Golden Milk (Turmeric Milk Latte)

An easy golden milk (aka turmeric milk) recipe. Healthy, delicious, and comforting, this easy golden milk recipe is packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients and is a must-make for winter.

this Recipe

Golden milk, sometimes called turmeric latte or turmeric tea, is a popular healthy beverage with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Made with cinnamon, black pepper, nutmeg, ginger and turmeric, a spice that contains the active compound curcumin. For centuries, turmeric has been used in Ayurvedic medicine and Chinese medicine to treat a variety of ailments.

Golden milk is warm and comforting and one of my favorite beverages for the winter! Great with your favorite vegan breakfast recipes, for a snack, or evening before bed for a calming beverage.

See below for health benefits or tips on making the best golden milk, or scroll down for the recipe.

Golden Milk Ingredient Notes

• Soy Milk: As noted below in the health section, soy milk is best for this recipe not only for its creamy texture but also for providing more protein and fiber. Compared to other non-dairy milks, like almond or coconut, soy milk contains 7 g of protein per serving.
• Turmeric: This is key to the turmeric milk latte. I use ground turmeric for ease, but you can also use fresh! A little goes a long way; I start with 1/2 teaspoon and then add from there.
• Cinnamon and Ginger: These are more warming spices that provide a delicious flavor along with turmeric. Again, I use ground ginger, but you can use fresh ginger if you’d like.
• Black pepper: Turmeric’s active ingredient is curcumin, and black pepper’s active ingredient is piperine. Combined, piperine enhances the absorption of curcumin absorption by up to 2,000 times.
• Coconut Oil: The added fat in the coconut oil helps the spices bloom and provides for a creamier texture and taste. If you don’t want to use coconut oil, a little almond butter (just a teaspoon) whisked into the milk creates a similar mouthfeel. The coconut oil keeps this vegan, but ghee can also be used and is more traditional.
• Honey: I use a little local honey, but maple syrup can also work. I do like a little sweetener in this, but you can also omit it if you like.
• Vanilla: Vanilla extract adds a nice flavor to this turmeric milk, but if you have whole vanilla beans, then that works, too. Whole beans are a splurge, but I do use them on occasion when I want a really rich vanilla turmeric milk.

How to Make Golden Milk

Whisk together the spices in the oil

Warm the coconut oil, then add in the spices. Cook until just fragrant.

Whisk in the milk, sweetener and warm

Add the soy milk plus sweetener, if using, and warm through.

Health Benefits of Golden Milk

The main ingredient in golden milk is turmeric, which contains curcumin as the active component. It also contains cinnamon and ginger, which both have antioxidant properties.

Research has shown that all three: ginger, cinnamon, and curcumin, have potent anti-inflammatory properties. The anti-inflammatory effects may reduce joint pain from arthritis and improve memory and brain function. However, it’s important to note that most of these studies show higher doses than in this turmeric latte, but there are still benefits to be found in golden milk.

One study looked specifically at the combination of golden milk and soy milk and found that turmeric added additional nutritional and chemical value. Better absorption of protein, iron, zinc, and antioxidants. This is why I recommend using soy milk in this recipe over almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk.

Storage Tips

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container, such as a mason jar, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat on the stove, whisk to recombine the spices and then warm through until hot.

What to Serve With Golden Milk

Enjoy this one on its own for breakfast or a snack, as it contains a filling 7 g of protein, 2 g of fiber, and 8 g of fat. Or, enjoy with:

• Oatmeal: Great with baked oatmeal, Instant Pot oatmeal, or overnight oats.
• Cake: A cup of golden milk with a lightly sweetened cake, like my vegan coffee cake or olive oil cake, makes for a great snack or breakfast.
• Muffins: Like cake, muffins are a great option to pair with golden milk. My favorites are my applesauce muffins, banana chocolate chip muffins, or pear muffins.

More Recipes Made with Turmeric

• Turmeric Red Lentil Soup
• Sunrise Smoothie
• Tandoori Rice Bowls
• Yellow Curry Bowls
• Tofu Scramble

If you try this golden milk recipe, then make sure to come back to leave a rating and a comment. Your feedback helps other readers, and seeing you make my recipes makes my day!