Frothy hot cocoa with a hint of orange, and floral raw honey.
Hot cocoa was made for rainy days, for snowy days, or really for almost any type of day. There is something about wrapping your hands around a mug of creamy goodness and savoring the moment. The weather can be raging outside, yet in the warmth of your home with the mug in your hands, a stormy day can be delightful.
Have you ever eaten a chocolate orange? You know the orange flavored milk chocolate molded to look like an orange with individual segments. If you have found memories them, then this nourishing orange hot cocoa is for you!
I remember the first time I ate a chocolate orange, it was at a family Christmas gathering. A few cousins and I watched my dad crack it open. We all tried a piece but I sadly found it left wanting. Then one day I had a piece of fair-trade orange flavored dark chocolate and I was in love!
That bar of chocolate was just begging for a hot cocoa inspired by it to be made. This nourishing orange hot cocoa is rich, frothy, and slightly sweet, just like any good cocoa should be. My tried and true favourite is my classic hot cocoa, yet sometimes you want something a little different.
It has all the flavor of an orange chocolate bar in a mug, it with floral orange blossom raw honey (affiliate link). The honey blends perfectly with the cocoa while highlighting the lightness of the orange flavor. Orange blossom honey is more delicate when compared to the darker, more robust clover honey that you commonly find in stores.
The orange flavor can be achieved by either adding a drop of orange essential oil to the cocoa or a small amount of orange extract.
This recipe contains affiliate links to Amazon at no additional cost to you.
Nourishing Orange Hot Cocoa
Prep
Cook
Total
Yield 2 1/2 cups
Frothy hot cocoa with a hint of orange, and floral raw honey. This nourishing orange hot cocoa has all the flavor of an orange chocolate bar in a mug.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups raw milk (or milk substitute of choice)
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons raw honey
- 1 teaspoon homemade vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon orange extract (or 4 drops sweet orange essential oil)
- whipped cream (optional
- orange zest (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the milk in a small saucepan. If you are using dairy careful not to let the milk curdle. For raw milk, it is best to not let it get any warmer than 110 F to preserve most of the beneficial properties of the raw milk. For frothy milk, use a milk frother.
- In a small bowl or mug mix the cocoa powder, raw honey, orange extract/essential oil, and vanilla extract. Stir with a fork or a small whisk until a smooth paste is formed.
- Divide the cocoa paste between two mugs. Pour in the milk and stir gently to mix.
- Serve each cup of cocoa with a generous dollop of whipped cream if desired and orange zest.
Courses Beverage
Nourishing Orange Hot Cocoa
2 1/2 cups raw milk (or milk substitute of choice)
3 tablespoons cocoa powder
3 tablespoons raw honey
1 teaspoon homemade vanilla extract
1 teaspoon orange extract (or 4 drops sweet orange essential oil)
whipped cream (optional)
orange zest (optional)
Heat the milk in a small saucepan. If you are using dairy careful not to let the milk curdle. For raw milk, it is best to not let it get any warmer than 110 F to preserve most of the beneficial properties of the raw milk. For frothy milk, use a milk frother.
In a small bowl or mug mix the cocoa powder, raw honey, orange extract/essential oil, and vanilla extract. Stir with a fork or a small whisk until a smooth paste is formed.
Divide the cocoa paste between two mugs. Pour in the milk and stir gently to mix.
Serve each cup of cocoa with a generous dollop of whipped cream if desired and orange zest.
What is your favourite type of hot cocoa?
This looks so good! Do you have a preference between cocoa and cacao (in general, not just for this drink)? I was using cacao for a while, but I really love the flavor or Trader Joe’s Cocoa.
I’ve never used cacao, so cocoa. 😉 I’d like to try it someday.