Golden Milk (Turmeric Latte)

Start and end your day with this traditional Golden Milk recipe! This rich, creamy drink is made from comforting spices like turmeric, cinnamon, ginger honey plus black pepper. Drink it plain or add a shot of espresso for a flavorful turmeric Golden Milk Latte.

Golden milk is a traditional Ayurvedic recipe that has been used for centuries to support good health. The spices in it are thought to support the immune and digestive system, while creamy milk helps to keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Also called a turmeric latte or turmeric tea, this drink is flavored with comforting spices like turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, honey, and black pepper that come together to taste like a warm mug of comfort. 

The golden hue of the drink comes from turmeric, which also offers powerful anti-inflammatory properties. 

There are many different ways to enjoy this warm drink. You can drink it straight, like tea, or add it to your morning coffee for a boost of antioxidants and health benefits. You can also make a golden milk latte by foaming the top with an espresso machine or milk frother. This will add some thickness and creaminess to the drink along with a little caffeine buzz.

Regardless of how you choose to drink golden milk, it is sure to warm your body and soul.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Enjoy it in the morning to wake up or in the evening to calm down. 
• Naturally sweeten the drink with honey or maple syrup.
• Turmeric is known to be a powerful anti inflammatory ingredient that helps support your immune system while ginger aids in digestion. 
• You can customize the type of milk you use or the number of spices to suit your tastes.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat when you need a warm drink.

Ingredients You Need

• Milk – You can use any type of milk you like for this recipe, from cow’s milk to unsweetened almond milk, cashew milk, oat milk or full fat coconut milk. I typically use homemade almond milk.
• Turmeric – Fresh turmeric root or ground turmeric works. There are many benefits of turmeric as it’s known to reduce inflammation.
• Cinnamon – Adds a warm flavor and helps to support digestion.
• Ginger – Aids in digestion and has a soothing effect on the stomach. Fresh ginger or dried ground ginger is fine.
• Honey – Raw honey adds a subtle sweetness. You can substitute with maple syrup to make a vegan golden milk.
• Black pepper – Freshly ground black pepper helps the body absorb the turmeric better. You only need a pinch of black pepper for this recipe.
• Ground Cinnamon – Used as a garnish to top the drink, cinnamon adds additional warming flavor and sweetness to those first few sips.
• Warming Spices – Ground clove, cardamom and nutmeg add additional warming spice. These are optional but add delicious flavor.

Kitchen Tools Needed

All you need to cook this turmeric milk recipe is a high quality saucepan, whisk and fine mesh strainer.

Create a foamy top with a milk frother. Here is the inexpensive one we use.

How to Make a Turmeric Latte (Golden Milk)

1. Combine the turmeric latte ingredients: Whisk milk, cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, honey, black pepper, and any additional spices desired in a small saucepan. 
2. Boil, then simmer: Bring the mixture to a low boil, then reduce heat and simmer until incorporated for about 5 minutes. 
3. Adjust seasonings: Remove from heat and taste, adjusting flavors and sweetener as desired.
4. Strain and garnish: Strain the hot liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into mugs and top with a dash of cinnamon.
5. Froth until foamy: Use a milk frother and froth up the liquid until you reach your desired froth level.

Expert Tips

1. Be careful when handling turmeric, it can stain yellow.
2. Add more honey or maple syrup. If you don’t like the spicy taste of turmeric or ginger, try adding extra honey to this turmeric latte. This will help balance some of that flavor better and make the beverage more sweet than savory.
3. Double the recipe to make two servings.
4. Be sure not to boil your turmeric for too long or it will lose many of its health benefits and turn bitter in flavor. If you do accidentally over-boil turmeric, add a few teaspoons of lemon juice to help bring out some of the flavor.

Variations

• Serve it hot or cold! Freeze it into popsicles for days when you want something sweet but healthy. Enjoy it with breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, or in between. 
• To make it vegan, use maple syrup in place of honey.
• To make a golden milk latte, add a shot of espresso.
• Add coconut oil for more delicious flavor and nutrients.
• Alternate milks for different flavors. For a different flavor profile, switch out dairy milk for a dairy-free milk like homemade almond milk or coconut milk.
• Top with chocolate shavings to make it into a dessert drink.
• Create golden milk ice cubes so you can enjoy the benefits even when it’s cold out! Simply freeze any leftovers into ice cubes and add them to drinks, smoothies, or oatmeal throughout the week.

FAQs

Other Warm Drink Recipes

• Mocha Latte (Starbucks Copycat)
• Eggnog
• Homemade Hot Chocolate

Did you try this Golden Milk recipe or a golden latte? Leave a recipe rating and review below.

This post was originally published in 2019. It was updated and republished with new tips in January 2022.