Drinks

White Chocolate Orange Almond Cocoa Recipe

ByHarper Ellington November 19, 2025November 19, 2025

Introduction

Dive into a luxurious cup of White Chocolate Orange Almond Cocoa, a creamy and indulgent drink perfect for chilly evenings. Enhanced with almond paste and bright citrus notes, this cozy beverage offers a rich white chocolate ganache that melts beautifully into warm milk. It’s a delightful winter treat sure to impress.

A white cup filled with a creamy, frothy white drink that has a smooth texture; the top layer is thick foam sprinkled with small black specks and garnished with thin yellow zest shreds along with small white pieces, possibly white chocolate, on one side; a small wooden stick is placed inside the cup on the right side; the cup sits on a white marbled surface underneath a soft white cloth that has subtle folds and creases. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

120g (about 4¼ oz) white chocolate
30g (about 1 oz) almond paste
60g (¼ cup) heavy cream
30g (2 tablespoons) orange juice
Zest of 1 large orange
1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
Pinch of cinnamon (about 0.4g)
300g oat milk or milk of choice (about 1¼ cups)
50g orange ganache (about 3 tablespoons, or more to taste)
Optional: 2 tablespoons whipped cream
Dusting of cinnamon and fresh orange zest
Orange wedge, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Gently melt the white chocolate and almond paste together over a double boiler. Set aside once fully melted.
Step 2: In a small pot, combine the heavy cream, orange zest, cinnamon, and scraped vanilla bean. Bring to a simmer, then remove from heat and let steep for 10–15 minutes to infuse the flavors.
Step 3: Pour the infused cream into the melted chocolate mixture. Blend with a hand blender until smooth and consistent, slowly adding the orange juice.
Step 4: Chill the ganache in the refrigerator for at least two hours before serving.
Step 5: When ready to serve, heat the milk to about 85°C (185°F).
Step 6: Blend 50g (3 tablespoons) of the chilled ganache with the hot milk until smooth and creamy.
Step 7: Pour the cocoa into mugs, top with optional whipped cream, a dusting of cinnamon and orange zest, and garnish with an orange wedge.

Tips & Variations

Avoid overheating the white chocolate to prevent burning and grainy texture.
Adjust sweetness by adding more or less ganache according to taste.
For an adult version, add a splash of your favorite orange liqueur just before serving.
Use almond milk instead of oat milk for a nuttier flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover ganache in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with milk over low heat or in a microwave in short bursts, stirring often, to prevent scorching. Prepare and serve fresh milk separately for the best texture.

How to Serve

A clear glass filled with a creamy white frothy drink topped with thinly sliced almonds, small dark seeds, and light yellow zest scattered across the surface; two small orange slices are placed on the edge of the glass, adding a bright, fresh color contrast; a light brown wooden stick rests inside the glass on the left side; the glass sits on a soft white cloth against a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of oat milk?

Yes, you can substitute oat milk with any milk of your choice such as cow’s milk, almond milk, or soy milk without affecting the recipe’s flavor too much.