Orange Hot Chocolate

Time: About 12-15 minutes. Mug capacity: at least 300 ml. · Serves 1

orange-scented hot chocolate for the Christmas Home Café

A note from Essy: An original recipe for the Christmas Home Café, tested in Esther’s kitchen. This is a coffee-free drink, not a caffeine-free one.

Ingredients

• 220 ml milk or lactose-free milk
• 25 g dark chocolate, approximately 60-70% cocoa, finely chopped
• 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 thin strips orange peel, each roughly 4 x 1 cm, washed and without the white pith
• 0-2 tsp brown sugar, to taste
• a tiny pinch of salt

Method

1. Put the milk and orange peel into a small saucepan. Heat gently until steaming. Remove from the heat, cover and infuse for 5 minutes.
2. Remove the peel. Mix the cocoa with a spoonful of the warm milk to make a smooth paste, then whisk the paste back into the pan.
3. Return to a low heat. Add the chopped chocolate and salt, and stir until melted and smooth. Avoid boiling.
4. Taste before adding sugar, a little at a time. Pour into the mug and serve.

Written by Esther

Esther is a photographer and storyteller, and the founder of Essy's Essentials - a seasonal home for stories, rituals, recipes and everyday luxuries.

Published 14 October 2026

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