Golden milk latte is nutritiously rich, heartwarmingly colourful and packed with a well-rounded blend of spices. This golden turmeric latte recipe creates a drink to enjoy all winter long. It’s great for boosting immune systems and fighting off nasty colds too.
This recipe was first published in January 2016 and updated in August 2021 with new images, step by step instructions, expert tips, frequently asked questions and a slight change to the recipe.
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Golden milk latte goes by numerous other names including: haldi doodh, golden turmeric latte or simply golden milk or turmeric milk. Whatever the terminology, expect a drink with a decidedly different and wonderfully deep flavour profile.
On its own turmeric can be slightly bitter, but when simmered with milk, a little sweetener and a handful of additional spices, it is transformed. The resulting golden latte is creamy, gently spiced and slightly sweet with an underlying flavour that is sure to surprise and delight.
This golden turmeric latte recipe produces a drink that is wonderfully soothing anytime of the year. But it’s especially mollifying when suffering from wintery ailments such as colds and sore throats.
What is golden turmeric milk?
Golden milk latte originates from India. In its most basic form this drink is simply hot milk infused with turmeric. However, additional spices and a variety of sweeteners mean that there are many variations of this milky beverage.
Although called a latte, this drink contains neither coffee nor tea, so it is naturally caffeine free. It’s a longstanding natural remedy for coughs, colds, general aches and pains and all manor of other minor ailments.
It’s also a very soothing and comforting drink, making it an ideal drink to savour just before bed.
Although it can be ready in less than 5 minutes, the best results are achieved by allowing the spices to infuse for a little longer with the milk. It’s still a very easy and quick recipe to prepare though, requiring just 1 pan and less than 20 minutes of your time.
Is turmeric latte good for me?
In a nutshell, yes it is. Granted there’s fat from the milk and sugar from the honey, but overall, this drink is far less indulgent than a typical hot chocolate or a fancy syrup-laden coffee concoction with all the toppings from your favourite high street coffee shop.
And that’s aside from all the health benefits that turmeric brings to the table. Apart from golden milk latte being a spirit-lifting, gloriously happy shade of yellow, this little number is loaded with goodness thanks to turmeric – a magical, golden ingredient appropriately nicknamed the spice of life.
Turmeric has acquired this nickname for good reason. This spice contains curcumin which has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and is a very strong antioxidant.
In fact there are plenty of conditions that consumption of turmeric, taken in various quantities, is regularly cited to aid or help prevent (read more about this here).
For now, I’m mainly concerned with the anti-inflammatory powers of turmeric, which makes a golden milk latte a great natural remedy for colds, sore throats and congestion.
And since turmeric and its wonder powers can also help strengthen your immune system regular consumption of this drink could mean fewer bugs to fight off in the first place.
Just a word of warning though. Don’t overdo the consumption of this lovely drink. a cup each day will do you no harm at all, but drinking endless cups (3, 4,5…) could lead to a touch of tummy trouble.
Why this recipe is worth making
It’s clear that there are plenty of reasons to pour a mug of golden milk latte for your own well-being. But aside from the health benefits, it’s a sheer joy to drink. My version embraces a well-rounded blend of spices:
- Peppery, aromatic turmeric
- Warming ginger & cinnamon
- Herbal cardamom
- Sweet, light, vanilla
If you’re after a nourishing drink that’s big on flavour, this recipe for golden turmeric latte is sure to please.
It’s a particularly soothing drink – gently spiced with just a touch of sweetness. Hands down more pleasant than over the counter cold remedy drinks. And who could fail to be cheered up just by looking at that colour?
Ingredients
Turmeric is the star ingredient in a golden milk latte recipe. I’ve given details for using both ground turmeric and fresh turmeric root. Ground turmeric is generally easier to get hold of than fresh turmeric. If you do know a good source of fresh turmeric though, it’s well worth using it in this recipe.
I didn’t include black pepper when I first published this recipe in 2016. Since then, I’ve discovered that a little black pepper aids the absorption of curcumin, the powerful anit-inflammatory and antioxidant ingredient in turmeric. For this reason, I have listed it as an optional extra ingredient for anybody seeking to maximise the health benefits of this drink.
Full-fat cow’s milk was used whilst developing this recipe. It adds a great base flavour on which to build the spice profile of this drink. Other milks can be substituted in, but the flavour and texture of the resulting drink will vary slightly.
I’ve kept the additional spice profile of this golden turmeric latte recipe relatively simple, using a blend of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger and vanilla. Treat my spice list as a suggestion. If there is a spice you do not enjoy then leave it out and feel free to add extra spices too.
I definitely feel that golden milk benefits from a little sweetener to balance any bitterness from the turmeric and to draw out the characteristics of the spices fully. My top choice is honey but maple syrup or demerara sugar make fine alternatives.
Step by Step Instructions
Golden milk is a very easy drink to make. Don’t be impatient – let it cook for the full time suggested to maximise the flavour:
- Slice the fresh turmeric root (if using), split the cardamom pods open, break the cinnamon stick into pieces and lightly crush the peppercorns (either in a pestle and mortar or using the end of a rolling pin). Put all of the ingredients into a saucepan
- Heat until scalding but do not let the milk boil
- Take off the heat and allow to infuse for 15 minutes then reheat
- Strain through a piece of muslin or a nut bag and serve immediately, adding more honey to taste
Expert Tips
- Use fresh spices for maximum flavour. If you are not sure how fresh your spices are rub a little between your fingers and take a sniff. If it has a pronounced aroma, its good to use. But if the aroma is difficult to detect, it’s time to open a fresh batch
- Don’t skimp on the infusing time. Those 15 minutes are vital for the spices to impart their full flavour to the drink
- And don’t boil the milk (it’s bad for the turmeric)
- Make this drink vegan: swap the honey for maple syrup or demerara sugar and use a suitable dairy-free milk alternative
- Vary the spices – use my list as a guide and don’t be afraid to up the amounts used for a more pronounced flavour (but go steady on the turmeric itself)
- Create a frothy top to this latte either with a milk frother or a stick blender
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this golden turmeric milk can be made in advance. Just make a batch as instructed and store in the fridge. If the milk is fresh at the point of making the drink, then it will keep well for up to 4 days in the fridge. Ensure it is covered.
To reheat, simply stir the batch, pour out the required amount and reheat in a saucepan or the microwave. Again, ensure it is hot but do not allow to boil.
Really, that is entirely up to you. Turmeric latte is lovely made the traditional way, with cow’s milk, but can be made with any kind of dairy-free milk alternative to suit your own tastes and dietary requirements.
Keep in mind that nut, soya, oat and coconut milks all vary slightly in flavour and texture. This will affect the final flavour of the drink. And some froth up much better than others do too.
For the ultimate indulgence, coconut milk adds a distinctively rich and thicker quality to the drink.
More Drinks with Health Benefits
Prefer cold drinks when you have a sore throat? Give one of my smoothies a go:
Have you made this turmeric latte recipe? If you have please give it a rating or leave a comment – I love to hear how you get along with my creations.
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Golden Milk Latte (Golden Turmeric Latte)
Ingredients
- 400ml/ 1 ¾cups whole milk
- ½ tsp turmeric powder or 1 inch fresh turmeric
- 1 cinnamon stick (5cm/ 2 inch)
- 4 cardamom pods
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp honey (add more to taste)
- 2 slivers fresh ginger (1-2mm thick)
- 5 Black peppercorns (optional)
Instructions
- If using fresh turmeric root slice it into thin rounds (no need to peel it). Crack open the cardamom pods and bash the peppercorns (if using) briefly to crack them but do not grind them
- Put all of the ingredients into a small pan and heat until scalding but do not allow to boil
- Turn off the heat and allow to infuse for 15 minutes, then reheat
- Strain through a piece of muslin or a nut bag and serve immediately, adding more honey to taste
Notes
- Use fresh spices for maximum flavour. If you are not sure how fresh your spices are rub a little between your fingers and take a sniff. If it has a pronounced aroma, its good to use. If the aroma is difficult to detect, it’s time to open a fresh batch
- Don’t skimp on the infusing time. Those 15 minutes are vital for the spices to impart their full flavour to the drink
- And don’t boil the milk (it’s bad for the turmeric)
- Make this drink vegan: swap the honey for maple syrup or demerara sugar and use a suitable dairy-free milk alternative
- Vary the spices – use my list as a guide and don’t be afraid to up the amounts used for a more pronounced flavour (but go steady on the turmeric itself)
- Create a frothy top to this latte either with a milk frother or a stick blender
Swayam
This is such a staple at home for us.. Even my granny used to make it for us during winters,although without vanilla. Love the pics!
Jane Saunders
Thanks Swayam. I’m a little bit addicted to vanilla….
Shreyashi
Hey Jane,
I hope you are feeling much better now. Would you believe it, I used to have this (minus the vanilla & vanilla) as a traditional drink growing up. We used the fresh, raw turmeric instead of powder. I still make it in cold weather. I will add the vanilla and the honey next time.
Pinning this and sharing it everywhere because this looks yummy. I love the wooden spoon have. I need more props. Such an atmospheric picture.
Jane Saunders
Thanks so much Shreyashi – hope you enjoy my pimped version. I’ll bet the raw turmeric is amazing – i may have to go find some to compare the two
Lucy
I’ve just recently become obsessed with turmeric. It’s so wonderful for you! This milk looks so healing and delicious. Love that you add a little bit of honey–yum!
Jane Saunders
Hi Lucy. I know what you mean – maybe it’s the lovely colour that turmeric turns things that makes it so appealing. Even just scattered into rice as it cooks to accompany a curry works wonders for me. Thanks for calling in.
Emma @ Supper in the Suburbs
Sorry to hear you weren’t feeling well around the holidays! I hope you are feeling much better now. I’ve heard a lot about Golden Milk but still haven’t tried it myself. You make it sounds delicious though and your photos are fab. I’ll have to book mark it for the next time I’m feeling poorly 🙂
Jane Saunders
Thanks Emma – all fine and dandy now though. Do make yourself some golden milk – it’s such a good winter drink to sip even if you’re on top form (and it helps you stay that way)
Shelby
I will have to keep this in my files to remember and use when we are sick! Its a beautiful drink!
Jane Saunders
Thanks Shelby – hoping you’re not sick soon though. It tastes great when you’re not ill too.