Golden Milk (Turmeric Milk)
Turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and a tiny pinch of black pepper turn warm milk into a golden, gently spiced drink made for slow evenings.
Non-alcoholicMake it like a pro.
- 01
Add the milk, turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, and black pepper to a small saucepan and whisk well.
- 02
Warm over medium-low heat for five to seven minutes, whisking occasionally, until steaming but not boiling.
- 03
Remove from the heat, whisk in the honey and optional vanilla, and taste.
- 04
Serve immediately with the ground spices retained. For an extra-smooth variation, pour through a fine sieve; that removes an unmeasured amount of spice solids, so the base nutrition no longer applies exactly.
Tools for This Recipe
Helpful equipment for making this recipe at home.
A small saucepan for warming milk, spices, chocolate, and café bases.
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Easy swaps
- Use a half-inch piece of freshly grated ginger instead of ground ginger.
- For a dairy-free drink, replace the dairy milk with 1 cup unsweetened carton coconut milk beverage. Canned coconut milk is richer and is not nutritionally equivalent.
- Omit honey or use a zero-calorie sweetener for no added sugar.
Mixpert tips
- A tiny pinch of black pepper is enough; too much can dominate.
- Whisk once more just before pouring because ground spices settle quickly.
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Golden Milk (Turmeric Milk) FAQs
Why do spices settle at the bottom of golden milk?
The turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, and black pepper are ground spices rather than dissolved ingredients, so some sediment is normal. Whisk while warming the milk and give the cup another stir just before drinking. Straining will remove some of the spices and change the recipe's flavor.
Can I use fresh turmeric in this golden milk?
Yes, but fresh root is stronger in aroma and behaves differently from ground turmeric. Grate a small amount into the milk, warm it gently with the other spices, and taste before adding more. Strain if you dislike the pieces; the recipe's nutrition is based on ground turmeric.
Can I make golden milk with plant milk?
Yes. Unsweetened oat, soy, almond, and coconut milk all work. Choose coconut for richness or oat for a neutral, creamy result.