Zesty Orange Hot Chocolate a Terrys Treat in a Mug

Terrys Orange Hot Chocolate Ready in 10 Minutes

By Evelyn ThatcherSeptember 10, 2025

Table of Contents

Zesty Orange Hot Chocolate: A Terry's Chocolate Orange Treat in a Mug

Fancy a hug in a mug? Oh my gosh, this orange hot chocolate recipe is just that! Think of it as a grown-up Terry's Chocolate Orange, but in liquid form.

It's the perfect excuse to curl up on the sofa, especially if Strictly is on.

What's the Story?

This orange hot chocolate recipe is a cosy twist on a classic. It takes its inspiration from the iconic Terry's Chocolate Orange.

It combines dark chocolate and bright orange. The result is a smooth, soul warming drink. It's perfect for any occasion. Making it is super easy! It only takes ten minutes.

This recipe makes two servings. Perfect for sharing, or not!

Why You'll Love This!

Orange hot chocolate isn’t just tasty, it also has benefits! Dark chocolate is packed with antioxidants. Make this for a festive gathering or a cosy night in.

Honestly, this is way more exciting than plain old hot chocolate. Okay, let's get this party started! Based on the description of "Orange Hot Chocolate," which sounds utterly divine, especially with Strictly on in the background, here are 10 that I reckon will give a website a proper leg up in the search rankings.

Terry's Chocolate Orange Recipe
Orange flavored hot chocolate
Easy hot chocolate recipe
Dark chocolate orange drink
Winter warmer drinks
Homemade hot chocolate
Citrus hot chocolate
Festive hot chocolate recipe
Chocolate orange beverage
Gourmet hot chocolate

What You'll Need

Time to gather your bits and bobs! You'll need: 2 cups of milk, 4 ounces of dark chocolate, 1/4 cup of cream (optional), 2 tablespoons of orange juice, 1 teaspoon of orange zest, 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon, a pinch of salt, and 2 teaspoons of sugar.

Don't forget the whipped cream and chocolate shavings for a bit of extra razzle dazzle.

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Orange Hot Chocolate

Okay, let's get this party started! Making orange hot chocolate is easy. It feels like a warm hug on a cold night.

Based on the description of " Orange Hot Chocolate ," which sounds utterly divine, especially with Strictly on in the background, I know we can nail it.

It's like a Terry's Chocolate Orange recipe but in a mug. Honestly , you'll love it.

Main Ingredients: The Orange Hot Chocolate Magic

Whole milk: 2 cups (475 ml) . Full fat makes it richer.
Dark chocolate: 4 ounces (115 g) . Aim for at least 70% cocoa. It's the key, you know? The higher the percentage, the more indulgent your dark chocolate orange drink is.
Heavy cream: 1/4 cup (60 ml) . Optional but totally worth it for extra creaminess.
Fresh orange juice: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . Fresh is best, trust me .
Orange zest: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) . Just the outer part, avoid the white pith.
Ground cinnamon: 1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) .
Salt: A pinch. Enhances the flavors.
Caster sugar: 2 teaspoons (10 ml) . Or any sweetener you prefer.

Want that extra touch? Whipped cream, orange zest, and chocolate shavings for garnish.

Seasoning Notes: A Symphony of Flavors

Cinnamon and orange are BFFs . A pinch of salt enhances the chocolate's flavor. Nutmeg or cardamom? Great additions if you're feeling fancy.

Don't have orange juice? A tiny splash of orange extract works. For extra depth, a teaspoon of vanilla extract is your secret weapon.

I once tried making this with milk chocolate. Big mistake . Dark chocolate is the only way to get that deep, satisfying flavor.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

Medium saucepan: For heating the milk.
Whisk: To make it smooth.
Measuring cups and spoons: Obvs .
Grater or zester: For that essential orange zest.

Don't have a whisk? A fork will do in a pinch. No zester? A fine grater works too. We’re all about that easy hot chocolate recipe , yeah?

This festive hot chocolate recipe is a real treat. Enjoy it as a winter warmer drink or any time you crave a gourmet hot chocolate .

It's way better than any chocolate orange beverage you'd buy in a shop. Now, go make some homemade hot chocolate .

What a great citrus hot chocolate !

Okay, let's get this party started! Ready to make something amazing? I'm talking about orange hot chocolate ! Honestly, who doesn't love it? It's like a warm hug in a mug, especially when Strictly is on.

The Magic Behind Perfect Orange Hot Chocolate

Okay, so, here's how we're going to do this. I'm sharing the secrets to the most amazing orange flavored hot chocolate ever! Think Terry's Chocolate Orange, but in drink form. Yum!

Prep Like a Pro

First, get your stuff together. It's the essential mise en place ! Chop your dark chocolate (4 ounces). Zest one orange and juice it, too (2 tablespoons).

Trust me, being organized saves loads of time. Safety first! Don’t cut yourself zesting. Always keep fingers away from the grater .

step-by-step to Chocolatey Bliss

Heat 2 cups of milk on medium. Don't let it boil!
Take off heat. Add the chopped chocolate. Let it melt for a minute.
Whisk it smooth. No lumps allowed!
Stir in your orange juice, zest, cinnamon (1/4 teaspoon), a pinch of salt, and sugar (2 teaspoons).
Gently warm on low heat. Keep stirring!
Pour into mugs. Top with whipped cream and orange zest.
Serve immediately and enjoy.

Pro Tips for Gourmet Hot Chocolate

Want that edge? Use good quality dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa) . Makes all the difference! A big mistake is boiling the milk.

Don't do it! It’ll ruin everything. If you are planning to serve these later in the day, the make-ahead option is also possible, you can prepare the homemade hot chocolate in advance and gently reheat it before serving.

So there you have it! Zesty orange hot chocolate ! I know this will be a regular recipe in your home.

And if you're feeling really festive, try adding a splash of orange liqueur, it's a real winter warmer drink . Trust me on this one!

You know?, this is the best excuse to use my Terry's Chocolate Orange recipe!

Okay, let's get this party started! This orange hot chocolate recipe is so simple, yet so good. It's like a warm hug in a mug, especially when it's cold outside!

Recipe Notes

Serving Suggestions

Honestly, the presentation is key. Think about swirling some whipped cream on top. Then, sprinkle with a bit of fresh orange zest .

Oh my gosh, it makes a difference! This orange flavored hot chocolate also pairs perfectly with shortbread cookies. Want something fancier? A slice of orange -almond cake is a winner.

Picture this: a roaring fire and a steaming mug of this gourmet hot chocolate . Pure bliss, right?

Storage Tips

If you end up with leftovers (unlikely!), store them in the fridge. Be sure to use an airtight container. It’ll keep for up to two days .

Gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat. Make sure you stir it often. This stops the milk from scalding.

Freezing is not recommended because the texture can change. No one wants a grainy chocolate orange beverage !

Variations

Want to mix it up? You can try a few things. For a vegan orange hot chocolate , use almond milk and vegan chocolate.

Easy peasy! Want a bit more of a kick? Add a pinch of nutmeg for a festive hot chocolate recipe .

Honestly, the possibilities are endless. Maybe add a little bit of mint extract! You can also make your own chocolate orange by using the Terry's Chocolate Orange itself, for a Terry's Chocolate Orange recipe , if you are lucky enough to get your hands on one.

Nutrition Basics

This easy hot chocolate recipe isn't exactly health food. Let’s be real. But it's all about balance, isn't it? Each serving has roughly 350 calories.

It gives you about 8g of protein. The dark chocolate has antioxidants which can boost your mood. Remember to enjoy it as a treat, not a daily necessity.

So, go on, grab a mug.

This winter warmer drinks really are a treat. Honestly, making homemade hot chocolate is so much better than store-bought. It's really simple and brings so much joy! It's perfect to share with your favourite person, while watching Strictly , or just for yourself when you fancy a citrus hot chocolate .

You deserve it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make orange hot chocolate ahead of time? I'm prepping for a Great British Bake Off viewing party!

You can indeed! Prepare the orange hot chocolate according to the recipe, then let it cool slightly before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

When you're ready to serve, gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently, or in the microwave in 30-second intervals. Be sure not to boil it, or it might split! A quick whisk before serving will bring it back to its velvety best.

My orange hot chocolate isn't as smooth as I'd like. What am I doing wrong?

A lumpy hot chocolate is a common issue, but easily solved! Ensure your dark chocolate is finely chopped before adding it to the warm milk this helps it melt more evenly. Also, avoid overheating the milk; scalding can affect the texture. Constant whisking while the chocolate melts is key.

If lumps persist, try using an immersion blender very carefully to smooth it out, or strain the hot chocolate through a fine mesh sieve for a silky finish.

I'm vegan. Can I still enjoy this Zesty Orange Hot Chocolate: A Terry's Chocolate Orange Treat in a Mug?

Absolutely! Simply swap the whole milk for your favorite plant based alternative, such as almond, oat, or soy milk. Be sure to use a good quality vegan dark chocolate to ensure a rich and satisfying flavour.

The heavy cream is optional, so you can easily skip it, or substitute with a tablespoon of coconut cream for similar richness. With those simple swaps, you'll have a delicious vegan version of our orange hot chocolate.

What other flavours go well with orange hot chocolate? I'm feeling adventurous!

Feeling like a culinary daredevil, eh? Excellent! Orange and chocolate are already a match made in heaven, but you can elevate it further. A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom adds warmth and spice. A touch of peppermint extract will give you a refreshing mint chocolate orange experience.

If you're a coffee lover, a shot of espresso creates a delicious mocha orange twist. Get creative and put your own spin on this orange hot chocolate!

How can I make the orange flavor in my orange hot chocolate really POP?

To really amplify that zesty orange flavour, focus on the zest! Use a microplane or fine grater to get the zest, ensuring you only get the vibrant outer layer and avoid the bitter white pith underneath.

Massage the orange zest with the sugar before adding it to the milk; this helps release the essential oils and intensifies the flavour. Also, using freshly squeezed orange juice, rather than store-bought, makes a world of difference. You can even add a dash of orange extract (but start small - it's potent!).

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

For the richest flavour and that Terry's Chocolate Orange vibe, we recommend using a good quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content. The bitterness of the dark chocolate balances beautifully with the sweetness and citrus notes of the orange.

If you prefer a sweeter drink, you can use semi sweet chocolate, but be mindful of adjusting the amount of added sugar. Experiment to find your perfect chocolatey orange balance!