📖 Instructions

1. **Prepare Your Oranges:** First things first, grab your oranges. You'll need the zest and some fresh juice. Using a microplane or a fine grater, carefully zest one whole orange, making sure to avoid the bitter white pith underneath the peel. Once zested, slice the orange in half and squeeze out about 2 tablespoons of fresh juice. Set both the zest and juice aside.
2. **Melt the Chocolate:** In a medium saucepan, on low heat, combine your chopped dark chocolate and cocoa powder. Add about 1/4 cup of the milk from your total quantity. Stir continuously with a whisk or silicone spatula. The goal here is to gently melt the chocolate and cocoa into a smooth, thick paste without burning. Keep the heat low and be patient; this ensures a smooth base for your hot chocolate. Don't rush it, okay? A smooth start means a smooth finish!
3. **Infuse with Orange Zest:** Once the chocolate and cocoa have formed a smooth paste, add the orange zest you prepared earlier to the saucepan. Stir it in thoroughly. Allow it to cook with the chocolate mixture for about 30-60 seconds, letting the heat release all those wonderful essential oils from the zest. You'll start to smell the beautiful orange aroma mingling with the chocolate – that's when you know it's working!
4. **Whisk in Remaining Milk:** Gradually pour in the remaining milk (whole milk is usually best for creaminess, but use what you love!). Keep whisking constantly to incorporate the chocolate paste smoothly into the milk. Make sure there are no lumps. Continue to heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's steamy and hot, but *not* boiling. Boiling can scorch the milk and ruin the delicate flavor, and we definitely don't want that.
5. **Add Sweetener and Orange Juice:** Once the hot chocolate is steaming, remove it from the heat. Stir in the granulated sugar (or your preferred sweetener) until it's fully dissolved. Now, for that 'citrus lift' magic! Add the fresh orange juice you squeezed earlier. Whisk it in well. Taste it here; if you like it sweeter or more tangy, adjust the sugar or add another splash of orange juice. Remember, it's your drink!
6. **Optional: Thicken if Desired (Cornstarch Slurry):** If you prefer a thicker, more 'European-style' hot chocolate, here’s a little trick. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold milk (taken from your total quantity, or just a little extra). Once smooth, pour this slurry into your hot chocolate while whisking continuously. Return the saucepan to low heat and cook for another 1-2 minutes, whisking, until the hot chocolate noticeably thickens. It’ll become wonderfully velvety!
7. **Serve and Garnish:** Ladle your glorious orange hot chocolate into mugs. For an extra special touch, top with a dollop of whipped cream, a few mini marshmallows, or a small curl of fresh orange zest. You can even grate a tiny bit more dark chocolate on top for a truly decadent finish. Serve immediately and enjoy every single sip of this comforting, zesty treat! It's a proper hug in a mug, if you ask me.