This recipe makes a decadent, creamy orange hot chocolate, one of the best Christmas flavor combinations out there. With Grand Marnier being the secret ingredient for the flavor in this recipe you should prepare yourself for a boozy cup of pure comfort. This recipe is made in no time with only a few simple ingredients and can also be prepared in the slow cooker.
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❤️Why you will love this hot chocolate
- Creamy
- Chocolaty
- Boozy
- Christmas Flavor
- Easy
This recipe is a variation of my basic creamy hot chocolate recipe. With Christmas around the corner this version uses Grand Marnier to create a delicious orange and chocolate flavor combination, one that many love.
If you like this hot chocolate you should try one of my other versions like this Earl Grey Hot Chocolate.
🥣 Equipment
To make this orange hot chocolate, here's what you'll need:
- Medium-Sized Pot: Ideal for simmering your hot chocolate and melting the chocolate evenly.
- Whisk or Spoon: For stirring and keeping the mixture smooth and creamy.
- Zester: Essential for creating fresh, fragrant orange zest.
- Slow Cooker (Optional): Perfect for hands-off preparation or keeping the hot chocolate warm for a crowd.
📝The Ingredients
You will only need a few ingredients to make this orange chocolate heaven
- Milk: Any milk, both animal and plant-based, works
- Cream: Heavy cream or half-and-half both work.
- Chocolate: Use your favorite chocolate. It can be a chocolate bar or chocolate chips as long as there are no additional ingredients like nuts in them.
- Orange Zest: Make sure to use organic oranges with no pesticides on them and clean them well before using the zest.
- Vanilla: Use the vanilla extract or use the paste or powder instead. 1 fresh vanilla bean cut in half would taste amazing too.
- Grand Marnier: An orange flavored liquor that is the main flavor ingredient for this recipe. Any other orane flavored liquor could work too.
👩🏻🍳How to make orange hot chocolate at home
Here is a quick overview of the recipe steps. Please read the recipe card for the full instructions.
Making hot chocolate is super simple.
- Add all the ingredients but the Grand Marnier to a pot.
- Simmer it on medium heat until the chocolate is all melted. Make sure to give it a good stir from time to time.
- Mix it all together, add the Grand Marnier and serve hot with your favorite toppings.
🐢 Slow Cooker Instructions
If you want to make sure your hot chocolate is ready later and/or stays warm for the day you should try making it in the slow cooker.
- Add all ingredients except the Grand Marnier to your slow cooker.
- Heat on high for about an hour, stirring every 30 minutes.
- Stir in the Grand Marnier just before serving. Set to "warm" to keep it hot throughout the day.
🍴Serving suggestions
Choose your favorite hot chocolate topping and enjoy your hot chocolate along side some delicious cookies!
Here are some topping ideas:
- Whipped Cream: Classic and simple.
- Marshmallows: A cozy staple.
- Frothed Milk: For a latte-style finish.
- Orange-Flavored Whipped Cream: Whip heavy cream with 1 teaspoon of Grand Marnier or orange extract for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
🥄Storage
Keep your hot chocolate on low with the lid on on the stove or have it on warm in your slow cooker.
If you do not consume the whole amount, then store it in an air-tight container in the fridge. Then warm it back up on the stove or in the microwave. You might need to add some more milk as the cream tends to make the hot chocolate very thick over time.
💭Frequently asked questions
Absolutely! Simply replace the Grand Marnier with some orange extract which you can get in the bakery section at your store.
Yes, you can simply use the serving button in my recipe card to increase or decrease the recipe servings. If you do make hot chocolate for a crowd I recommend using a slow cooker as it keeps it warm the best over time.
Simply replace the milk products with vegan alternatives like oat milk or cashew cream. Grand Marnier should be completely vegan upon my research but please do check the bottle you have first.
Grand Marnier is the main flavor ingredient in this recipe so I do not recommend replacing it. However, you can use the orange extract instead to make it non-alcoholic or just try any other orange flavored liquor.
Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor. Dark chocolate (60-70% cocoa) is ideal for a rich, slightly bitter balance. Milk chocolate works if you prefer a sweeter hot chocolate. Avoid any chocolate with add-ins like nuts.
Use low to medium heat and stir frequently to ensure the chocolate melts evenly. If it starts to clump, a quick whisk should help smooth things out. Avoid boiling the mixture, as it can cause the chocolate or cream to separate.
While orange juice adds some citrus flavor, it can water down the creaminess of the hot chocolate. If you want to use juice, reduce the amount slightly and taste as you go, balancing with extra zest for a stronger orange flavor.
More Winter recipes to try
📖 Recipe
Orange Hot Chocolate Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Saucepan alternatively use a slow cooker
- 1 Whisk
Ingredients
- 8 dl Milk
- 1 dl Heavy Cream
- 100 g Chocolate
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- Orange Zest of half an orange
- 2 tablespoon Grand Marnier
Instructions
- To a medium sized saucepan add all the ingredients except the Grand Marnier.
- Let the mixture simmer on medium heat till the chocolate has melted, about 5 minutes.
- Give it a good stir to make sure everything is well incorporated.
- Turn the heat to low, add the Grand Marnier and serve hot.
- Optional: Add you favorite hot chocolate toppings
Notes
US Customary conversions are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information.
Carrie says
I am obsessed with this chocolate-orange combo right now!!!
Bethany says
Hot chocolate is delish and adding orange always reminds me of Christmas.
Jazzmin says
This was so rich and decadent! I absolutely loved the combination of chocolate and orange! It was the perfect hot chocolate to enjoy over these past couple of really cold days here in Canada.The added Grand Mariner was so good! 😊
Christina's Bread Bakes says
This was a perfect after dinner treat!
Radha says
Orange and chocolate are heavenly combo and this drink was heavenly too!
Katie says
This orange hot chocolate is a dream! Super creamy and full of flavor!