Turmeric Golden Milk Recipe
A warm, creamy, gently spiced drink that comes together in 10 minutes on the stove. This golden milk is soothing, flexible, and easy to make with fresh or ground spices.
Equipment
- Small saucepan
- Spoon
- Fine mesh strainer
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups unsweetened full fat almond or coconut milk
- 1 stick cinnamon or 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, more as garnish at the end
- 2 inches fresh turmeric sliced or 1 ½ teaspoon ground turmeric spice
- 1 inch fresh ginger sliced or ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil or any other neutral tasting vegetable oil like avocado oil, olive oil (a mildly flavored), etc.
- Pinch black pepper
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup, or honey (more to taste)
Instructions
- Add the milk, cinnamon stick, turmeric, ginger, coconut oil, and black pepper to a small saucepan. Make sure everything is in the pan before you turn on the heat so the spices warm together and the oil starts blending into the milk.
- Warm the mixture over the stove, stirring frequently, until it is hot but not boiling. You’re looking for steam and a strong spiced aroma, not big bubbles. I stop as soon as the milk looks glossy and smells deeply of cinnamon and ginger.
- Taste the milk, then stir in the sweetener. Adding the maple syrup or honey after tasting lets you balance the earthy turmeric without making the drink overly sweet.
- Strain the drink into your cups if you used fresh turmeric and ginger. If you used ground spices, divide it between two mugs. A fine pour gives you a smoother sip, especially with fresh roots, while ground spices will naturally leave a little spice at the bottom.
- Sprinkle with ground cinnamon if you like, then serve. The top should smell warm and cozy right away, which is your cue to grab the mug while it’s at its best.
Notes
Texture Tip: Stir frequently while the milk heats so the spices stay suspended and the drink tastes smoother. If the mug sits for a minute, give it a quick stir again before drinking.
Fresh Root Tip: If you use fresh turmeric, wear gloves or wash your hands quickly because it can stain. Straining the drink before serving also helps remove fibrous bits from fresh turmeric and ginger.
Flavor Tip: Keep the milk hot but never boiling. Gentle heat helps prevent bitterness and gives the drink a silkier texture.
Storage: Let the golden milk cool, cover it, and keep it in the fridge if making ahead. Rewarm gently on the stove or in short microwave bursts, then whisk or stir before serving.
Serving Idea: Serve hot with a little ground cinnamon on top, or let it cool and pour over ice for a chilled version.
Nutrition information is an estimate based on common ingredients and serving sizes. Values may vary depending on brands, portions, and substitutions.