Orange Spiced Mexican Hot Chocolate

10m
Prep Time
15m
Cook Time
25m
Ready In


"I made this up one cold night when I felt like having something different from my usual Mexican hot chocolate. The orange peel adds a subtle flavor and fragrance. For the orange peel, use a vegetable peeler to extract the orange part of the rind only, being careful not to take away any of the white pith, or it will make the chocolate bitter. The orange liqueur is optional, but it really warms up the soul on a winter night! "

Original is 5 servings

Nutritional

  • Serving Size: 1 (686.5 g)
  • Calories 410
  • Total Fat - 11.8 g
  • Saturated Fat - 6.3 g
  • Cholesterol - 36.3 mg
  • Sodium - 708.4 mg
  • Total Carbohydrate - 45.8 g
  • Dietary Fiber - 1.1 g
  • Sugars - 31 g
  • Protein - 30.9 g
  • Calcium - 1133.4 mg
  • Iron - 1.5 mg
  • Vitamin C - 7.1 mg
  • Thiamin - 0.3 mg

Step by Step Method

Step 1

Bring water and cinnamon stick to a boil in a large pot.

Step 2

Add the milk and orange peel. Bring to a boil over medium heat.

Step 3

Add both kinds of chocolate and, with a wire whisk, beat until chocolate is completely dissolved.

Step 4

Serve in mugs, adding orange liqueur to each serving, and top with whipped cream to taste.

Tips


No special items needed.

Editorial Notes

The ingredient tips, suggestions, variations, facts, questions and answers below are not edits to the original author's recipe. They are not meant to imply any change would improve the recipe. They're offered for convenience, alternative ideas, and points of interest. If you have any comments about them, please post in the Help & Ideas forum.


  • When selecting the orange for this recipe, make sure it is ripe and juicy for the best flavor.
  • If desired, you can substitute the orange liqueur with a different type of liqueur or an orange-flavored syrup.

  • Substitute almond milk for the low fat or whole milk for a vegan-friendly option. The benefit of this substitution is that it provides a dairy-free alternative for those who prefer to avoid or cannot consume dairy products.
  • Substitute hazelnut liqueur for the orange liqueur for a nutty flavor. The benefit of this substitution is that it provides a unique flavor profile that pairs well with the chocolate.

Cinnamon Vanilla Hot Chocolate Replace the orange peel with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Replace the Mexican chocolate with 6 ounces of dark chocolate. Omit the orange liqueur and garnish with cinnamon and whipped cream.


Mint Hot Chocolate Replace the orange peel with 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract. Replace the Mexican chocolate with 6 ounces of dark chocolate. Omit the orange liqueur and garnish with crushed candy canes and whipped cream.


RECOMMENDED DISH: Mexican Fried Plantains - Fried plantains are a delicious and sweet accompaniment to the spicy Mexican Hot Chocolate. They are a great way to balance out the flavors and add a bit of crunch to the meal. Plus, they're easy to make and a great way to get a bit of extra sweetness without adding too much sugar.


RECOMMENDED DISH: Refried Beans - Refried beans are a classic Mexican side dish that pairs well with Mexican Hot Chocolate. They are a great source of protein and fiber and can be easily made with canned beans. They are also a great way to add a bit of texture and flavor to the meal, and help to balance out the sweetness of the plantains.




FAQ

Q: How do I extract the orange peel?

A: Use a vegetable peeler to extract the orange part of the rind only, being careful not to take away any of the white pith, or it will make the chocolate bitter.



Q: How do I store orange peel?

A: Store orange peel in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat. If stored properly, orange peel can last up to six months.

1 Reviews

KATO BABY

5 stars all day Teresa. Wow, was this good. We both loved this tasty hot treat. We loved the flavor created from the Mexican chocolate, cinnamon and orange rind combined. I did go with the orange liqueur in my mug, my hubby did not. We both enjoyed our versions very much. It was the perfect drink, for this cold, crisp day. Thanks for sharing my friend.

0.0

review by:
(15 Nov 2020)

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Fun facts:

Fun Fact 1: Mexican hot chocolate has been around for centuries and is believed to have been first created by the Aztecs. It was a favorite of the Aztec ruler, Montezuma, who was said to have consumed large quantities of it.

Fun Fact 2: In the 19th century, Mexican hot chocolate was made famous by the Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes, who wrote about it in his novel Don Quixote. The novel became a best-seller and the recipe for Mexican hot chocolate spread throughout Europe.