Name: Orange Spice Hot Cocoa
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or plant milk of choice); 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder; 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or sweetener of choice); 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom; 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/2 teaspoon orange zest; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of sea salt

Why You’ll Love Orange Spice Hot Cocoa Recipe

The fusion of chocolate and orange is naturally uplifting, and when paired with cinnamon and ginger, you get a warming depth that’s both comforting and a little unexpected. Choosing non‑dairy milk keeps it vegan‑friendly, while the orange juice adds a hint of brightness and a little vitamin C. It’s quick to make, easy to enjoy, and just a little bit special compared to plain hot cocoa.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Unsweetened non‑dairy milk (such as almond, soy, oat)
100% pure orange juice (with or without pulp)
Unsweetened cocoa powder (100% cocoa or raw cacao)
Sweetener: raw sugar, pure maple syrup, or coconut nectar/sugar
Ground cinnamon
Ground ginger
A pinch of salt
Optional toppings: whipped coconut cream, vegan marshmallows, mini chocolate chips, shaved dark chocolate, orange zest

Directions

In a small or medium saucepan, combine the non‑dairy milk, orange juice, cocoa powder, sweetener, cinnamon, ginger, and a pinch of salt.
Heat over medium‑low heat, stirring until the cocoa powder is fully dissolved and everything is well combined.
Once incorporated, reduce the heat to low to keep the hot cocoa warm but not boiling.
Serve into individual cups and add any of the optional toppings you like (such as whipped coconut cream, a sprinkle of cocoa or cinnamon, orange zest, etc.).
Enjoy right away while it’s warm and aromatic.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: about 5 minutes
Cook Time: about 5 minutes
Total Time: about 10 minutes
Yield: serves 2 to 3 people

Variations

Use half water and half non‑dairy milk if you prefer a lighter texture.
Omit the ginger if you don’t have it, or increase it slightly for more spice.
For extra richness, use a vanilla‑flavored non‑dairy milk or add a splash of vegan cream.
For a bit of heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper.
Try using freshly squeezed orange juice for the freshest flavor, or bottled if that’s easier.
Top with orange zest or a cinnamon stick for a festive presentation.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover hot cocoa in the refrigerator in a covered container for up to 1 day.
To reheat: gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid boiling to prevent the non‑dairy milk from separating.
If reheating causes a slight separation, whisk vigorously or use a handheld frother to re‑emulsify before serving.

FAQs

What non‑dairy milk works best?

Any unsweetened plant milk will work well—almond, oat, soy, coconut. Choose one you enjoy, and if you like vanilla flavor, a vanilla‑flavored version is a nice touch.

Can I use regular milk instead of non‑dairy milk?

Yes — if you’re not following a vegan diet, regular dairy milk will work, though the taste and texture might differ slightly. The recipe is designed with non‑dairy in mind.

Is fresh orange juice necessary?

Not strictly. You can use bottled 100% orange juice. Fresh squeezed may yield a slightly fresher, brighter flavor, but the bottled version works fine and is more convenient.

What if I don’t have raw sugar or coconut sugar?

You can use pure maple syrup, agave, or any sweetener you prefer. Adjust to taste since sweetness levels differ among sweeteners.

Can I skip the ginger or cinnamon?

Yes — you can omit one or both. The drink will still be delicious, though it will lose some of the warming spice character.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You could prepare the base and store in the fridge for up to a day. Reheat gently before serving and add toppings just before serving.

What toppings work well?

Whipped coconut cream, vegan marshmallows, a sprinkle of cocoa or cinnamon, shaved dark chocolate, mini chocolate chips, or orange zest are all nice options. Choose your favorite.

Can I make it spicy?

Absolutely. Add a small dash of cayenne pepper or increase the ginger for more heat and a more “Mexican chocolate” vibe.

Is this suitable for children?

Yes — it’s vegan and dairy‑free, and you can moderate the sweetness and spice level to suit young palates.

Can I scale the recipe up?

Yes — the measurements in the recipe card can be multiplied to serve more people. Just keep the ratios of milk, juice, cocoa, sweetener, and spices roughly the same and adjust to taste.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a hot cocoa that’s just a little bit different — something that brings together the comfort of chocolate with the brightness of orange and the warmth of spice — this orange spice hot cocoa is a delightful choice. It’s easy to whip up, friendly to plant‑based diets, and perfect when you want to cozy up with a cup that feels a bit special. Give it a try, pick your favorite toppings, and enjoy the blend of flavors.