Citrus Spruce Hot Chocolate

A mug of forested warmth — dark chocolate kissed with citrus and a whisper of spruce, like winter sun filtering through pine needles. Each sip feels like wandering through snow-dusted woods, hands wrapped around comfort, heart aglow with quiet joy

Pure indulgence, with a taste of the winter wild….

Take a moment to really taste, savour and reflect, this is a moment for you…

A forest in a chocolate hug, pure perfection..

hot chocolate, winter drinks, cozy drinks, latte, chocolate orange, spruce tips, spruce, winter drinks, hot drinks

Yield: 2

Author: Suze Morrison

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Citrus Spruce Hot Chocolate

Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 7 MinTotal time: 17 Min

A mug of forested warmth — dark chocolate kissed with citrus and a whisper of spruce, like winter sun filtering through pine needles. Each sip feels like wandering through snow-dusted woods, hands wrapped around comfort, heart aglow with quiet joy

Ingredients

• 2 cups (480ml) whole milk (or oat milk for a dairy-free version)
• 50g dark chocolate (70% cocoa), finely chopped
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder
• 2 tsp honey or maple syrup (to taste)
• Zest of ½ an orange
• ½ tsp finely chopped fresh spruce tips (or a small sprig of rosemary as an alternative)
• Pinch of sea salt
• Optional: 1 tbsp orange liqueur or ½ tsp spruce extract for depth

Instructions

1. Infuse the milk:
2. Add the milk, orange zest, spruce tips (or rosemary), and salt to a small saucepan. Warm gently over medium-low heat for 5–7 minutes, allowing the aromas to bloom. Do not boil.
3. Melt the chocolate:
4. Strain the milk into a clean pan to remove the zest and spruce. Whisk in the chopped dark chocolate, cocoa powder, and honey. Stir until smooth, glossy, and deeply aromatic.
5. Add the citrus warmth:
6. Stir in the orange liqueur or spruce extract if using, and whisk until lightly frothy. Taste and adjust sweetness to your liking.
7. Serve:
8. Pour into stoneware mugs, and garnish with a fine dusting of cocoa powder, a twist of orange peel, and a tiny sprig of spruce or rosemary.

https://gourmetglow.co.uk/recipes/citrus-spruce-hot-chocolate

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