Golden Milk, also known as Turmeric Latte, or Golden Latte, is a comforting beverage rooted in Ayurvedic traditions, and comes from South Asia. It’s known as Haldi Doodh. Packed with health benefits and vibrant flavors, it’s a delightful way to indulge while nourishing your body. This comforting drink combines the anti-inflammatory benefits of turmeric with the warm spices of cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom. This recipe uses simple ingredients you likely already have, and it’s flexible enough to fit any dietary preference. You can make it vegan by using a non dairy milk, and some sugar or maple syrup.
If you want to try more warm and comforting drinks, try my Yemeni Adeni Chai recipe, Middle Eastern Sahlab Drink, or try my White Hot Chocolate Recipe.
Why Drink Golden Milk Latte?
Golden Milk is more than just a beautiful, sunny drink. Its star ingredient, turmeric, is renowned for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Paired with other warming spices like ginger and cinnamon, and cardamom, this latte is a powerhouse of health benefits. It’s perfect for starting your morning with energy or winding down after a long day.
Ingredients for the Perfect Turmeric Latte:
This recipe makes two (12 ounce) servings of creamy, delicious Golden Milk:
- Milk: Whole milk is ideal for full creaminess, but almond, coconut, or oat milk also work wonderfully.
- Honey: Adjust to taste; maple syrup is a great vegan option.
- Black pepper: Enhances the absorption of turmeric’s curcumin. If you want maximum benefits from the turmeric, do not skip the black pepper.
- Turmeric powder: You can use freshly grated, but turmeric powder is a lot easier and more simple to use.
- Ground cardamom: For a hint of spice and warmth. Cardamom and turmeric pair really well together.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth.
- Ground ginger: A touch of spicy heat.
How to Make Golden Milk Latte:
1. Heat the Milk
In a small saucepan, gently warm 2 cups of milk over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent the milk from sticking to the bottom or forming a skin. If you’re using plant-based milk, avoid boiling to maintain its creamy consistency.
2. Add the Spices
Once the milk is warm (but not boiling), whisk in:
- Turmeric powder
- Cardamom
- Cinnamon
- Ginger
- Black pepper
Stir the mixture well to dissolve the spices evenly. A whisk or a milk frother works best to ensure a smooth and creamy blend.
3. Sweeten to Taste
Add a few tablespoons of honey (or your preferred sweetener). Stir until fully dissolved. Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness to your liking.
Tip: For a sugar-free option, use stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
4. Simmer for Enhanced Flavor
Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes. This allows the spices to infuse the milk, creating a deeper, richer flavor. This also gives the milk it’s iconic yellow color. Stir occasionally to ensure the spices don’t settle at the bottom.
5. Strain and Serve
Use a fine mesh strainer to strain and pour the Golden Milk into your favorite mugs. Straining removes any undissolved spice particles, giving you a smooth and delectable drink.
6. Add the Final Touch
Top your latte with a sprinkle of cinnamon or turmeric for extra flair. If you’re feeling indulgent, add a dollop of whipped cream or a splash of vanilla extract for a sweet twist. I opted in for some dried and edible rose petals to make it look instagram worthy.
When to Enjoy Golden Milk
Golden Milk Latte is versatile and can be enjoyed:
- In the morning: Kickstart your day with a burst of energy and focus.
- As an afternoon pick-me-up: Replace your usual coffee with this caffeine-free alternative.
- Before bedtime: Its warm spices and soothing nature make it a perfect nighttime ritual.
- All the time, any time! I give it to my kids too. They think its an adult luxury they’re allowed to drink.
Health Benefits of Golden Milk
- Turmeric: The curcumin in turmeric is a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It supports joint health, boosts immunity, and promotes glowing skin.
- Black Pepper: Enhances the absorption of curcumin, making turmeric more bioavailable.
- Ginger: Known for its digestive benefits and ability to ease nausea.
- Cinnamon: Helps regulate blood sugar levels and adds a cozy flavor.
- Cardamom: Aids in digestion and adds a sweet, floral aroma.
- Honey: A natural sweetener with antibacterial properties.
Customizing Your Turmeric Latte
This recipe is flexible and can be tailored to suit your preferences. Here are some ideas:
- Make it vegan: Use almond, oat, or coconut milk and sweeten with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Boost the nutrition: Add a teaspoon of coconut oil or ghee for healthy fats, which also enhance curcumin absorption.
- Add extra spice: Try a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for a hint of different flavor.
- Cool it down: Blend the ingredients with ice for a refreshing iced Golden Milk latte.
Tips for the Best Golden Milk
- Use good-quality turmeric: Look for organic turmeric powder to ensure maximum flavor and health benefits. Make sure whatever you’re using is just pure turmeric and has nothing else added to it.
- Fresh spices: Opt for freshly ground spices. They provide much better flavor compared to pre-ground versions. These sit on shelves for a long time and lose potency.
- Strain for smoothness: If you prefer a silky texture, don’t skip the straining step.
- Experiment: Adjust the spice and sweetness levels to suit your taste.
Golden Milk and Self-Care
Beyond its health benefits, making Golden Milk can become a soothing ritual in your daily routine. The act of preparing it—a meditative process of whisking, simmering, and savoring—promotes mindfulness and relaxation. It’s a drink that nurtures both the body and the soul.
Serving Suggestions
Golden Milk pairs wonderfully with light, healthy snacks such as:
- A slice of toasted whole-grain bread with almond butter. The fats in the almond butter help with the curcumin absorption.
- A handful of roasted nuts or seeds.
- A simple biscotti or tea biscuit for a little sweet treat.
Golden Milk Turmeric Latte is more than just a drink—it’s a cup of warmth, health, and tradition. Whether you’re seeking a comforting bedtime beverage, a caffeine-free alternative, or a boost to your wellness routine, this recipe fits the bill. Its vibrant color, aromatic spices, and creamy texture make it as enjoyable to prepare as it is to sip. I know I’ll be making this plenty of times during the week, especially through out the winter.
Some More Delicious Recipes I Think You’ll Love:
Macarona Bil Laban: A creamy and delicious Middle Eastern pasta with meat in a garlicky yogurt sauce.
Middle Eastern Shorbet Adas: A creamy and easy, vegan Middle Eastern Red lentil soup. Perfect for Ramadan!
Halal Cart Chicken & Rice: A delicious bowl of spiced chicken, fragrant rice and salad, straight from New York Halal Carts.
Kabuli Pulao: Afghanistan’s National Dish: A delicious lamb and rice dish from Afghanistan with carrots and raisins.
Authentic Tandoori Chicken: A deliciously marinated and slightly spicy chicken dish from Pakistan and India.
One Pot Macarona Bil Lahme: A nostalgic and easy pasta dish that comes together in one pot and under 30 minutes.
Talbina (Prophetic Barley Porridge): A warm and comforting barley porridge with 3 ingredients.
Authentic Palestinian Maftoul Recipe: Also known as Palestinian couscous, this authentic and traditional recipe will show the beauty of Palestinian cuisine.
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Golden Milk (Turmeric Latte)
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk any works, but best whole milk for full nutrients
- 2 tablespoons honey or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon ground Cardamom
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, gently warm 2 cups of milk over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent the milk from sticking to the bottom or forming a skin. If you’re using plant-based milk, avoid boiling to maintain its creamy consistency.
- Once the milk is warm (but not boiling), whisk in the turmeric, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger and black pepper.
- Stir the mixture well to dissolve the spices evenly. A whisk or a milk frother works best to ensure a smooth and creamy latte.
- Now, a few tablespoons of honey (or your preferred sweetener). Stir until fully dissolved. Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness to your liking.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes. This allows the spices to infuse the milk, creating a deeper, richer flavor. This also gives the milk it’s iconic yellow color. Stir occasionally to ensure the spices don’t settle at the bottom.
- Once simmered, use a fine mesh strainer to strain and pour the Golden Milk into 2 12oz mugs.
One Response
This Golden drink is everything. I just made and it turned out great!