This hot orange drink is perfect for those days with a need for some extra vitamin C, or you just feel like drinking something sweet and spicy. It's spicy from the chili, sweet from the orange and just so fresh and perfectly tart with the lime. And all this is put together in less than 5 minutes!
If you want more variety during the winter, I can also highly recommend this calendula tea and grapefruit cider, classic apple cider, hot whiskey toddy and/or (preferably and) hibiscus tea!
Hot orange drink is something I drink whenever I have an open carton of orange juice and don't want it to go to waste, or if I have a ton of fresh oranges. If I want something spicy to drink, if I'm sick of drinking a million cups of tea every day but I still want something hot (and I'm no coffee drinker). So yeah, I get my fair share of this hot orange drink from time to time. Especially during these cold Winter months!
Orange is filled with Vitamin C, which is exactly what we need now. And I'm not saying this is a health drink, as it does contain sugar. But it's so much better than many other sugary drinks. I do drink this without any guilt. You can omit the brown sugar as there already is sugar in the orange, but then I think the drink is a little too much on the tart side. If you reduce the lime that may work for you.
You can of course change the spice level as to your own preference. I like things spicy so I leave in the seeds. It also depends a little on the chili you used. A cayenne chili is much spicier than say a serrano or a jalapeño. However, if you've got a really bad sore throat, I would recommend changing the chili with ginger. Use 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger instead, and you will still get that spicy kick!
How to make this Hot Orange Drink
Mince your chili of choice (or ginger). Zest the orange. Add all the ingredients to a small saucepan. Heat on medium heat until sugar has dissolved, while stirring. Strain into your favorite cup, serve warm. It's so easy I almost can't call it a recipe!
Other Drinks To Enjoy
- Sore Throat Tea with Honey and Ginger
- Warming Rich and Decadent Hot Chocolate
- Scandinavian Mulled Wine
- Classic Whiskey Sour
- Cucumber Pomegranate Vodka Lemonade
- Ginger Lemon Iced Tea
I’d love to hear your thoughts. Comment below or tag me @thegingerwithspice on Instagram. And don’t forget to Pin it for later!
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Sweet and Spicy Hot Orange Drink
This hot orange drink is perfect for those days with a need for some extra vitamin C, or you just feel like drinking something sweet and spicy.
Ingredients
- 1 cup orange juice, 250ml
- ½ lime, juice only
- zest from half an orange
- 1 teaspoon chili, minced. serrano for mild, cayenne for hot*
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar (I tend to heap it)
Instructions
- Mince your chili of choice (or ginger, see notes). Zest the orange. Add all the ingredients to a small saucepan. Heat on medium heat until sugar has dissolved, while stirring.
- Strain into your favorite cup, and serve warm.
Notes
* If you've got a really bad sore throat, I would recommend changing the chili with ginger. Use 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger instead, and you will still get that spicy kick!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1 gramsAmount Per Serving: Calories: 137Total Fat: 0.8gSaturated Fat: 0.2gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 31mgCarbohydrates: 31.7gFiber: 1gSugar: 24.1gProtein: 2.1g
Pete
Sunday 19th of April 2020
Currently undergoing chemotherapy and can't drink cold liquids, theres only so much tea and coffee I can drink! This gives a refreshing change for my palate.
Stine Mari | Ginger with Spice
Monday 20th of April 2020
I'm so glad you found this recipe then. I wish you all the best and good luck with your chemotherapy!
Stephanie
Monday 4th of March 2019
This is such a great remedy to have on hand for when you're feeling under the weather! Love how simple it is to make, too!
Stine Mari | Ginger with Spice
Tuesday 5th of March 2019
Thank you so much, Stephanie!
Jori
Friday 1st of March 2019
Thanks for this tea alternative during cold season! As much as I love tea, it’s always nice to try something a little different. I also appreciate all the vitamins this packs!
Stine Mari | Ginger with Spice
Friday 1st of March 2019
Yes me too, I love tea! Thanks, Jori
Lathiya
Wednesday 27th of February 2019
I got this recipe at the right time dear...my husband have a very bad sore throat now. Will try this recipe with ginger as you suggested. Thank you for the recipe
Stine Mari | Ginger with Spice
Thursday 28th of February 2019
Let's hope he'll feel better soon and that you won't catch it too! Glad to be of service
Geetanjali Tung
Tuesday 26th of February 2019
Wow! I am totally in love with this. Its raining here in Calcutta. I am searching something like this. Thank you so much for the recipe.
Stine Mari | Ginger with Spice
Tuesday 26th of February 2019
That's great! Not that it's raining, but that you found what you were looking for. Hope you'll like it!