate recipe and gives it a zingy twist. Inspired by the iconic Terry's Chocolate Orange , it's a festive treat.

It's super simple and comes together in about 15 minutes. This recipe makes two servings.

Why You'll Love This Winter Warmer

This easy hot chocolate recipe is more than just delicious. The orange zest adds vitamin C, which is just what you need in winter.

This chocolate and citrus beverage is perfect for cozy nights or festive gatherings. It's special because it balances rich chocolate with a bright citrus kick.

I love adding it to the breakfast table for a delicious start to the day.

Ready for the ingredients? Let's do this!

Let's Get This Orange Hot Chocolate Sorted!

Alright, mates, so you want to make the best orange hot chocolate this side of Christmas? Good on ya! This homemade hot chocolate recipe is dead easy.

Trust me, if I can do it, anyone can. Now, gather your bits and bobs.

The Magic Ingredients You'll Need

Here's what you'll need. Remember, quality in, quality out!

2 cups (475 ml) of proper whole milk. The full fat stuff makes it extra lush.
2 ounces (55g) of good bittersweet chocolate . Aim for at least 70% cacao. The Terry's Chocolate Orange bars can work in a pinch, but proper stuff's better, honestly.
2 tablespoons (25g) of granulated sugar. Not too much now!
1 teaspoon of orange zest , finely grated. About half an orange will do it. Mind you don't get any of the white bit it's bitter as anything.
1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. For that cosy vibe.
A pinch of salt. Just a tiny one!
Optional: Whipped cream , more orange zest , or chocolate shavings for posh ing it up. And of course festive cookies on the side for dipping!

Seasoning is Key!

The orange zest is the star, obviously. But the cinnamon? Chef's kiss! A little pinch of nutmeg works wonders too.

Don’t have cinnamon? Ground ginger is a game changer too!. You can always add a cheeky splash of orange extract, but fresh zest is the business.

Kit You’ll Actually Use

Don’t go mad with the equipment. This is easy hot chocolate , after all.

A medium saucepan. Nothing fancy.
A whisk. Get those arm muscles working!
Measuring cups and spoons.
A grater or zester for the orange zest .
Two mugs. Obviously.

Honestly, you probably have all this already. If you haven't got a whisk, use a fork it'll do the job.

Let's get this chocolate and citrus beverage made and enjoy winter warmer drinks !

Orange Zest Hot Chocolate: Terry's Chocolate Orange in a Mug!

Fancy a proper winter warmer drink? This orange hot chocolate recipe is just the ticket. Honestly, it's like a Terry's Chocolate Orange had a baby with a mug of easy hot chocolate .

Perfect for those chilly evenings when you need a bit of a pick-me-up. This chocolate orange drink is ridiculously easy to make.

Prep Like a Pro!

First things first, let's get our act together. This is what chefs call mise en place . Chop up your bittersweet chocolate (about 2 ounces).

Zest half an orange, trying to avoid the bitter white part. Then, measure out your other bits and bobs. Having everything ready to go saves a bunch of faffing later.

You know?

Let's Get Cooking: step-by-step

Gently heat 2 cups of milk in a saucepan over medium low heat. Don't let it boil!
Turn the heat to low. Add your chopped chocolate and 2 tablespoons of sugar.
Whisk like mad until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
Stir in 1 teaspoon of orange zest , 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
Whisk for another minute to let those flavors get friendly.

Pro Tips for a Top-Notch Hot Chocolate

Use good quality chocolate for the best flavor. Trust me, you'll taste the difference! Want to go next level? A dash of orange extract will make it more orangey.

And remember to serve with whipped cream and festive cookies , it's proper lush! And It's a truly festive homemade hot chocolate recipe .

Recipe Notes For Your Dreamy Orange Hot Chocolate

Alright, before you dive into making this orange hot chocolate , let's run through a few bits and bobs. Think of these as little cheat sheets.

They will make your chocolate orange drink even more amazing!

Serving Like a Pro

Fancy plating? Absolutely! A simple swirl of whipped cream does wonders. Grate some fresh orange zest on top. Oh, and pop in a festive cookie on the side, like shortbread.

Perfect with this homemade hot chocolate recipe . For the adults, a tiny splash of orange liqueur won't go amiss!

Storing Leftovers (If There Are Any!)

Made too much? Highly unlikely, but you never know. Pop any leftover easy hot chocolate in the fridge. It will be good for about 2 days.

Gently reheat it on the stove. Just stir it often so it doesn't stick. I wouldn't freeze it. Milk can get a bit funny when it thaws.

Mix It Up!

Want to jazz it up? Swap regular milk for oat milk. It makes a lush, vegan chocolate and citrus beverage .

If you are feeling extra, add a pinch of chili. This will make it a spicy kick. For Christmas, use a bit of mixed spice.

A Little Bit About What You're Eating

This winter warmer drinks recipe is more than just yummy. Bittersweet chocolate is rich in antioxidants. Plus, oranges are full of vitamin C.

It is not exactly health food, but it's good for the soul! Each mug has about 250 calories, give or take.

It is perfect for a treat. I can't wait to hear how you love this Terry's Chocolate Orange inspired orange hot chocolate recipe.

Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best type of chocolate to use for orange hot chocolate?

For the most delightful orange hot chocolate, bittersweet chocolate (at least 70% cacao) is your best bet. It offers a rich, intense chocolate flavor that balances beautifully with the bright orange zest. Think of it like choosing the right biscuit for your tea quality matters!

Can I make vegan orange hot chocolate?

Absolutely! Swapping out the dairy is as easy as pie. Use your favourite plant based milk (almond, oat, or soy milk all work well) and ensure you use dairy-free chocolate. You might want to adjust the sugar slightly, as some plant based milks can be a tad sweeter or less so than cow's milk.

If you're feeling fancy, a swirl of coconut cream on top is the bee's knees!

How can I make my orange hot chocolate extra special?

There are plenty of ways to jazz up your orange hot chocolate! Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for a spiced version, or a shot of espresso for an orange mocha kick. A generous dollop of whipped cream and some orange zest curls make it look utterly divine, fit for a king (or queen!).

My orange hot chocolate tastes bitter - what went wrong?

Bitterness in your orange hot chocolate usually comes from either the orange zest or the chocolate. Be careful to only zest the outer layer of the orange peel, avoiding the white pith underneath, which is bitter.

Also, using chocolate with too high a cacao percentage (above 85%) without enough sugar can also result in a bitter taste. Next time, add a smidge more sugar.

How long does orange hot chocolate last, and how should I store it?

Orange hot chocolate is best enjoyed fresh, like a proper cuppa! However, if you have leftovers, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you're ready to enjoy it, gently reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring frequently.

You might need to add a splash of milk to loosen it up a bit.

Can I use orange extract instead of fresh orange zest in this orange hot chocolate recipe?

You certainly can use orange extract in a pinch, but fresh orange zest is always going to give you a brighter, more vibrant flavour. If you're substituting, use about 1/2 teaspoon of orange extract. Just remember, like comparing a proper roast dinner to a microwave meal, fresh is best!