This creamy, golden-hued turmeric drink wraps you in warmth from the first sip. I started making Golden Milk Recipe on chilly evenings when I wanted something comforting that wasn't coffee or regular tea, and it quickly became my go-to wind-down ritual. The earthy turmeric blends with sweet honey and aromatic spices to create a soothing drink that's surprisingly simple to whip up at home with just a handful of ingredients.
If you love cozy drinks, you might also enjoy this Easy Homemade Blueberry Smoothie for breakfast or The Best Brazilian Lemonade Recipe when you're craving something refreshing instead.
The golden color comes from turmeric, while coconut milk adds a silky richness that makes each cup feel like a warm hug. It's perfect for sipping before bed or whenever you need a little kitchen comfort.
Why You will Love This Golden Milk Recipe !
It's ridiculously easy. You just toss everything in a pot, simmer, strain, and sip. No fancy equipment or complicated steps required.
The flavor is cozy and complex. Sweet honey balances the earthy turmeric while warm spices add depth. Each sip feels comforting without being too heavy or sweet.
It's naturally soothing. This healthy turmeric drink has become my favorite way to unwind. The combination of spices and creamy coconut milk creates a calming ritual that helps me slow down at the end of busy days.
You can adjust it to your taste. Add more honey if you like it sweeter, bump up the ginger for extra warmth, or use less cardamom if you prefer a milder flavor.
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Golden Milk Recipe Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to make this soothing Golden Milk Recipe at home.
See Recipe Card Below This Post For Ingredient Quantities
Turmeric: This is the star ingredient that gives the drink its beautiful golden color and earthy, slightly bitter flavor. It's also known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle sweetness and rounds out the spice flavors without overpowering them.
Cinnamon: Brings warmth and natural sweetness to the drink, complementing the turmeric beautifully.
Cardamom: This aromatic spice adds a slightly floral, citrusy note that makes the drink feel special and complex.
Black pepper: A tiny amount helps your body absorb the beneficial compounds in turmeric more effectively. You won't really taste it.
Unsweetened full-fat coconut milk: Creates that creamy, silky texture that makes this drink feel indulgent. The fat also helps your body absorb the turmeric better.
Whole milk: Balances the richness of the coconut milk and adds protein. You can use any milk you prefer.
Fresh ginger: Grated ginger adds a bright, spicy warmth that wakes up all the other flavors. Fresh tastes much better than dried here.
Honey: Sweetens the drink naturally and adds its own subtle floral notes. Use more or less depending on your taste.
how to make Golden Milk Recipe
Making this warm turmeric drink is simple and takes just 15 minutes from start to finish.
- Combine ingredients: Add the turmeric, vanilla extract, cinnamon, cardamom, black pepper, coconut milk, and whole milk to a medium saucepan. Hold off on the honey and ginger for now.
- Simmer gently: Place the pan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil. Let it bubble softly for about 5 minutes, whisking every so often to keep everything well mixed and prevent sticking.
- Add ginger: Grate the fresh ginger directly into the simmering liquid and whisk it in until everything's combined. The kitchen will smell amazing at this point.
- Strain: Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl to catch all the fibrous ginger bits. This step keeps your drink smooth and pleasant to sip.
- Return and reheat: Pour the strained golden milk back into your saucepan and bring it back to a low simmer over gentle heat.
- Sweeten: Stir in the honey, whisking until it dissolves completely. Taste and add more honey if you'd like it sweeter.
- Serve: Pour the golden milk into your favorite mug and enjoy it while it's hot. The warmth is part of the comfort.
Substitutions and Variations
Dairy-free: Skip the whole milk and use all coconut milk, or try almond milk or oat milk instead. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Sweetener options: Maple syrup or agave work well if you don't have honey. Start with 2 tablespoons and adjust to taste.
Spice adjustments: Not a fan of cardamom? Leave it out. Want more ginger kick? Use a larger piece or add a pinch of ground ginger along with the fresh.
Golden milk latte recipe: If you have a milk frother, froth the finished drink for a foamy, cafe-style golden milk latte. It makes it feel extra fancy.
Iced version: Let the mixture cool completely, then pour over ice for a refreshing cold version. Perfect for warmer months when you still want the benefits of turmeric milk.
Equipment for Golden Milk Recipe
You don't need anything fancy to make this best golden milk recipe.
A medium saucepan is perfect for heating and simmering everything together. A whisk helps blend the spices smoothly into the milk. You'll need a grater for the fresh ginger (a microplane works great). A fine mesh strainer removes the ginger pieces for a smooth drink. Have a bowl ready to catch the liquid when you strain it.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover Golden Milk Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The spices may settle at the bottom, so give it a good shake or whisk before reheating.
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, whisking occasionally until it's warm. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each one. Don't let it boil when reheating or the texture might change.
The flavors actually deepen a bit overnight, making next-day golden milk taste even better. Some people like to make a big batch on Sunday and reheat a cup each evening during the week.
Serving Suggestions
Before bed: This is my favorite time to drink Golden Milk Recipe. The warm spices and lack of caffeine make it perfect for winding down. Pair it with a good book or your favorite show.
Afternoon pick-me-up: When you want something comforting but don't want coffee jitters, reach for a cup of this instead. It gives you cozy energy without the crash.
With breakfast treats: Golden milk pairs beautifully with buttery pastries, toast with jam, or a simple bowl of oatmeal. The spiced milk drink complements sweet breakfast foods really nicely.
After dinner: Serve it as a warm, healing milk drink to end a meal. It's especially nice after spicy foods since the creamy coconut milk soothes your palate.
Expert Tips
Don't skip the black pepper. I know it sounds weird in a sweet drink, but that tiny amount helps your body absorb the turmeric's beneficial compounds. You won't taste it at all.
Use full-fat coconut milk. Light coconut milk won't give you that silky, luxurious texture. The fat content makes a real difference in how rich and satisfying the drink tastes.
Watch your heat. Keep the simmer gentle, not aggressive. Boiling can make the milk taste slightly off and might cause it to separate or develop a skin on top.
Strain it well. Those ginger fibers aren't fun to drink. Make sure you get them all out with a fine mesh strainer for the smoothest sip.
Adjust sweetness at the end. Everyone's honey tastes a bit different, and your sweetness preference might vary day to day. Start with less and add more if needed.
Whisk often while simmering. This keeps the turmeric from settling at the bottom and ensures every sip has the same golden color and flavor.
FAQ
Traditional golden milk recipe typically includes turmeric, milk (dairy or non-dairy), warming spices like cinnamon and ginger, and a sweetener like honey. Some versions add black pepper to help with turmeric absorption. The exact spices can vary, but turmeric is always the main ingredient that gives it that signature golden color.
Golden milk offers several potential benefits thanks to turmeric's anti-inflammatory properties and the warming spices. The coconut milk turmeric drink provides healthy fats, and the combination of ingredients can be soothing for digestion. While it's not a cure-all, many people find it comforting and enjoy it as part of a balanced routine. If you're looking for other nourishing drinks, try this Delicious Strawberry Mango Smoothie Recipe.
This golden milk recipe works perfectly in the UK. Simply use your preferred milk (semi-skimmed or whole milk works great), and if you can't find full-fat coconut milk easily, you can use all regular milk or try coconut cream. The spices and method stay exactly the same, just simmer everything gently and strain before serving.
While turmeric milk isn't a medical treatment, you can make a heart-healthy version by using plant-based milk like almond or oat milk instead of whole milk. Skip the added sweetener or use just a tiny bit of honey. The combination of turmeric and healthy fats from coconut milk may support overall wellness when paired with a balanced diet and lifestyle.
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Pairing
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Golden Milk Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Add all ingredients except for the honey to a saucepan. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, and let it cook for about 5 minutes, ensuring it does not boil.
- Grate the fresh ginger directly into the saucepan, whisk to combine.
- Strain the mixture through a fine sieve to remove the ginger solids.
- Return the golden milk to the saucepan and bring it back to a low simmer. Add honey and stir until dissolved.
- Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, spiced drink!
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