- 1 cup half-and-half
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup strained fresh orange juice plus two 3-inch strips of orange zest removed with a vegetable peeler
- 6 ounces fine-quality bittersweet chocolate, chopped fine, plus, if desired, grated chocolate for garnish
- 1/3 cup Grand Marnier, or to taste
- whipped heavy cream for garnish if desired
- In a large saucepan, stir together the half-and-half, the milk, the orange juice, the zest, and a pinch of salt and bring the mixture just to a boil over moderate heat. In a small heatproof bowl, whisk together the chopped chocolate and about 2/3 cup of the hot milk mixture until the mixture is smooth and whisk the chocolate mixture into the remaining milk mixture. Simmer the hot chocolate, whisking, for 2 minutes, discard the zest, and stir in the Grand Marnier. (For frothy hot chocolate, in a blender blend the hot chocolate in batches.) Divide the hot chocolate among heated mugs and garnish each drink with some of the whipped cream and grated chocolate