As seasons change and days unfold, there’s something inherently soothing about sipping on a beverage that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also nourishes your body from within.
The golden latte, often called “turmeric latte” or “golden milk,” has deep roots in ancient Ayurvedic medicine traditions. It is cherished for its potential wellness benefits and captivating taste profile.
It’s the type of drink that can be customized to your individual tastes and enjoyed in the morning or as part of a relaxing bedtime routine.
Join me as we explore the amazing health benefits of the turmeric latte and the various ways you can tailor the recipe for yourself.
And if you’re a “skip to the good part” kind of person, click the link to jump to the recipe.
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What is a Golden Milk Latte?
A golden milk latte, also known as a “turmeric latte,” is a warm and soothing beverage that has gained popularity recently, particularly in wellness and health-conscious communities.
It’s made by combining milk (dairy or plant-based) with various spices, with the key ingredient being turmeric.
Golden milk lattes are often touted for their potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties and support for digestion.
However, it’s important to note that while the individual ingredients in the drink have various health-promoting properties, the overall benefits may be limited and vary from person to person.
Whether you’re drawn to it for its potential health benefits or its unique and comforting flavors, a Golden Milk Latte can be a delicious addition to your beverage repertoire!
What’s in a Golden Milk Latte?
Golden milk turmeric lattes have several key ingredients, most of which are most likely already stocked in your kitchen.
Milk
Feel free to use whatever type of milk you have in your fridge. This drink’s reputation as a comforting elixir is partially due to its creamy texture.
And using whole milk or even creamy oat milk will give your golden turmeric milk latte that type of texture, especially if you use a milk frother.
Depending on your taste preferences and dietary restrictions, dairy or plant-based milk works well in this recipe.
If you’re looking for inspiration, try one of the following non-dairy milk options in this drink:
- Coconut milk: Adds a slightly tropical flavor to the latte.
- Cashew milk: Adds a nutty flavor to the drink.
- Soy milk: Adds a slightly nutty flavor to the latte.
- Unsweetened almond milk: Choose the unsweetened version to limit excess sugar in the drink.
Spices
The unique blend of spices is what really puts this drink over the top.
And similar to chai, there is some variety in the spices used in this drink.
The most common warming spices used in this delicious drink include ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, and a pinch of black pepper. Nutmeg or cardamom are sometimes also added.
Feel free to experiment with the flavor profile you find most appealing.
You can use either turmeric powder or turmeric paste, depending on what you have on hand.
And either fresh ginger or ground ginger works in this recipe.
Regardless of whether you use the fresh or dried forms of the various spices, you will want to strain the drink before consuming it to remove any large pieces.
Sweetener
Most recipes include a hint of sweetness in this warm golden milk drink.
Maple syrup adds a unique flavor profile to the underlying spices.
Raw honey is another good option for adding a bit of sweetness to the drink.
You can also use a homemade simple syrup made with cane sugar or commercial coffee syrup.
When using homemade simple syrup, I also like to add a touch of caramel or vanilla extract to complement the other flavors in this warm beverage.
Golden Milk Latte (Turmeric Latte)
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp ground turmeric
- 1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp cardamom
- pinch lemon pepper
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/2 tsp caramel extract
Instructions
- Combine the turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom in a small bowl.
- Combine 1/2 teaspoon of the spice mix and the remainder of the ingredients in a small saucepan. Store the remainder of the spice mix in an airtight container for future use.
- Heat the ingredients over medium heat until slightly warmer than your preferred drinking temperature.
- If you don't want a "spice sludge" at the bottom of your cup, I highly recommend straining the mixture through a strainer with multiple layers of cheesecloth. Strain twice to remove the spices.
- Optional: Run the liquid through the blender (or a milk frother) for 1-2 minutes to give the drink extra body. Pour into your favorite mug, top with a sprinkle of cinnamon, and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is golden milk tea the same thing as a golden milk latte?
Yes. The drink is the same but goes by several different names.
Can you substitute a cinnamon stick for ground cinnamon in a golden milk latte?
Absolutely. Don’t add the stick to the blender if you choose to use a cinnamon stick instead of the ground version.
Add the cinnamon stick to the saucepan, and the cinnamon flavor will infuse beautifully into the drink.
Remove the cinnamon stick before drinking.
Can you substitute fresh ginger for ground ginger in a golden milk latte?
Yes. You can either finely mince a small piece of fresh ginger and add it to the blender or put a chunk into the saucepan and allow its flavor to infuse into the drink.
Adding the piece of ginger to the saucepan will give the drink a more subtle flavor than adding either the ground or minced version.
Strain before drinking to remove any lingering pieces of ginger.
Can you use fresh turmeric root in a turmeric milk recipe?
Yes. Use it as you would the fresh ginger and add it to the blender or lightly infuse via heat into the drink.
Infusing it into your drink may leave you with a less vibrant final drink color than adding it via the ground or minced forms.
What are the health benefits of turmeric?
Turmeric contains an antioxidant called curcumin, which helps alleviate chronic inflammation. On a larger scale, it can help reduce the risk of cardiac disease and even some types of cancer.
It also has pain-relieving properties and, when taken in small, daily doses, can help soothe digestive distress.
There is even limited research out there suggesting that turmeric can protect brain function, but more data is needed to make a definitive statement.
And when thinking about taking any nutritional or dietary supplement, it’s always best to consult your primary care provider to avoid dangerous interactions or side effects.
Are there side effects of eating too much turmeric?
Although turmeric can relieve some gastric distress in lower doses, taking too much can cause bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
Limiting your daily intake to one teaspoon or less of turmeric reduces your risk of stomach issues caused by overeating turmeric.
Why should you add black pepper to your turmeric tea?
There is a compound in black pepper that activates the antioxidant properties of turmeric. Adding just a hint of black pepper helps ensure you get all those fantastic health benefits of the spice.
Why do some recipes for turmeric milk tea include coconut oil?
Turmeric milk tea traditionally has a fat component added. The fat helps release the antioxidant properties of turmeric and unleashes its full health benefits.
Using whole-fat milk is another excellent way to release the antioxidant properties if you don’t have coconut oil or don’t enjoy the taste.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re searching for a morning pick-me-up or a late afternoon closer, the golden milk latte just might fit the bill.
Its timeless, soothing qualities have long made it a favorite health elixir for boosting the immune system and relieving joint pain.
And it’s a delicious drink that can quickly be whipped up at any time of the day.
Give it a try today, and let me know what you think in the comments below.
And if you’re looking for more excellent coffee inspiration, check out a few of my previous posts:
- 8 Surprising Benefits of French Press Coffee
- Copycat Dunkin’ Iced Chai Latte Recipe
- How to Make a Copycat Raspberry Green Tea with Bubbles
- The Best Cold Brew Container for Home Brewing
- How to Make a Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew with Caramel
- Can You Froth Oat Milk? Your Guide to Frothing at Home
- How to Make an Iced Blonde Vanilla Bean Coconut Latte
- How to Make a Raspberry Chai Tea Latte
- How to Recreate a Vanilla Spice Dunkin’ at Home
- How to Make a Delectable Raspberry Mocha Latte
