Hot Orange Juice

This classic Hot Orange Juice or Mulled Orange Juice is a festive and delicious spiced beverage that is super easy to make. Brimming with the benefits of hot orange juice, it’s a nourishing swap for high-calorie winter drinks.

It is a perfect and easy-to-make drink for the holiday season or any chilly evenings when you just want to hold the warmth in your hands while watching the fire.

Made using fresh orange juice, some spices, and sweetener, this drink comes together in just 10 minutes. Plus, it is a dairy-free alternative to your hot chocolate and a non-alcoholic version of mulled wine.

With a cozy twist, this warm citrus drink brings a sweet, tangy, and spicy blend that makes it an ideal drink for a cozy winter night.

About Hot Orange Juice

This flavorful hot orange juice is a citrus holiday drink that combines the freshness of orange juice infusion with a diligently chosen spice blend.

Mulled orange juice is not just a winter drink; it’s a burst of sunshine in a mug, making it an ideal holiday punch for any festive occasion.

It has the warmth of sweet-scenting fragrant spices, the sweetness and tartness from the orange, and added sweetener. Not only is it refreshing, but it also tastes so good on a cold evening.

Inspired by Glögg, gløgg, glögi aka Mulled Cranberry juice, this hot orange juice or mulled orange juice is a perfect warming and comforting drink for those days when you need an extra dose of vitamin C or when you just feel like drinking something sweet and spicy.

Residing in chilly winters has taught me to value a comforting, warm beverage, and this version prepared with orange juice is a nourishing and delightful option that is loved by many.

Due to its refreshing quality, orange juice, in general, makes a go-to choice for me throughout the year.

And why not? Orange juice has its own benefits. Here are some Benefits of Hot Orange Juice:

• Provides warmth and comfort during winter

• Is laden with vitamin C for immune support

• Soothes a sore throat and provides relief during a cold

So are you ready to devour the heartwarming goodness of our Hot Orange Juice recipe? Try it, and it is going to be your quintessential healthy winter warmer.

This Hot Orange Juice

• Is a delicious citrus drink

• Is an ideal hot drink for cozy nights

• Is festive and nourishing

• Has the warmth of spices

• Is packed with vitamin C

• Will elevate your holiday celebrations

• Gets done in 10 minutes

• Is easy to make

• Requires only a handful of ingredients.

Ingredients

• Orange Juice: To capture the vibrant color and naturally juicy flavors, it is best to go for freshly squeezed orange juice. The sweet and tangy essentials are the base for this cozy drink. You can also opt for store-bought 100% orange juice. Make sure it is sugar-free.

• Cinnamon Stick: Infusing a touch of warm and earthy fragrance, I’ve incorporated a cinnamon stick into the mix. Not only is it a crucial element in mulled beverages, but it also introduces a subtle spicy undertone that enhances the entire flavor profile.

• Black Peppercorns: They add a sharp, biting sensation with earthy undertones and a hint of citrus, increasing the richness of the hot orange juice.

• Star Anise: You will need a couple of star anise for a touch of floral notes and licorice-like sweetness.

• Cardamom Pods: Then, you will need green cardamom pods with sweet-scented, minty, and spicy flavors.

• Cloves: They are added for a warm pungency and comforting spiciness.

• Orange Peel: You will need the peel from 1 orange to brighten the zesty essence of the drink. It also adds a burst of citrus oils that complement the sweetness of the juice.

• Sweetener: I have added a bit of brown sugar, but adding any kind of sweetener is totally optional here. Feel free to tailor the sweetness to your liking. For a healthier take, you can also consider adding sugar alternatives such as maple syrup or honey.

Variations

Mulled Wine with Orange Juice

If you enjoy mulled wine, transform it into a festive blend by combining red wine with your hot orange juice. Mulled wine and orange juice blend beautifully.

Ginger Orange Juice

For a zesty kick, add some freshly grated ginger along with the whole spices and follow the same recipe. Simply strain the liquid before pouring it into mugs, and your hot citrus ginger drink is ready with invigorating flavors.

Citrus Cinnamon Drink

For an added cinnamony touch, add some powdered cinnamon to your mixed citrus juice. Follow the same procedure, and your festive citrus cinnamon drink is ready.

Vanilla Flavored Orange Juice 

Love a subtle and sweet undertone from vanilla? Then feel free to add some vanilla bean paste or a splash of pure vanilla extract. This version adds a layer of warmth to this drink.

Hot Berry Orange Juice

Love colorful fresh berries? Then add a handful of mixed berries like raspberries, blueberries, or cranberries to the mug along with almond flakes and dried cranberries. It gives an extra boost of fruity goodness, vibrant color, and flavor to this drink.

Herbal Hot Berry Orange Juice

You can also infuse the mulled orange juice with herbs, such as a sprig of fresh mint, fresh rosemary, or a few basil leaves. This herbal touch adds elegance and a distinct aroma.

Cranberry Orange Drink

Love a regular cranberry mulled drink? Then combine the classic duo of cranberry and orange for a festive and tangy blend. This variation adds a beautiful ruby hue to your drink, making it a perfect fusion drink for holiday gatherings.

To make this mixed drink, replace 2 cups of orange juice with 2 cups of cranberry juice. The rest of the recipe will be the same.

Chai Spiced Hot Orange Juice

Enjoy warming chai spices? Then why not add them to your hot orange drink? This version transforms your mulled orange juice into a spiced chai orange juice. For this variation, replace all the spices with chai spice mix. Here, you can use freshly pounded spices or spice powder.

Both work fine.

Storage Suggestions

After preparing your spiced orange juice, you can store it in an airtight pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To store, remove the spices and let it cool completely. 

Then, transfer it into an airtight jar or pitcher and store it. Whenever you want to drink it, simply reheat it on the stovetop or in a microwave-safe mug for 1 minute or until warm.

Serving Suggestions

To serve, pour it into festive mugs for an added touch of holiday spirit. Top it with almond flakes, dried cranberries, or any other dried fruits of your choice, and enjoy. For a festive brunch, you can pair it with snowball cookies, linzer cookies, thumbprint cookies, cream cheese cookies, cream cheese white chocolate truffles, gingerbread truffles, gingerbread biscotti, apple upside-down puff pastry, or lemon white chocolate cookies.

Professional tips & tricks to make the best Hot Orange Juice

1. Maple Syrup: Replace the brown sugar with pure maple syrup for natural sweetness. The maple syrup beautifully complements the refreshing orange flavors, providing a luxurious and indulgent contrast.

2. Microwave Method: To make this syrup in the microwave, simply add all the ingredients to a microwave-safe bowl and boil for about 4 minutes, stirring every 1 minute.

3. Toppings: I have topped the juice with traditional mulled drink toppings. You can be creative and add any of your favorite toppings to this drink. Other toppings that go well with this hot orange drink are chopped dates, coconut flakes, raisins, dried apricots, or toasted pecans.

4. Freezing: If you want to store this spiced orange juice for an extended period, you can individually wrap each portion in a ziplock bag and freeze for up to three months. Whenever you want to drink it, simply reheat it.

5. Orange Juice: This hot orange drink tastes best when you use freshly squeezed orange juice. 100% high-quality orange juice can also be used here.

6. Instant Pot Cooking: You can also cook this in an Instant Pot. Simply turn on the Instant Pot, use the sauté function to bring your ingredients to a gentle simmer, and make a delightful hot orange juice in a fraction of the time.

7. Crockpot Cooking: You can also prepare your hot orange juice in a crockpot. Simply combine all ingredients, set on low, and let the flavors meld for a few hours, and your drink is ready.

FAQ

Does Hot Orange Juice Help a Cold or Sore Throat?

Yes, hot orange juice can give soothing relief for a cold or sore throat. It is because the orange juice is rich in vitamin C and spices also help in sore throat and cold.

Can I make an alcoholic version of mulled orange juice?

Yes, you can make an alcoholic version of this drink by adding red wine, sparkling wine, white wine or other alcoholic drinks.

Is this recipe allergy-friendly?

In general, this recipe is considered allergy friendly as it does not contain any gluten, soy, nut, dairy, or egg.

Can You Drink Hot Orange Juice?

Absolutely, you can drink hot orange juice. It is a comforting and warming winter drink. It’s a wonderful alternative to cold orange juice, especially during colder months.

Can I make mulled orange juice with other citrus fruits?

Yes, you can make this drink with other citrus fruits. You can go for other varieties of citrus fruits like mandarin, clementine, grapefruits, lemons, or limes.

Can I make mulled orange juice in advance?

Yes, preparing the mulled orange juice in advance is possible. Simply make the hot drink, remove the spices, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When ready to serve, gently reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.

Are there any health benefits to drinking mulled orange juice?

Yes, it is a healthy drink as it is rich in vitamin C and has various antioxidants from the spices. It also provides warmth and comfort, when served on cold day.

Can I have this on my diet?

It is a healthy drink. It is vegan, vegetarian, nut-free, and egg-free. Simply skip adding sugar, if you are following a weight loss diet. 

Can I reuse the spices for another batch of mulled orange juice?

No, it’s not advised to use the spices again. To get the most flavors, use the fresh spices each time. 

What’s the best type of orange juice to use for this recipe?

Freshly squeezed orange juice for the best to get the most flavor. However, you can also use store-bought juice, just make sure it is high-quality 100% orange juice.

Is it necessary to include all the suggested spices, or can I customize the blend?

Feel free to customize the spice blend based on your preferences. If there’s a particular spice you love or want to exclude, the recipe is flexible enough for you to create your perfect blend.

Can I use dried spices instead of fresh for this recipe?

Yes, you can use dried spices if fresh ones are unavailable. However, consider using them in moderation, as dried spices can be more potent than fresh ones.

Hot Orange Juice [Recipe]

Savor a festive hot orange drink with warming spices and vitamin C. It's easy to make in just 10 minutes with a handful of ingredients.

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★★★★★
(Rating: 5 from 6 reviews)

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Prep time 🕐	Cook time 🕐	Total time 🕐
2 mins	8 mins	10 mins
Category ☶	Cuisine ♨	Serves ☺
Drinks	European	3
Nutrition Info ⊛		Serving size ⊚
98 calories		1

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INGREDIENTS

For Hot Orange Juice

• 4 cups of orange juice
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 star anise
• 2-3 cardamom pods
• 4-5 cloves
• 4-5 black cardamom pods
• Orange peel from 1 orange
• 2-3 tablespoons of any sugar or other sweetener (optional)

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INSTRUCTIONS:

For making Hot Orange Juice

1. Add store-bought sugar-free 100% orange juice or freshly squeezed orange juice to a pan. Also, add a cinnamon stick, 2 star anise, green cardamom pods, black peppercorns, cloves, and orange peel. Adding brown sugar is optional; sweetener can be added at this stage, but it's entirely optional. Then turn the heat to low and cover the pan. Allow the drink to simmer for 8-10 minutes. Once done, remove it from the heat.
2. Pour the mixture into a serving mug, and you can remove the spices. Top it with some almond flakes and dried cranberries. Your mulled orange juice or hot spiced orange juice is now ready to sip on a cold winter evening. It is a perfect holiday drink for kids and those who avoid alcohol.

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NOTES:

1. This hot orange drink tastes best when you use freshly squeezed orange juice. 100% high-quality orange juice can also be used here.
2. Let the leftover juice to cool down and store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it on the stovetop pan or the microwave.
3. I have topped the juice with traditional mulled drink toppings. You can be creative and add any of your favorite toppings to this drink. Other toppings that go well with this hot orange drink are chopped dates, coconut flakes, raisins, dried apricots, or toasted pecans.
4. Replace the brown sugar with pure maple syrup for natural sweetness. The maple syrup beautifully complements the refreshing orange flavors, providing a luxurious and indulgent contrast.

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Author: Anupama
Recipe Source Link: https://www.mygingergarlickitchen.com/hot-orange-juice/