BEST Golden Milk Recipe (Tea or Latte)

This is the best golden milk tea and golden milk latte recipe you will make in the comforts of your own home. One simple technique elevates the entire experience, and allows flexibility in how much spice you decide to use. I’ll give you TWO recipes, one for either tea or latte to start your day. Warming and comforting…this beautifully hued cup of goodness will soothe your soul.

Golden milk in a cup arranged on a table with sprinkles of turmeric spice around.
Golden milk is a special drink that’s elevated on all levels of bold flavor, health benefits, and makes you feel all fuzzy inside.
golden milk recipe

When you roam the cafes and coffee hubs from Venice Beach to Downtown Los Angeles, it’s almost impossible to not discover some of the best turmeric milk and ayurvedic creations. The elevation of wholesome ingredients, recipes with turmeric, and barista prowess is next level.

Now, having been a bartender myself for almost a two decades long career in being of service to others…I just had to recreate the magic golden milk recipe on my own.

A barista hands over a cup of golden milk.
A delicious cup of turmeric golden milk latte served up at the coffee shop.

Come to discover, it’s so easy to make spiced turmeric milk. Too easy. YOU and anyone else can make golden milk and it’s going to be so great, if not better in my opinion, than at any coffee shop.

Plus, making your own golden milk tea saves a lot of that dough, haha!

I make extra so I can have both, hot or iced turmeric milk. Plus, I drink this so easily that making a double recipe is a non-negotiable for me. It’s delicious anytime of the day, but expect to see me with a big cup of this in my mug in the morning.

What is Golden Milk

Golden milk, also known as turmeric milk, is a traditional Indian beverage that has gained popularity for its potential health benefits.

It is made by warming milk with turmeric and other spices, such as cinnamon, ginger, and black pepper.

Once you allow the spices to meld into the milk and over slow heating, the vibrant yellow color of golden milk comes from the turmeric, which contains the active compound curcumin, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

This comforting and aromatic beverage is often enjoyed for its soothing and warming qualities, and it can be customized with varying levels of sweetness and spice according to personal preference.

Nowadays, turmeric milk has gained a name for itself and you can even buy golden milk mix powder at the natural food store and find it at many high end coffee shops.

There are even versions of traditional turmeric milk which go from sweet, spicy with a kick, to more peppery.

I especially love that there is the ability to make this a completely vegan recipe.

Golden milk is surely one to not miss to add to rounding out your list of lattes and teas having tried.

Spice ingredients to make golden milk tea or latte.

Benefits of Golden Milk

  • Easy to Make: Use spice powder and natural, fresh ingredients of ginger to create the most satisfying cup of spiced golden milk tea. The result is fresher, stronger, and smooth flavor. You can use fresh or powder turmeric.
  • Anti-inflammatory properties: Golden milk, also known as turmeric milk, contains curcumin, an active compound in turmeric known for its anti-inflammatory properties. This can help in reducing inflammation and related symptoms in the body.
  • Antioxidant properties: The curcumin in turmeric is also known for its antioxidant properties, which can help in neutralizing harmful free radicals in the body, thus supporting overall health and well-being.
  • Soothing and warming qualities: Enjoyed for its comforting and aromatic nature, golden milk is often consumed for its soothing and warming effects, making it a popular choice for relaxation and unwinding.
  • Customizable: Golden milk can be customized with varying levels of sweetness and spice according to personal preference, making it versatile and adaptable to different taste preferences.
  • Caffiene or Non-Caffinated: This recipe recommends black tea so this is a golden milk tea, or make it a turmeric latte and use a shot of espresso, making this the perfect morning drink.
Golden milk spice ingredients arranged on a table.

Golden Milk Recipe INGREDIENTS

  • Milk of Choice – You can make this recipe vegan or not. Any milk of choice works.
  • Turmeric – Fresh or Powder version. For fresh, grate the turmeric.
  • Fresh Ginger – Grated. Avoid powder ginger if you can as it doesn’t have the same flavor and effect.
  • Vietnamese CinnamonYou can also use regular cinnamon. I was excited to see in my local major grocery that Vietnamese cinnamon was easily accessible. It has more essential oil and bolder notes to the flavor. For mild cinnamon go with regular Ceylon cinnamon.
  • Black Pepper – Yes! Trust me on this. It also helps the body absorb the turmeric benefits. For a warming spice feel to golden milk, black pepper is a must.
  • Vanilla Extract – This brings in all the flavors into a balanced and comforting cup of love. Just a touch will do.
  • Honey or Blue Agave Sweetener – Blue agave sweetener is vegan. Choose your preference.
  • Milk of Choice – You can use any milk you prefer. For plant-based milk I enjoy oatmilk and almond milk for best flavor and creaminess.
  • Black Tea or Espresso – To make golden milk tea, one black tea bag is perfect. If you prefer a golden milk latte, use a shot or two of espresso. Both are excellent to add to the golden milk mixture for an uplifting start to the day.

Equipment

Step by Step Instructions

A large batch of golden milk is made in a pot.
I love making a big pot of turmeric milk so it can be saved it for the next day.
  1. Pour your milk of choice in a pot, over low flame. The flame should be low so the milk gets very hot, but never simmering.
  2. Add the spices of turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, and grated ginger.
  3. Whisk and mix well, stirring frequently.
  4. Let the mixture heat and mix for five minutes. The spices need time to cook into the milk.
  5. Add a black tea bag into the mixture if you are making golden milk tea. If you want a golden milk latte, add your coffee or espresso shot.
  6. Add the vanilla and mix for an additional five minutes.
  7. Next, add sweetener to your mug.
  8. Strain the mixture over a wire mesh strainer into the mug or another pot.
  9. Use a spoon to stir the sweetener with the golden milk. Enjoy your cup of golden milk tea or golden milk latte!

Add Ins and Variations

  • add cayenne pepper for a spicy kick
  • try it with pumpkin spice mix
  • add chocolate sauce for a mocha latte version
  • use a milk frother to really make your drink stand out and give that delicious milk foam on top

Notes

  • You can use fresh or powder turmeric. Organic is best to gain the most benefits.
  • Be sure to strain the liquid. This allows all the joy from the mixture, without the grainy texture from the cooked spice and grated ginger.
  • Using a glass mug ensures that the turmeric doesn’t leave a yellow hue on your mug or glassware.
  • A whisk for stirring ensures all the spices are well incorporated.
Golden milk in a mug

The Best Golden Milk Tea or Latte

One simple technique elevates this easy turmeric milk recipe, and allows flexibility in how much spice you decide to use. I'll give you TWO recipes, one for milk tea or latte to start your day. Warming and comforting…this beautifully hued cup of goodness will soothe your soul.
5 from 2 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: beverages
Cuisine: Indian
Keyword: 10 minutes or less, beverages, drink for sick, ginger, golden latte, golden milk, healthy drink, milk tea, turmeric
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 1 person
Calories: 154kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Milk of choice Plant based or regular
  • 1 tsp Turmeric powder or grated
  • 1 tsp Fresh Ginger grated
  • 1 tsp Cinnamon of choice
  • ½ tsp Black Pepper
  • 1 tbsp Blue Agave Sweetener or Honey
  • ½ tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1 Black Tea Bag if making milk TEA
  • 2 shots Espresso or Dark Coffee if making LATTE

Instructions

  • Pour your milk of choice in a pot, over low flame. The flame should be low so the milk gets very hot, but never simmering.
    2 cups Milk of choice
  • Add the spices of turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, and grated ginger.
    1 tsp Turmeric, 1 tsp Fresh Ginger, 1 tsp Cinnamon, ½ tsp Black Pepper
  • Whisk and mix well, stirring frequently.
  • Let the mixture heat and mix for five minutes. The spices need time to cook into the milk.
  • Add a black tea bag into the mixture if you are making golden milk tea. If you want a golden milk latte, add your coffee or espresso shot.
    1 Black Tea Bag, 2 shots Espresso or Dark Coffee
  • Add the vanilla and mix for an additional one minute.
    ½ tsp Vanilla Extract
  • Next, add sweetener to your mug.
    1 tbsp Blue Agave Sweetener
  • Strain the mixture over a wire mesh strainer into the mug or another pot.
  • Use a spoon to stir the sweetener with the golden milk. Enjoy your cup of golden milk tea or golden milk latte!

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
The Best Golden Milk Tea or Latte
Amount per Serving
Calories
154
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
6
g
9
%
Saturated Fat
 
0.1
g
1
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
3
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
3
g
Sodium
 
1815
mg
79
%
Potassium
 
71
mg
2
%
Carbohydrates
 
22
g
7
%
Fiber
 
3
g
13
%
Sugar
 
15
g
17
%
Protein
 
3
g
6
%
Vitamin A
 
6
IU
0
%
Vitamin C
 
4
mg
5
%
Calcium
 
625
mg
63
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Did you make this recipe? Please SHARE, PIN, LIKE, or GIVE A STARS rating below. Your COMMENTS make my day! Please leave yours below and thank you. Tag me on IG @jackielikesrice and #ricelife

LEAVE A COMMENT

2 responses to “BEST Golden Milk Recipe (Tea or Latte)”

  1. Ashley Avatar
    Ashley

    5 stars
    My favorite latte!

    1. Jackie Avatar

      Loved that you gave this a try! Thank you!

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