This easy Turmeric Latte combines almond milk, honey, and a trio of warming spices for a golden, caffeine-free drink that’s perfect morning or night.
While many other Golden Milk recipes require simmering whole roots or making a paste, I’ve streamlined the process with this recipe. I’ll show you how to whisk ground spices into almond milk for instant warmth and spice. Because during my 10+ years as a personal chef, I learned how to find the balance between great flavor and simple techniques. That may not make for the most authentic recipe, but it will give you a warm, soothing drink you’ll make again and again.
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Why You'll Love This Golden Milk Latte
- Warming and Delicious: Sweet, nutty, spicy golden milk is a delicious hot drink you're going to want to have part of your cold weather repertoire!
- Easy to Make: This turmeric latte recipe uses mainly ground spices, which makes this quicker and easier than chopping or straining.
- Dairy-Free: My recipe uses almond milk, which is a lovely pairing with the turmeric flavor.
What is Golden Milk?
Golden Milk is a traditional Indian drink that is also called Turmeric Milk or Turmeric Latte. It is made by combining warm milk (either dairy or non-dairy) with turmeric. Other warming spices may be included as well, such as ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, or black pepper. A sweetener is also often used, such as maple syrup, honey, or just plain sugar.
Turmeric Latte Recipe Ingredients
- Turmeric, Ginger, and Cinnamon: You can also make this latte using turmeric root, ginger root, and cinnamon sticks rather than the ground versions (for one or all of them). See Expert Tips for instructions. I tried this version using whole ginger rather than ground, and I found that the flavor was not quite as intense. I prefer the good spicy kick of ground ginger.
- Almond Milk: The almond milk that I used is lightly sweetened. If you prefer unsweetened almond milk, you may want to increase the honey in the recipe. Also, feel free to substitute other types of milks instead, such as coconut milk, oat milk, or soy milk. You can also use milk alternatives in hot chocolate, as in my favorite Oat Milk Hot Chocolate recipe!
- Honey: Feel free to replace the honey with another kind of sweetener, especially if you are looking for a vegan version of this recipe. Maple syrup and agave syrup are good replacements.
How to Make a Turmeric Latte
- Pour 2 cups of almond milk into a small-medium saucepan. Stir together ½ teaspoon of ground turmeric, ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger in a small bowl.
2. Then whisk spices into almond milk. Whisk in 1 teaspoon honey. Heat almond milk mixture over medium heat, until hot, about 8-10 minutes. Whisk frequently during this time. The latte will turn yellow in color and become quite frothy, then the bubbles will reduce a little.
3. Pour into 2 mugs, then sprinkle each with freshly ground black pepper and nutmeg to serve. As you are drinking, the spices will settle at the bottom of the mug—avoid the last bit of the drink unless you want a mouthful of spice!
Enjoy with your favorite sweet treat. Maybe these Cocoa Bean Hazelnut Cookies or these Almond Biscotti.
Turmeric Milk Recipe FAQs
Turmeric is a root that looks a little like ginger root. It is smaller and skinnier than ginger root, and bright orange inside. Usually turmeric root is ground into a yellowish-orange powder and used in Indian and Chinese cuisine. I love its savory, warming flavor in curry dishes, and it turns out that it also makes a delicious latte!
Have you heard the term curcumin and wondered what the difference is between curcumin and turmeric? Well, curcumin is the main chemical in turmeric, the one to which most of turmeric’s health benefits are attributed. Curcumin can be purchased as an extract as well as being ingested through turmeric. You might even hear people referring to this drink as a curcuma latte.
Despite its name, a turmeric latte does not have coffee in it. And in fact, there is no caffeine in it at all. Perfect for a late afternoon pick-me-up or drinking before bedtime. It’s like a glass of warm milk for adults!
Many versions of golden milk are vegan, though this recipe is not. For a vegan golden latte recipe, just replace the honey with maple syrup or another sweetener of your choice. Also, note that mine is an almond milk turmeric latte, but you could also use other non-dairy milk substitutes like coconut milk, rice milk, oat milk, or soy milk.
👩🍳 Expert Tips
This turmeric latte recipe is easy to make in part because I'm using ground spices. If you prefer to use whole spices, that is also totally fine! Just peel and slice 1-2 inches each of turmeric and ginger roots into thin coins, and add to the almond milk, along with a cinnamon stick.
After heating the latte as directed, turn off the heat and let it sit and steep for another 5 minutes. Turn the heat back on and heat up again, then strain into mugs through a fine-meshed sieve when you are ready to serve. Use a cinnamon stick instead of the ground cinnamon.
If you want to make this turmeric ginger latte in larger amounts or make ahead of time, you can double or triple the ingredients without a problem. You can cool any leftovers and keep in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. Whisk well before pouring your next cup, as the spices may fall to the bottom.
Then reheat. Your leftover golden milk latte might not be as frothy as the day before, but it will still be delicious. If you have a milk frother, that would bring your latte back to full frothiness!
Want to use turmeric in more dishes? I love it in my Chickpea Spinach Curry recipe. And, try it in Banh Xeo, which are amazing savory Vietnamese crêpes. Turmeric and honey is also a delicious pairing. Try adding to your tea!
Prefer an iced version of this golden latte instead? Just cool completely and put in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve. Whisk gently if mixture has separated, then add to a glass filled with ice cubes.
Want to try another warm beverage that can help make you feel better when you're feeling under the weather? Try this Elderflower Tea or this Honey Citrus Mint Tea!
Other Winter Drinks
Need more ideas for winter drinks and cocktails? Try this Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam for a cold creamy treat, or check out some of these favorites:
If you try this Turmeric Latte recipe, I would love to hear from you! Please rate this recipe and leave a comment below—your feedback is invaluable to me.
And please follow along on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook or subscribe to my newsletter. I'd love to inspire you with more delicious, healthy, and seasonal recipes!
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Golden Latte Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups almond milk 480 ml
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Freshly ground black pepper to serve
- Freshly ground nutmeg to serve
Instructions
- Pour almond milk into a small-medium saucepan.
- Stir together spices in a small bowl, then whisk into almond milk.
- Whisk in honey.
- Heat almond milk mixture over medium heat, until hot, about 8-10 minutes. Whisk frequently during this time. The latte will turn yellow in color and become quite frothy, then the bubbles will reduce a little.
- Pour into 2 mugs, then sprinkle each with freshly ground black pepper and nutmeg to serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Instagram Users: Now that you've made the best Golden Milk recipe, tag me @vanillabeancuisine or #vanillabeancuisine because I'd love to see your results!
More About Molly
Cooking healthy(ish) meals with seasonal ingredients is my passion. Trained as a French pastry chef, I spent over 10 years as a personal chef. Here you'll find well-tested recipes that you and your family will love!
Jackie says
I believe that curcumin is fat soluble, so depending on which milk substitute you use, you may like to add up to a tsp of coconut oil.
I love this drink & regularly drink it at night. I use fresh grated ginger in mine, & a little ground cardamom, then put it through a tea strainer.
Chef Molly says
Thanks Jackie! That's a great point on the coconut oil. And your version with fresh ginger and cardamom sounds delicious!
Alex says
I have read before about the great health benefits, but I am still yet to try this! I need to change that soon. Thank you for the inspiration.
Chef Molly says
Do try it! They really are yummy and so soothing.
Jeff the Chef says
Totally new to me!
Chef Molly says
Worth giving a try, especially whenever you are trying to avoid caffeine! I'd drink regular lattes all day if I wouldn't turn into a ball of anxiety. 🙂