If you’ve never heard of turmeric latte, then get ready to be amazed, because your morning coffee is about to be challenged by a decaffeinated latte that works wonders. I’ve travelled quite to quite a few European cities in the past months, and turmeric latte has wormed its way into hip and healthy cafes in cities such as Paris or Amsterdam this year. In fact, the Guardian has named the turmeric latte as “your 2016 drink of choice”, so there’s no more getting around it, and if you haven’t seen it in your city yet, it’s only a matter of time before you’ll see the golden milks offered everywhere.
Turmeric latte has become my new favorite drink in the morning or at night, because I love how soothing it is for the body, and how good it makes me feel. The wellness-feeling of turmeric lattes derives from its nutritional benefits: it is full of nutrients, antioxidants, and delicious, warming flavors. I admit that it’s not a cooling summer drink, but let’s be honest – summer in Germany is not always sunny and hot, and nights can get pretty cold, too. So there’s plenty of times during the summer when you don’t feel like iced tea or fruit infused water. Turmeric lattes taste differently than anything you’ve ever tried before. It tastes warm, slightly earthy, sometimes sweet and savory at the same time. Combined with the flavors of cinnamon and cardamon, it is a match in heaven.
Turmeric is one of my all-time favorite spices. I use it mostly in curries, to spice up sauces, to season vegetables or rice (like in this amazing turmeric veggie paella) or even in salad dressings. This past winter, I’ve also used it as an alternative to ginger tea, which was a nice change, because I’ve been drinking liters of ginger tea all winter long. Turmeric has many health benefits, which is why it is the number one health spice used in the ayuvedic kitchen. It is commonly known for its anti-inflammatory properties, high antioxidant amount and phytonutrients. Historically it has been helping people with tooth aches, menstrual pains, bruises or colics. Most of the health benefits are traced back to the main compound, curcumin, which also gives turmeric the bright yelllow color. Several medical studies have reven related turmeric, and its compound curcumin, to cancer prevention of colon, skin or pancreatic cancer. Of course most of those studies have used large amounts of turmeric to achieve the desired results, which is unrealistic if you don’t want to eat an entire turmeric root every day (trust me, it would almost be like eating an entire ginger root). So all we can do is start small, and increase our daily turmeric intake by adding it to teas, lattes, curries, sauces or dressings.
For all those who haven’t tried turmeric lattes yet, I advice you to start small on the turmeric, and increase the amount in your lattes slowly and gradually. It does not help if you add a teaspoon of turmeric to a small pot of warm almond milk, and then be grossed out by its grainy texture. Just like ground cinnamon, ground turmeric does not completely resolve in lattes, so there will always be some particles left on the bottom of your mug. If you are new to the whole turmeric latte thing, try to avoid that last sip (although I think it’s the best part), in order not to develop an aversion to this drink.
I love adding a pinch of pepper to turmeric dishes, as it is said to increase the absorption of curcumin. You can also play around with additional flavors. Vanilla, and coconut oil are great additions as well.
- 2 cups of oat milk or unsweetened almond milk
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric
- 1 teaspoon of raw honey (or coconut syrup if vegan)
- 1 cinnamon stick or ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 3 cardamon pods
- a small pinch of ground or fresh ginger
- a small pinch of pepper
- Add the almond milk to a small pot and heat on low temperature.
- Add the turmeric, cinnamon stick, cardamon pods, raw honey or coconut syrup, and pepper and stir frequently for about 3 minutes until the milk is warm, but not boiling.
- Remove from heat and take out the cinnamon stick. You can reuse it a couple of time. Strain the milk either through a strainer or small colander.
- Froth the top of the milk for a few seconds with a milk frother.
- Add more raw honey or coconut syrup for taste.
VIDEO TURMERIC LATTE (GOLDEN MILK):
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Enjoy!
Did you make this recipe or have any suggestions, questions or comments?
Feel free to leave a comment below, and don’t forget to tag your creations on social media using #heavenlynnhealthy.
I’d love for this blog to be a dialogue.
delicious!!! I’ve never heard of golden milk but had all the ingredients to whip up a lovely latte. Thanks for the post, Lynn, and the blog!
Hi Susan,
I’m so happy to hear that you loved my turmeric latte. Thank you for stopping by and leaving such a sweet note.
xx Lynn
I need to try this. I have turmeric in the house but it is a generic store brand. Wondering if there is a brand you recommend and if you can tell a difference in quality and flavor?
Enjoy following you on snapchat. ☺️
Hi Jennifer,
sorry for the late reply. I don’t think you need a special brand for your turmeric powder. Just use one that you trust. Of course it’s always better to use fresh turmeric, but I know that it can be hard to find.
Have a lovely evening,
Lynn
Does it matter if the fresh Turmeric is organic or not
Hi Missy, I would use ground in this version otherwise you will need a blender to mix the turmeric with the milk.
Best,
Lynn
Love your version of this milk, mine is boring in comparison. I am going to try your cardamon element. Thank you sweetie for sharing!! Such a healthy drink!! dee xx.
I made this yesterday and it was perfect! Just the right amount of spicy and sweet. Next time I think I’ll make double and save some for an iced latte the next day 🙂 Thank you so much Lynn!
Hey,
I loved this latte so much! It’s a great alternative of coffee, and tastes great even after being converted to ice coffee .
Thanks, Lynn!
Hi Zosia,
I’m so happy to hear that!
xx Lynn
What can I use if I don’t have a milk frother?
Hi Chris,
if you don’t have a frother then you simply heat it up and drink it with warm milk instead of frothed milk. It won’t make a difference to the taste 🙂
Best,
Lynn
I really like the recipe and am a huge fan of turmeric, However, I prefer using another type of milk substitute, such as oat milk. Almonds require large amounts of water during the growth proces, which is bad for California, where a good chunk of them are grown and bad for the environment in general.
Hi Marla,
I understand your concern, and I think it would taste just as delicious with oat milk.
xx
Lynn
I searched for vegan Golden Milk and found your Turmeric Latte, which I made and liked. Then I looked around your website and was delighted by your creative recipes. I’ve printed out a bunch to try.
Many thanks!
Hi Beverly,
thank you so much for this lovely comment. It’s so nice to see that my turmeric latte made it all the way to San Francisco from my small German town. I hope you’ll find many more recipes that you’ll like.
Greetings from Germany,
xx
Lynn
And now it has made it’s way all the way down under to Western Australia… Thanks Lynn
Regards
Trish
Hi Trish! That’s amazing! Thanks for letting me know!
xx
Lynn
Hi Lynn,
This recipe looks delightful! One question – I have cardamon powder but not pods. Any idea how that would convert?
Thanks so much!
Hi Ginny, yes of course you could use the powder. There is just a very fine line between finding the right amount, and making it taste, too much like cardamon. I would only use a pinch to begin with, just to be sure. 🙂 You can also leave it out completely if you’re not sure about the taste.
Hope that helps!
xx
Lynn
Hi..read your turmeric latte. I have one doubt.Can’t we use cow milk instead of badam milk?In India it’s our regular drink in the night during winter but using cow milk.I just got your site thru a friend & I liked it and going to try all your recipes.
Thanks
Ambika
Hi Ambika,
welcome to the blog :). Of course you can use cow’s milk if you prefer. My recipes are just guidelines and suggestions, and you can make any changes you want. I am just trying to cut out dairy, because I do not tolerate it very well.
Let me know what you think – especially coming from India, the mother country of Aryuveda :).
xx
Lynn
Hello,
I have tried to make the latte using your recipe and it was amazing! Thank you so much for sharing. I have also bought the Golden Latte Mix from an Etsy shop called The Golden Goddess Co and it tasted great! I dont really have the time to go and look for all the ingredients and then prepare it since I work and have 5 kids to take care of…great bundles of joy but a lot of work. Lol. Anyway, if anyone here is like me and doesnt have time to make your own then give these guys a try. I have tried a few but so far this is my favorite and its all natural.
Thank you Lynn! Love the Golden Milk Latter! Used it instead of coffee this morning! Just made me feel good after drinking it!
Hi Donna,
so happy to hear you liked the golden milk! And how wonderful that it makes you feel good – that’s the best compliment!
xx
Lynn
Seriously gonna try this for the anti- inflammatory properties in turmeric. I dislike the taste of turmeric though. What’s your take on adding pumpkin spice?
Hi Donna,
of course you could sub it with pumpkin spice, it just won’t be a turmeric latte anymore then ;-). Or how about a hot superfood chocolate? https://www.heavenlynnhealthy.com/hot-superfood-chocolate/
xx
Lynn
Golden milk is amazing! I’ve been making it for some time now. I know that some add coconut oil (I do) but I would love to try your recipe! Thanks for sharing Lynn!
This one tastes great!!! Thank you so much for sharing the recipe. I have also tried a few from outside and ordered 1 last week from TheGoldenNumber on Etsy. It was really good! However, I will also be trying this recipe that you gave. Thank you for sharing once again.
After reading several different “Golden Milk” recipes, I used three peppercorns…I liked the zing…I needed a tad more honey but as I get used to the drink……maybe less. I wanted to drink the two cups!
Hi Pam,
So happy to hear that!
Xx
Lynn
Sounds great. This is a staple in India. Doodh-haldi Or Milk with turmetic, prescribed for colds, coughs, and general good health. This is not a European invention, by any means. But thanks for promoting this ancient Indian tradition with a nice new twist using almond milk.
Hi Aarti,
It was never my intention to claim this as a European invention. Obviously using turmeric is deeply rooted in the Aryuvedic and Indian culture, but Persians, for example, also drink turmeric milk against colds. 🙂
Best,
Lynn
Turmeric, sorry typo:)
What kind of pepper are you referring to? I’m assuming black pepper, as in Salt and Pepper, but do you mean cayenne or another type?
Hi Greg,
I use typical black pepper, not cayenne. I always buy the big pepper corns and freshly ground them. 🙂
Best,
Lynn
Hi, I’m Eve and I’m a new subie to your Blog and YouTube and Instagram (have to make certain I hit subscribe to Instagram, but I DEFINITELY WILL!) I just want to say that I saw Kathy’s post of your Tuneric Latte and immediately I made it this morning. I had all the ingredients and I just wish to say that the “Golden Milk” (Almond for me) will be my new morning Latte. And, to top it all off, I browsed through your WONDERFUL! Blog and I’m hooked! So I wish to thank you, in advance, for all the posts you’ve made that I haven’t read and seen yet, and all those that are to come. Can you tell I’m excited?! Have a blessed day/evening/night.
Eve
I loved this latte! I always find that looking for these, what should I say, alternative food recipes, you find that it all contains coconut oil, and this and that which can tend to be quite expensive. So thank you for providing a recipe with ingredients that can usually be found in the average kitchen! Sunni x
Hello Lynn..
As you already know its very common to have turmeric milk in India..Right now me and my family were just having the same.. 🙂
It clicked me to just check what is golden milk/turmeric latte which has been doing quite appreciable rounds in news and internet these days..
I liked your recipe and would love to try it the next time.As somebody else has mentioned..I too use cow’s milk..but I guess..almond powder can be added too…Thanks for posting..
So great! I made one for myself, then for my daughter, then for my son, and another for myself lol! I used goat milk in one which is also healthy and it was delish (I added a tsp of unrefined coconut oil).
Thanks????????????
Hi Valerie,
I am super happy that you like the turmeric latte. I have yet to try it with goat milk (I love goat yoghurt), so you’ve definitely inspired me there!
xx
Lynn
Its a wonderful drink, the color of golden milk is awesome. I liked it so much, its not only tasty but also healthy drink.
Thank you for sharing such a wonderful recipe!
I simply loved this latte!!! It was similar to a chai tea. This is definitely a health habit I can continue. Thanks for the recipe.
Hi Lynn!
Usually, I start the day with a cup of matcha smoothie with the chasen or with the milk frother that gives me a big push (There is also a generous fresh fruit smoothie and a Vollbrot toast with fresh cheese or avocado). Do you think it would be healthy and proper to include one gram of this ground tea in your delicious Golden Milk recipe? Or will the properties of each component interfere?
Thank you very much for your blog. You do a beautiful job.
Hi
just came across your blog. Thanks for your inspiration. I have been using turmeric for over five years with soups stews, ice tea etc. For ice tea I use turmeric with lemon, ginger, cardamom or cinnamon and a little organic honey in summer. In winter I make English tea with, ginger, cardamom or cinnamon. I ground black paper corns every time I use turmeric and we are used to the taste. I never came across the idea of using Almond milk and I find this to be a good idea. Sound great will try it soon.
Many thanks.
Hi! Indiana here. My husband is highly allergic to cinnamon. Have you tried this without it? Or is there another good substitute.
Would like help with diabetic receipies please
Yum, yum, yummity yum! I just made it and it’s soooo delicious!
Thankyou for your recipe, I am so happy to have found your website, there are so many amazing things I want to try 🙂
Kathy
Australia
Thank you so much, Kathy! I really appreciate your lovely feedback!
xx
Lynn
I love adding vanilla extract and skipping out on the honey as well as half a tsp of ginger!
Love how you can play around with this recipe so much and adjust it to your own taste buds! So yummy! x
Yes,Golden Milk Has One Of Best Natural And Home Remedy For Health And Fitness . All Health Problems In One Solution Herbal Ravys Golden Milk Has One Of The Best Healthy Drink . It Is Useful And Effective . It Is Inflammatory And Antiseptic,Antibiotic.
I’m sipping away now complete with cat on lap…perfect remedy for this horrid cough I’ve got. I went searching for a turmeric latte as know it has great healing properties and stumbled across your recipe. Amazing! I’ve used coconut milk as that’s all I have at the moment but it’s worked well (I’m avoiding dairy too) and the honey is so soothing as well. Might have added a bit too much but I have a sweet tooth so still tastes wonderful. Thank you for this, I’m going to try some of your other recipes next!xx
Hi Rozel,
I’m so glad you like the Golden Milk! Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. I hope you’ll find some other recipes that you would like to try.
Best,
xx
Lyn
I just made this and I absolutely love it!
I have question though, mine came out a little grainy- it’s barely noticeable, but there was some in my drink and also quite a lot of grainy residue leftover in the pot. Is that normal? All the ingredients I used were store bought and ground spices, except for the cinnamon stick and cardamom.
I don’t mind, but I would love a smoother consistency.
Thank you!
Hi Maryam,
if you want a completely smooth milk, I suggest you use a bit of fresh turmeric and a blender to make it super smooth. Then drain it really well through a small strainer to get rid of most of the spices. However, whenever you’re using ground spices in a drink, there will always be some residues on the bottom of the mug.
Best,
Lynn
Try using a cloth hankerchief in your sieve, it will take out the most miniscule lumps!
Thanks Lynn for this wondering post.I read every bit of your article and loved it.I had heard about the benefits of turmeric in the past. I have a question for you, though. Is it better to use it in cooking or to take it as a supplement? There are two parts to my question. Firstly, does turmeric actually taste nice? Secondly, does it absorb better when eaten as part of a meal
I have these in essential oils. Have you any experience with using the oils?
hi there 🙂 I love this recipe and make it often; my question is whether i need to use blender and boil in pot or can I add boiling water from kettle and put ingredients straight into my mug and just let it mix in the mug that way; is it the same thing or is there a reason that the blender/pot method is used? thanks and keep up the great work 🙂
Hi Vivian, the most important thing is that you DO NOT boil the water as this may destroy the nutrients in the spices. I would suggest that you gradually heat both the milk (or plant-milk) together with the water in a small pot, then take it off the heat and stirr in the spices. Does that make any sense?
Best,
Lynn
I think it’s worth mentioning that this drink originates from India and is also known as Haldi Dhoodh. 🙂
Love this! Spice and bite, just yummy. Thanks for sharing
Can you please add me to your mailing list. I’m excited to try some of your recipes.
Thank you, Susan
Hi Susan,
sure! Will do!
Best,
Lynn
Morning! I just decided to try this and it is delicious! I used unsweetened vanilla coconut milk and ground cardamom, but it is perfect! Haven’t gotten to the last drop yet, but can’t wait! I also did not have a frother, but doesn’t seem to matter…I will get one though as I plan on making this regularly…what a treat!