This Spiced Dark Chocolate Orange Coffee is the mocha of your winter citrus dreams, thanks to a rich swirl of chocolate ganache and orange-infused milk with a hint of spice. The ganache flavor combo is something I first explored while recipe testing recipes in pastry school—and it’s been a cold-weather favorite ever since. Each sip is a cozy, citrusy twist on your classic coffee, made right in your own kitchen!
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Since it's citrus season, I thought I would create a delightful twist on a beloved classic: the Spiced Orange Mocha. Imagine the rich, deep flavor of espresso combined with the zesty brightness of oranges and the warmth of spices, all brought together in one cup. This isn’t just your average cup of joe; it's a blending of flavors that will to elevate your morning routine or add a spiced orange kick to your afternoon break!
The infusion of orange milk brings a fresh, citrusy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the boldness of freshly brewed espresso. Meanwhile, the spicy chocolate ganache adds a layer of spiced chocolate warmth, and the dehydrated orange garnish adds an elegant touch and intensifies the mocha, making each sip an orange dream!
Looking for more coffee creations to try at home? Give these spicy hot chocolate, classic cortado or honey latte recipes a try! And while you're at it - add a few mini marshmallows on top!
⭐ Why You'll Love This Spiced Orange Mocha
- Unique Flavor Profile: A delightful mix-up from your go-to coffee routine.
- Home Barista Experience: Skip the cafe and whip up your own elegant coffee creation at home!
- Perfect for Special Occasions: This would be a delicious addition to your next winter brunch menu!
- Citrus Delight: A great way to celebrate the winter citrus season with a morning dose of caffeine to boot!
🍴Ingredients
Here's everything you need to gather to craft this cozy beverage:
- Whole Milk: The richness of whole milk adds a lovely creaminess to your mocha.
- Orange Peel/Zest: This will infuse a delightful citrus aroma and subtle orange flavor into the milk.
- For the Spiced Chocolate Ganache:
- Cayenne Pepper: A pinch (or more, depending on your preference for heat). This adds a delightful kick that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the chocolate.
- Dark Chocolate: Choose a good quality chocolate for a rich and decadent ganache.
- Heavy Cream: This will create a silky, luxurious ganache that blends perfectly with the espresso and infused milk.
- Espresso: If you don’t have an espresso machine, strong brewed coffee can also work well!
- Dehydrated Orange Slice: For a visually stunning and flavorful garnish that complements the drink’s citrus notes.
📖 How to make a Spiced Orange Mocha
Here's how you can create this aromatic and zesty drink at home, with the warmth of orange, a kick of spice, and the richness of chocolate and espresso!
Step 1: Infuse Milk - Add the orange peel or zest to the milk. Gently heat the milk on medium-low heat. You want to warm it enough to infuse the orange flavor, but be careful not to boil it.
Step 2: Make Spiced Ganache - Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and spices. Let it sit for a minute to soften the chocolate, then whisk it until smooth.
Step 3: Brew Espresso - Brew a shot (about 1 oz) of espresso. If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can use strong brewed coffee as an alternative.
Step 4: Steam Infused Milk - Add espresso and ganache into your mug and whisk to combine. Then add steamed orange milk on top.
Step 5: Garnish - Add a dehydrated orange slice on top for garnish if desired and enjoy!
👩🏻🍳 Expert Tips
- Orange Zest: Use a vegetable peeler or zester to get large strips of orange peel, which are easier to remove after infusing.
- Chocolate Quality: Use high-quality dark chocolate for the ganache for the best flavor.
- Spice to Taste: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the ganache based on your heat preference.
- Dehydrated Orange Slices: Make these in advance by thinly slicing oranges and baking them at a low temperature until dry.
💭 Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! Substitute the milk with almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free cream in the ganache
Keep the ganache in an airtight container in the fridge. It should last for up to a week and can be gently reheated.
I created a post dedicated to the entire process of dehydrating oranges!
Yes, you can use a few drops of orange extract for convenience, but fresh orange zest provides a more natural and vibrant flavor!
More orange recipes to try!
If you try the recipe for this Spiced Orange Mocha, please leave a 🌟 review and share your creation with me on social media! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube and Pinterest - for more delicious recipes sent straight to your inbox, sign up for my newsletter! 📧
Dark Chocolate Spiced Orange Coffee
Equipment
- Y-Peeler
- Serving Cup/Mug
Ingredients
Orange Infused Milk
- 1 Cup Milk
- ½ Zested Orange
Spiced Dark Chocolate Ganache
- ⅔ cup Heavy Cream
- ½ Zested Orange
- ⅔ cup Dark Chocolate
- ¼ teaspoon Spiced Chipotle Powder
Spiced Orange Mocha
- 2 shots Espresso
- 2 Tablespoons Spiced Dark Chocolate Ganache
- ⅔ cup Orange Infused Milk
- 1 Dehydrated Orange Slice, for garnish
Instructions
Orange Infused Milk
- Warm your milk to a light simmer. Add the orange zest and allow to infuse for 30 minutes. Remove the orange zest/peels, then chill the infused milk in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.1 Cup Milk, ½ Zested Orange
Spiced Dark Chocolate Ganache
- Add the cream & orange zest to a saucepan and bring to a simmer, not fully boiling. Meanwhile, combine the chocolate and chipotle powder in a bowl.⅔ cup Heavy Cream, ½ Zested Orange, ⅔ cup Dark Chocolate, ¼ teaspoon Spiced Chipotle Powder
- Pour the orange cream over the dark chocolate and chipotle powder. Stir to combine as the warm cream starts to melt the chocolate until smooth.
Spiced Orange Mocha
- Add espresso and ganache into your mug and whisk until smooth.2 shots Espresso, 2 Tablespoons Spiced Dark Chocolate Ganache
- Pour your hot, steamed infused milk on top. Feel free to use a milk frother with the hot milk if you don't have an espresso machine.⅔ cup Orange Infused Milk
- Garnish with a dehydrated orange slice if desired and enjoy!1 Dehydrated Orange Slice
Abe
When you make the ganache do you strain the zest out before adding it to the chocolate/chipotle mixture? Or do you just leave the zest in?
TY!
Emily Laurae
I prefer to leave mine in, but you can certainly strain out the zest if you would like!
Mareah Van Zante
I love how the ingredients are right below each step! I’ve never seen a recipe that way and it was incredibly healthful!!
Emily Laurae
That makes me so happy to hear you've found that helpful!!