Drinks

White Chocolate Orange Almond Hot Chocolate with Cinnamon Recipe

ByLila Prescott December 21, 2025December 21, 2025

Introduction

Warm up your winter with a luxurious cup of white chocolate orange almond hot cocoa. This unique blend combines creamy white chocolate, zesty orange, and rich almond flavors, all gently spiced with cinnamon. It’s a comforting drink perfect for chilly days and special cozy moments.

A clear glass filled almost to the top with a creamy white drink, layered with thick, fluffy white foam that spills slightly over the rim. On top of the foam sits a small pile of whipped cream sprinkled with tiny dark specks and orange zest, adding texture and color. A bright, thin wedge of orange rests on the foam's right side, showing the juicy, light orange fruit inside. Next to the glass, leaning against it, is a thin, light brown wooden stir stick. The whole scene is set on a soft white cloth with a white marbled texture in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

120g white chocolate
1 vanilla bean

60g heavy cream
30g orange juice

30g almond paste
Pinch of cinnamon (about 0.4g)

Zest of 1 large orange
300g milk of choice (e.g., oat milk)
30g whipped cream (optional)

Orange wedge for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Melt the white chocolate and almond paste together over a Bain Marie until smooth. Set aside.
Step 2: In a small pot, combine the heavy cream, orange zest, scraped vanilla bean seeds, and cinnamon. Heat until just simmering, then remove from heat and let infuse for 10–15 minutes.

Step 3: Strain the infused cream into the melted chocolate mixture. Using a hand blender, emulsify the mixture while slowly adding the orange juice until you have a smooth, shiny ganache.
Step 4: Refrigerate the ganache for at least a couple of hours or overnight to let the flavors deepen and the texture set.
Step 5: To serve, heat 300g of milk to about 85°C. Stir in about 50g of the ganache (adjust sweetness to taste) and blend until smooth and slightly frothy.

Step 6: Pour into a cup and garnish with whipped cream, a dusting of cinnamon and orange zest, and an orange wedge. Enjoy your gourmet hot cocoa!

Tips & Variations

Use a microplane zester for the orange to get fine zest without the bitterness of the peel.
For a dairy-free version, use coconut or almond milk in place of regular milk and substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream.

If you prefer a stronger orange flavor, add a little more orange juice or extra zest during infusion.
The ganache can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the fridge for quick preparation.

Storage

Store the prepared ganache in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat gently with milk when ready to serve. The ganache may thicken in the fridge, but blending it with warm milk will restore its smooth texture.

How to Serve

A clear glass filled with a creamy white drink that has a frothy foam layer on top, sprinkled with small brown specks and yellow zest. Two thin orange slices are placed partially inside the foam at the edge of the glass, adding a pop of bright color. A wooden spoon leans against the glass, which sits on a white cloth over a white marbled textured surface. The overall look is simple and fresh, with soft, natural lighting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular chocolate instead of white chocolate?

Yes, you can substitute white chocolate with milk or dark chocolate, but this will change the flavor profile. Adjust the sweetness accordingly, as darker chocolates are less sweet.

Is almond paste necessary?

Almond paste adds a creamy texture and nutty flavor, but you can omit it if unavailable. To maintain creaminess, consider adding a small amount of almond milk or another nut butter.