Creamy turmeric latte, also known as golden milk or turmeric milk, is a delicious warming Indian beverage. Made with hints of warming spices, you'll love this simple recipe with a handful of ingredients.
In Hindi, golden milk is called "haldi ka doodh" ("haldi means turmeric and "doodh" means milk). Also known as turmeric milk, this warming beverage is made with hints of warming spices.
This recipe is especially close to my heart because I grew up drinking this. My mom would make me a cup of golden milk before I'd go to bed.
What you'll need
This easy golden milk recipe can be enjoyed anytime. It also makes a delicious nighttime beverage to unwind. You'll need the following ingredients:
- Milk: Turmeric milk is traditionally made with whole milk but can easily be substituted with dairy-free milk, such as almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk.
- Ground turmeric
- Ground cinnamon
- Ginger: Fresh or ground ginger both work well.
- Black pepper
- Sweetener: Both honey and maple syrup add natural sweetness.
How to make a turmeric latte
Detailed ingredient measurements, instructions, and notes can be found on the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page. Here’s a summary:
1. Combine ingredients: In a small saucepan, whisk milk, turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, and black pepper. Bring it to a simmer.
2. Simmer: Lower the heat and simmer the mixture for 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and add sweetener, if using.
3. Strain and serve: Using a strainer, pour into two cups.
I love topping my latte with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or these beautiful dried rose petals.
Pro tip: To create a frothy beverage, use a milk frother or pour the mixture into a blender and blend until frothy.
Top tips and suggestions
- Milk: The type of milk will affect the taste and texture. For instance, coconut milk will make your latte creamier, but also add a coconut flavor. I use almond milk or oat milk since both have a neutral flavor.
- Fresh ginger: When using fresh ginger, use a grater for a stronger taste. When you're ready to serve, be sure to use a strainer.
- Make it frothy: To make it frothy, use a milk frother or a blender. Note that turmeric will easily stain your blender so be sure to rinse it with soap and warm water right after using.
- Iced turmeric latte: Enjoy it iced by pouring it over a cup of ice, especially during the warmer months.
- Store for later: Pour into an air-tight glass jar and store in the fridge for a day.
Frequently asked questions
How much turmeric does the latte need? A little goes a long way. You only need 1/8 teaspoon per serving.
Does it contain coffee? No.
More easy drink recipes
Other delicious Indian recipes
I hope you love this golden milk recipe as much as I do. Sign up for email updates to receive new recipes delivered to your inbox or check out my new cookbook Plant Power Bowls.
Editor's note: This recipe was originally published on February 26, 2018. Since then, it’s been freshened up with new pictures, commentary, and made even more delicious.
Ingredients
- 2 cups almond milk
- 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 inch fresh ginger, grated, or 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
- pinch of ground cinnamon
- pinch of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon honey, optional
Optional Toppings
- dried rose petals
- Ground cinnamon
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, whisk milk, turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, and black pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Lower the heat and simmer the mixture for 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and add sweetener, if using.
- Using a strainer, divide the turmeric milk into two cups.*
Saroj Patel-Hall says
Just made and drank this - absolutely delicious! Made it in a milk frother and topped it with a line of ground cinnamon and a line of dried rose petals - so pretty.
Thank you for sharing the recipe Sapana. Going to try your other recipes too.
Saroj
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
So happy to hear, Saroj!
Halley says
I make this all the time, delicious!
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
Yay! So happy to hear, Halley!
mandeelyn says
yum followed the directions! I used almond milk and ground ginger
Kathleen Bieke says
My first non-tea type hot drink and it was delicious! I used a mini-frother to give it a creamy latte consistency and sweetened with a tablespoon or so of maple syrup. So good!
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
So glad to hear you enjoyed it, Kathleen!
Kea S says
This is so yummy! Thank you.
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
Thank you so much, Kea! So glad you enjoyed it!
adriana says
Golden milk is such a soothing beverage I made your recipe and it is tasty!
Erica Schwarz says
So easy and SO delicious! Loved this recipe.
Cathleen @ A Taste of Madness says
I make turmeric latte quite often, but yours looks particularly beautiful!! Loving the decorations on top 🙂
Beth says
I love how simple the ingredient list is! I definitely like it frothy!
Paula Montenegro says
I love this latte, so delicious and easy to make! Thanks for sharing this recipe with us!
Traci Giles says
Can I use whole milk instead?
Katie says
So cozy and easy to make!
Cynthia says
I made this and it was so good. Loved the flavors and can’t believe I made this at home.
Mary says
This is so delicious and super easy to make. I took your suggestion and used a frother, it made it extra special!
Lauren Miller says
I’ve tried a few turmeric milk recipes and this is hands down the very best! Thank you!
Ray says
Loved this! Perfect for a rainy morning like today. I dusted mine with a little extra cinnamon.
Danielle Levert says
I loved this and so did my entire family! We used almond milk and it turned out great.
Liz Glebe says
Turned out perfect! I sweetened with maple syrup to make it vegan and it was so delicious. Tasted better than the one I had at my local coffee shop.
Alena @ nutriciously.com says
Love love love this recipe! Your blog is full of little gems, thank you so much for your beautiful work 🙂
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
Thank you so much, Alena! I appreciate your feedback.
Chloe says
This turmeric latte is perfect! I didn’t have any cinnamon on hand but it still tasted amazing!
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
So glad you enjoyed it, Chloe!
Dianne says
Thank you for sharing a simple and authentic recipe that's so easy to follow!
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
You're so welcome, Dianne! Thanks for sharing your feedback.
Kate says
So warming and comforting! I love it when I'm feeling ill.
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
So happy to hear, Kate!
Krissy Allori says
I just love this so much. It's so warm and yummy and so healthy.
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
Thank you, Krissy! So glad you enjoyed it.
Deanne says
Your turmeric latte was just what I needed to get cozy! Love the flavors and I had no idea it was so easy to make!!
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
Ah that makes me happy to hear, Deanne! thank you for sharing your feedback!
Mirlene says
I am so looking forward to trying turmeric latte again. This recipe is so easy to follow. Simply the best!
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
Thank you, Mirlene! I hope you enjoy this simple recipe!
Seneca M. says
I made this tonight and my boyfriend and I loved it! Thanks
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
That makes me so happy to hear, Seneca - thanks for sharing!
Cheryl says
This was so delicious. I'll be making this all winter long!
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
So happy to hear, Cheryl! thank you for sharing your feedback.
Abigail Raines says
This is the perfect copycat if not an even better version of my favorite turmeric latte! This reminds me to make the effort to make this on a daily basis!
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
Thanks, Abigail! This is how I grew up drinking it -- my sweet mom would make this whenever I'd get sick. A classic Indian remedy.
Diana Reis says
Such a simple preparations and it turns out so beautiful and delicious. Thank you for this recipe.
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
So happy to hear you enjoyed it, Diana! thank you for your feedback!
Anita says
How pretty is this latte? And it's easy and healthy to boot. I wish I have some rose petals to make mine look as pretty as yours. 🙂
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
Thank you, Anita! The rose petals certainly elevate it and aren't too hard to find!
Irina says
It is just amazing! To tell the truth, I have already tried to make turmeric latte, but did not succeed last time. Thanks for your tips and detailed explanations. I am gonna make it for sure:)
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
Can't wait to hear what you think, Irina! This is how I grew up drinking it.
Alison says
This looks amazing! I have never had turmeric latte. I'm caffeine free so this looks like the perfect way to warm up this winter!
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
This will certainly keep you warm, Alison! Thanks for stopping by.
Whitney says
This sounds like the perfect drink for a cold winter's morning!
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
Thank you, Whitney!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
Turmeric is such a staple in my kitchen. I love what you did with this latte here!
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
Thank you, Jocelyn!
kim says
Love this recipe! So tasty and cozy!
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
Thanks, Kim - so happy to hear you enjoyed it!
Dannii says
I love ordering this in a cafe when I need a little pick me up.
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
It's a great drink to for a little pick me up!
Megan Ellam says
Oh Sapana this recipe sounds amazing. So full of goodness and can I enjoy it on a keto diet. Thanks so much for a delicious recipe
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
Thanks so much, Megan! So happy to hear you can enjoy this.
kim says
Absolutely phenomenal! Definitely will make again. My husband LOVED it too!
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
I'm so happy to hear that, Kim! Thank you for your comment and review!
Danielle Wolter says
This sounds so delicious! Definitely something I'd like to try.
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
I hope you give it a try, Danielle!
Katherine says
Such a lovely, warming and comforting drink!
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
Thank you, Katherine! So glad you enjoyed it.
Michelle Miller says
A dreamy drink! Love the rose detail. All ingredients sound like a super combination and I love turmeric! Sounds great!
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
It's really a delicious one and the perfect way to wind down!
Farah says
Not only does this recipe sound so warming and comforting and delicious, the photos are GORGEOUS. Can't wait to try this thanks for the recipe!
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
Thank you so much, Farah!
Kerry says
Kind of been drinking this on repeat the last week!
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
That makes me so happy to hear, Kerry!
Sarah says
Mine turned out so dreamy!
Sapana Chandra says
Yes!! Thank you for sharing!
Jillian says
I've obsessed with this latte. It's so delicious!
Sapana Chandra says
So happy to hear!
Sonja says
This turned out perfect!
Sapana Chandra says
Thank you for your feedback, Sonja - so glad you liked it!
Cindy says
I made this tonight and it was perfec and tasted just like the ones I’ve had at cafes. Thank you!
Sapana Chandra says
I'm so excited to hear that, Cindy! So glad you enjoyed it.
Jenna says
Oh my goodness, this sounds absolutely divine!
Sapana Chandra says
Thanks, Jenna!! Let me know what you think of it!!
Johanna says
I’ve been so excited for you to share this recipe! Making it right now. Thanks, Sapana!
Sapana Chandra says
Thanks, Johanna! So excited to hear what you think!
Marvella says
can i just shake the milk to make them frothy?
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
Hi Marvella! That works. You can also use the blender.