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As the chill of winter settles in, nothing warms the heart and soul quite like a steaming cup of hot cocoa. It evokes memories of cozy evenings spent snuggled under blankets, the glow of holiday lights, and laughter shared among friends and family. This Citrus Spiced Hot Cocoa takes the classic comfort beverage and gives it a delightful twist with the addition of bright citrus and warming spices. Every sip offers a perfect balance of rich chocolate, aromatic cinnamon, and zesty orange, making it a standout choice for both casual evenings and festive gatherings.

Citrus Spiced Hot Cocoa: A Cozy Delight

This delightful hot chocolate combines the rich flavors of cocoa with the bright zest of orange and warming spices. It's a perfect drink for cozy evenings.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Drink
Cuisine American
Servings 2
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon zest of orange
  • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • whipped cream for topping
  • fresh orange slices for garnish

Instructions

  • In a medium saucepan, combine cocoa powder, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  • Whisk in whole milk over medium heat until the mixture is warm and steaming.
  • Incorporate orange zest and vanilla extract, stirring for 2-3 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and strain through a fine mesh sieve into mugs.
  • Top each mug with whipped cream.
  • Garnish with a fresh orange slice on the rim.
  • Serve immediately and enjoy the flavors.

Notes

For a smoother texture, strain the cocoa before serving.
Keyword cocoa, drink, hot chocolate, orange, spices