Simple Golden Milk Latte

As I age I’ve noticed inflammation creeping up in my body more easily, especially when I’m training for my next big running race. To combat this naturally, I turn to a creamy, cozy Golden Milk Latte. This turmeric latte is an Indian-inspired recipe that’s been used as a natural remedy for centuries.

I love using the inflammation-fighting power of turmeric in recipes like my Honey Turmeric Smoothie and my Turmeric Tea, so this delightful latte is no different.

This recipe was originally featured in my Simple Green Meals cookbook alongside other lovely beverages like the Best Detox Tea and my Homemade Hot Chocolate to show you how easy it is to create plant-based drinks you’ll love.

Golden milk dates back to ancient India (approximately 4,000 years ago), where it is referred to as haldi doodh, or turmeric milk. The original milk recipe is much simpler than modern takes. Just 1/2 cup of hot milk and 1 tablespoon of ground turmeric mixed results in a bright yellow shot to cure everything from sore joints to the flu.

My “modern” twist uses full-fat coconut milk for extra creamy deliciousness as well as a few more spices to really bring this drink to life. I’m even using fresh ginger root for a healthy, potent kick.

Recipe Ingredients

To harness all the anti-inflammatory power I could get into one cup, I chose a few key ingredients. Plus, they just taste really great together:

• Ground turmeric: The awesome benefits of this bright root come from its active ingredient, curcumin. Curcumin is anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.
• Ground cinnamon: Ceylon cinnamon contains antioxidants that fight free radicals.
• Black pepper: The piperine in black pepper can help the body absorb curcumin.
• Ginger root: Fresh ginger has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-nausea and anti-cancer properties. These make it as important to this golden milk as the turmeric! Though it might be a little spicy for you, give it a try.
• Full-fat coconut milk: Canned coconut milk is ultra creamy, making it the perfect base for this latte. It’s also a healthy fat!
• Raw honey: This turmeric latte needs a bit of sweetness. Raw honey has antioxidant, anti-fungal and antibacterial properties.
• Coconut oil: I also added a small amount of coconut oil to aid in the digestion of the curcumin in turmeric.

While this ingredient list might not sound like it will go well together, trust me! You really should give this unique drink a try.

How to Make a Turmeric Latte

This beverage is simple to make. All you need is a small saucepan, a stove and a blender (if you want). Here’s how I’m whipping up mine:

1. Combine turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper and ginger root in a saucepan.
2. Turn the stove on to medium heat then whisk in the canned coconut milk, honey and coconut oil.
3. Heat for 5 minutes or until the mixture is very hot yet not boiling.
4. Remove from heat and carefully pour mixture into a heat-safe blender container. Blend on low until the mixture is frothy.
5. Pour the latte into your favorite mug and enjoy!

In step 4, you can blend the mixture, use an immersion blender or use a milk frother, whichever you want. Just know the frother won’t break up the fresh ginger root pieces like a blender will.

You can also sprinkle ground ginger or ground cinnamon on top once this is in a mug for a little extra delight.

Easy Recipe Variations

I hope you try this recipe as-is to start then feel free to play around with the variations below.

Swap the canned coconut milk for carton coconut milk or the dairy-free milk of your choice. Oat milk is also a creamy (and nut-free) option.

Use fresh turmeric for an even more potent elixir. Just add two inches to the saucepan and heat for five minutes. Then remove the turmeric before blending.

Turn this into a caffeinated latte by adding one shot of espresso. It will give you some smooth energy along with all the other great benefits!

Benefits of Golden Milk

Turmeric is part of the Zingiberaceae family, which also includes ginger. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Because ground turmeric only contains around 3% of curcumin, I use fresh ground black pepper in this golden milk latte recipe to help the body absorb it better. Studies show that inflammation is part of almost every Western ailment.

Helping the body control inflammation is key to living out your life passions.

More Inflammation-Fighting Recipes

I know many people struggle with ongoing inflammation for a variety of reasons, which is why I’m sharing this latte recipe.

I’ve created a few other plant-based recipes to also help fight inflammation, whether you’re looking for a cold smoothie like my Pomegranate Smoothie or this Anti-Inflammatory Smoothie or a hot beverage like my Apple Cider Vinegar Drink or my Lavender Sleep Tea.

I firmly believe plants should be a major source of nutrition and fuel. I also know firsthand just how well they can heal, as well as provide energy.

Will you rate and review this beverage once you make it? I love getting your feedback!