Vanilla And Bean

Sweet and Savory Vegetarian

Spiked Orange Hot Chocolate

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Ultra rich and slightly sweet with bold notes of dark chocolate, orange, a pinch of cinnamon and a good glug of Grand Marnier; Spiked Orange Hot Chocolate. An adult hot chocolate and sipper for those special occasions or to warm up with during the coldest months of the year. vegetarian or vegan

Spiked Orange Hot Chocolate. Ultra rich and slightly sweet with bold notes of dark chocolate, orange, a pinch of cinnamon and a good glug of Grand Marnier; Spiked Orange Hot Chocolate. A dessert sipper for those special occasions or to warm up with during the coldest months of the year. #vegetarian or #vegan #HotChocolate #DairyFree #Dessert #DrinkingChocolate

The first time I discovered drinking chocolate was in Portland at the beloved Cacao many years ago. It was shortly after having finished Chocolate Lab in pastry school, so I had a fresh perspective on the world of chocolate. 

I thought it the most luxurious elixer one could ever have. Smooth, velvety… completely indulgent. Like drinking a chocolate bar. 

Spiked Orange Hot Chocolate. Ultra rich and slightly sweet with bold notes of dark chocolate, orange, a pinch of cinnamon and a good glug of Grand Marnier; Spiked Orange Hot Chocolate. A dessert sipper for those special occasions or to warm up with during the coldest months of the year. #vegetarian or #vegan #HotChocolate #DairyFree #Dessert #DrinkingChocolate

Since my discovery, I’ve been making hot chocolate at home using various bar chocolate, always dark and at least 72%. Sometimes I make adult hot chocolate by spiking it, other times enjoyed simply with or without inclusions such as ginger, cardamom, or chilis. Orange is probably my favorite, after dinner as a dessert with a bit of booze, of course.  

Those packets of cocoa powder with copious amounts of sugar and tiny marshmallows; hot cocoa – my childhood dreams. They are a thing of the past. 

Spiked Orange Hot Chocolate. Ultra rich and slightly sweet with bold notes of dark chocolate, orange, a pinch of cinnamon and a good glug of Grand Marnier; Spiked Orange Hot Chocolate. A dessert sipper for those special occasions or to warm up with during the coldest months of the year. #vegetarian or #vegan #HotChocolate #DairyFree #Dessert #DrinkingChocolate    Spiked Orange Hot Chocolate. Ultra rich and slightly sweet with bold notes of dark chocolate, orange, a pinch of cinnamon and a good glug of Grand Marnier; Spiked Orange Hot Chocolate. A dessert sipper for those special occasions or to warm up with during the coldest months of the year. #vegetarian or #vegan #HotChocolate #DairyFree #Dessert #DrinkingChocolate Spiked Orange Hot Chocolate. Ultra rich and slightly sweet with bold notes of dark chocolate, orange, a pinch of cinnamon and a good glug of Grand Marnier; Spiked Orange Hot Chocolate. A dessert sipper for those special occasions or to warm up with during the coldest months of the year. #vegetarian or #vegan #HotChocolate #DairyFree #Dessert #DrinkingChocolate

What is the Difference Between Hot Chocolate and Hot Cocoa?

Hot chocolate (aka drinking chocolate) and hot cocoa are not one in the same, however. Hot cocoa is made with cocoa powder where the cocoa butter has been removed. Alone, cocoa powder has an intense chocolate taste, and no fat.  

Hot chocolate on the other hand, is made with chocolate; bar, baking or chips. It’s the cocoa butter (fat), in part, that makes hot chocolate completely luxurious.

Want to take this adult hot chocolate over the top? Since I consider Spiked Orange Hot Chocolate a dessert, I look for high quality chocolate; the higher the percent chocolate, the less sugar it contains and the more bittersweet it will taste. I go for dark, anywhere between 72%-80% and look for chocolate that is organic, and fair trade.

Spiked Orange Hot Chocolate. Ultra rich and slightly sweet with bold notes of dark chocolate, orange, a pinch of cinnamon and a good glug of Grand Marnier; Spiked Orange Hot Chocolate. A dessert sipper for those special occasions or to warm up with during the coldest months of the year. #vegetarian or #vegan #HotChocolate #DairyFree #Dessert #DrinkingChocolate

A Few Recipe Notes: 

  • Completely adaptable for vegetarian and vegan diets.  For a luxurious dairy free hot chocolate dessert experience, and to treat your Valentine, go for unsweetened homemade cashew milk, or full fat coconut milk.  Whole milk, or 1/2 n 1/2 (or a mix of whole and 1/2) can be used as well. 
  • Top this adult hot chocolate sipper sweetened whip cream or coconut cream or simply with shaved chocolate. Hot chocolate is rich enough on its own. 
  • Use your favorite high quality chocolate. If you’re a fan of bitter notes, go for a high percent, over 72%. It pairs beautifully with orange zest. Look for dark chocolate in bulk bins too – the price is better and it reduces waste! I like Theo’s Pure 70% dark chocolate.  This resource lists many excellent (and vegan) chocolate brands. 
  • Not sweet enough? Add a 1/2 tsp at a time of maple syrup or brown sugar – add to taste.
  • This recipe is easily made alcohol free too… simply leave it out and add just a bit more milk. 
  • For Valentine’s or other special occasions, share with Dark Chocolate Shortbread or Vegan Chocolate Shortbread.
Spiked Orange Hot Chocolate. Ultra rich and slightly sweet with bold notes of dark chocolate, orange, a pinch of cinnamon and a good glug of Grand Marnier; Spiked Orange Hot Chocolate. A dessert sipper for those special occasions or to warm up with during the coldest months of the year. #vegetarian or #vegan #HotChocolate #DairyFree #Dessert #DrinkingChocolate
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Spiked Orange Hot Chocolate

Ultra rich and slightly sweet with bold notes of dark chocolate, orange, a pinch of cinnamon and a good glug of Grand Marnier; Spiked Orange Hot Chocolate. A dessert sipper for those special occasions or to warm up with during the coldest months of the year. vegetarian or vegan (see notes)
Total Time10 mins
Course: Adult Beverage, Dessert
Cuisine: Dessert
Keyword: Adult Hot Chocolate, Dairy Free Hot Chocolate, Vegan Hot Chocolate Recipe
Servings: 1 Serving
Author: Traci York | Vanilla And Bean

Ingredients

For One Serving:

  • 1 C (245g) Homemade Cashew Milk* unsweetened, or other full fat milk (see notes)
  • 1/4 C + 1 Tbs (1 3/4oz / 50g) 70%-80% Dark Chocolate finely chopped, plus shavings for garnish (see notes for vegan chocolate)
  • 1/2 tsp Orange Zest
  • Pinch of Fine Sea Salt
  • Pinch of Ground Cinnamon
  • 1 oz (28g) Grand Marnier

Serve With (optional):

  • Lightly Sweetened Whipped Cream or Coconut Cream
  • Chocolate Shavings

Instructions

  • In a medium sauce pot, add the milk, chopped chocolate, zest, salt and cinnamon. Gently heat on the lowest setting, whisking occasionally until all the chocolate is melted. About 5 minutes. Do not allow the mixture to come to a simmer or boil. Remove from heat and gently whisk in the Grand Marnier. Strain into a serving cup(s). Garnish with optional whipped cream or coconut cream and shaved chocolate. 

Notes

About the Recipe: since milk selection and kitchen equipment on hand varies, here are some easily adaptable recommendations. I use full strength, unsweetened homemade cashew milk  or full fat coconut milk, depending on what I have on hand. I occasionally use dairy too. If using dairy, try whole milk or if you're feeling really indulgent, 1/2 n 1/2 or a combination of the two.   The Topping: a scoop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or whipped coconut milk can be used for the topping. However, this recipe is rich enough all on it's own. Forgo the additional fat on top and it will still be an indulgence! 
*This resource lists many vegan chocolate brands. Find what's at your market and use it! Green & Black's, Theo, Endangered Species, are excellent.
Tried this recipe?Loved it? Leave a comment below! Take a snap of what you made and share it on social: @VanillaAndBean, tag #VanillaAndBean!
Spiked Orange Hot Chocolate | A rich dessert sipper with notes of orange and a bit of booze! Vegetarian and Vegan options! #DrinkingChocolate #Dessert #Chocolate #CoconutMilk #DairyFree #GlutenFree

Comments

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  2. Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says

    February 15, 2018 at 2:17 pm

    I am absolutely LOVING this hot chocolate, Traci! The addition of Grand Marnier is just brilliant (and delicious)!! I think you know my naughty allergy prevents me from having cup after cup of this silky beauty, but Boy is a hot cocoa fiend, and I just KNOW he will swoon over this! We are celebrating Valentine’s Day this weekend (because Valentine’s Day on a Wednesday isn’t convenient. lol), and I am thinking I absolutely MUST make him a large vat of this! Pinning! Cheers, dear! xoxo
    P.s. I hope you had a beautiful Valentine’s Day!

    Reply

    • Traci says

      February 16, 2018 at 7:36 am

      Those dang allergies! I hope Boy enjoys it… and I know you enjoy simply the process of making it for him. ;D. Yall have fun this weekend, my dear! Thank you for your pin!

      Reply

  3. Asha Shivakumar says

    February 13, 2018 at 11:14 am

    So so dreamy my friend. Every picture is so gorgeous, and the flavor combo is bomb my dear. Love the orange in it and chocolate is so good. So luxurious and I am dreaming of have this right now.
    JUST AMAZING!!
    xo

    Reply

  5. geraldine | Green Valley Kitchen says

    February 11, 2018 at 1:45 pm

    This looks so tasty, Traci. Love that you’re using real chocolate and yes, please, to the Grand Marnier! While we’ve been having a really mild winter in Los Angeles, it does get down into the low 50s so I’d love a cup of this in the evening. Pinning!

    Reply

    • Traci says

      February 22, 2018 at 1:41 pm

      Oh my that Grand Marnier, Geraldine! After a long day at work and when it’s cold out (I know, okay 50F for you!)… it’s such a nice sipper. Thank you for your pin! xo

      Reply

  6. Kelly Mulcair says

    February 9, 2018 at 3:55 pm

    Chocolate Lab? Sign me up! I had no idea you went to pastry school Traci (we have so much to talk about; please add to agenda ;-) Chocolate and orange is a match made in heaven – the French knew what they were doing with GM (yum!); mixed in with the warmth of cinnamon, you’ve created a delightful treat. That last photo is so beautiful and your lil’ chocolate hearts are bringing me the biggest smile ♥♥ (+ that mug!) x

    Reply

    • Traci says

      February 9, 2018 at 4:25 pm

      LOL! Will do, Kelly! Yeah, it was WAY better than I’d ever imagined! Yes.. the orange!! I’m obsessed right now. In fact, I’m about to squeeze some blood orange for a BO Mojito :o … wanna come over? Thank you for your sweet words, Kelly! I had to have more chocolate with the chocolate, ya know? The mug is from an incredibly skilled potter in Seattle. Her ordering form has an almost one year wait list. I was was lucky enough to snag this at her open house (!!)

      Reply

    • Traci says

      February 9, 2018 at 7:42 am

      Of course, the booze factor… can you imagine a glug of Kahlua or Bailey’s… how about some Frangelico? The possibilities are endless! HELLO brandy? Goodness! Do you think Tom will like the orange? xo

      Reply

  9. Jean says

    February 9, 2018 at 5:55 am

    Oh what a treat and to go full on with the flavor combination I can see pairing this with one of your blood orange and chocolate chunk scones!

    Reply

    • Traci says

      February 9, 2018 at 7:39 am

      Oh my word, Jean! I didn’t even think of it…. a perfect, and over the top indulgent, pairing with those Blood Orange & Chocolate Chunk Scones! OMGeeee!!

      Reply

    • Traci says

      February 9, 2018 at 7:37 am

      OMGeee, right? Banish those packets! I think we can safely say, Valentines day is for women! LOL – the guys feel too much pressure then because of it, do nothing lol! Happy *almost* Valentine’s Liz! And thank you for the link love xo

      Reply

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