Golden Milk: Warm Turmeric and Ginger Milk

Golden milk is a warm, gently spiced drink made by simmering milk with turmeric, ginger, cinnamon and a little black pepper, then sweetening it with honey. It has a beautiful sunny color, an earthy, warming flavor and a creamy texture, much like a chai latte without the tea. It is a cozy drink for cold evenings and takes about ten minutes on the stove.

Golden milk has roots in South Asian home cooking, where turmeric milk, called haldi doodh, is a familiar comfort drink. This version uses ground spices from the pantry, but fresh turmeric and ginger root make it even more aromatic if you can find them.

Ground or fresh spices

Ground turmeric and ginger are convenient and give a smooth drink with no straining needed. Fresh turmeric root looks like a smaller, bright orange version of ginger, and it has a brighter, more peppery flavor. Grate it finely with the skin on, and use about three times as much fresh as you would ground. Wear gloves or wash your hands right away, because it stains skin and cutting boards.

If you use fresh roots or whole spices, strain the milk before drinking it so there is no grit at the bottom of the mug.

Choosing a milk

Any milk works. Whole dairy milk makes a rich, creamy drink. Oat milk is creamy and naturally a little sweet, and it froths well. Coconut milk, either the carton kind or canned light coconut milk, adds a tropical note that goes well with the spices. Almond milk is lighter and nuttier.

Plant milks can separate if boiled hard, so keep the heat gentle and whisk often.

Why the pinch of black pepper

Black pepper is a traditional part of many turmeric drinks. It adds a subtle warmth that rounds out the earthy flavor of the turmeric without making the drink taste peppery. Use just a small pinch; you should barely notice it.

Make a golden milk paste

If you enjoy golden milk often, a spice paste saves time. Simmer a quarter cup of ground turmeric with half a cup of water, stirring, for about 7 minutes until it forms a thick paste. Stir in a teaspoon each of ground ginger and cinnamon and a little black pepper, then cool and keep it in a jar in the fridge for up to two weeks. Stir a teaspoon into a mug of warm milk whenever you want one.

Ways to enjoy it

Golden milk is lovely in the evening as a caffeine-free drink. Serve it hot with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top, or chill it and pour it over ice in summer. You can also blend cooled golden milk with a frozen banana for a spiced smoothie, or use it as the liquid for overnight oats or chia pudding.

Adjusting the flavor

Turmeric has an earthy, slightly bitter taste on its own, which is why the sweetener and warm spices matter. If the drink tastes too strong, use a little less turmeric and a bit more cinnamon or vanilla. For a chai-like version, add a crushed clove and a star anise while simmering. A strip of orange zest adds a fresh, citrusy note.

Golden Milk: Warm Turmeric and Ginger Milk

Golden milk is a warm, gently spiced drink made by simmering milk with turmeric, ginger, cinnamon and a little black pepper, then sweetening it with honey. It has a beautiful sunny color, an earthy, warming flavor and a creamy texture, much like a chai latte without the tea. It is a cozy drink for cold evenings and takes about ten minutes on the stove.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 2 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups milk dairy, oat, almond or coconut
• 1 tsp ground turmeric or 1 tbsp grated fresh turmeric
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger or 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon or 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 pinch black pepper
• 1 pinch ground cardamom optional
• 1–2 tsp honey or maple syrup to taste
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract optional

Method

 

1. Pour the milk into a small saucepan and whisk in the turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, black pepper and cardamom.
2. Warm over medium-low heat, whisking often, until steaming and small bubbles form around the edge, about 5 minutes. Do not let it boil hard.
3. Reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for 3–5 minutes to infuse the spices.
4. Remove from the heat and stir in the honey and vanilla. Taste and adjust the sweetness.
5. Strain through a fine sieve into mugs if you used fresh spices or a cinnamon stick.
6. For a frothy top, whisk vigorously or use a milk frother before serving.

Notes

• Turmeric stains easily; use a glass or stainless steel pan and wipe spills quickly.
• Add honey off the heat so its flavor stays bright.

Storing and reheating

Golden milk is best fresh, but it keeps in a covered jar in the fridge for up to 3 days. The spices will settle, so shake or whisk before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Substitutions

• Use maple syrup or date syrup instead of honey for a vegan drink.
• Replace fresh ginger with 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger.
• Add a spoonful of coconut butter or cream for extra richness.
• Swap the cardamom for a small pinch of nutmeg.

Common questions

Does golden milk contain caffeine?

No. It is made with milk and spices only, so it is naturally caffeine-free.

Why is there sediment at the bottom?

Ground spices do not dissolve completely. Whisk while heating, strain, or stir before each sip.

Can I make it in the microwave?

Yes. Whisk everything in a large mug and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until steaming.

This recipe is for general cooking information only and is not medical or nutrition advice. See our Disclaimer and Image Credits.