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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 my creamy, cozy golden milk recipe. Also known as turmeric milk or haldi doodh, this golden milk latte is an Indian-inspired recipe that’s been used as a natural remedy for centuries. Traditionally made by gently heating milk with turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and a pinch of black pepper, my version uses coconut milk for a rich, comforting flavor that’s completely plant-based and dairy-free.
Table of contents
Why You’ll Love This Golden Milk Recipe
This golden milk recipe checks all the boxes when it comes to a healthy drink. It’s quick to make, full of nourishing ingredients, and totally dairy-free. Every sip feels like a gentle reset. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your daily routine:
- Ancient remedy, modern reset: Inspired by Ayurvedic tradition, this drink blends turmeric, ginger, and warming spices for a soothing sip that supports your body from the inside out.
- Anti-inflammatory powerhouse: Turmeric’s curcumin delivers science-backed benefits to help reduce inflammation and fight oxidative stress.
- Naturally sweet and satisfying: A drizzle of honey balances the bold spices, making it just sweet enough without overdoing it.
- Caffeine-free calm: There are no jitters, no crash. Just a calming, bedtime-friendly blend that helps you unwind and recharge.
Ingredients You’ll Need
My nourishing golden milk latte feels like a luxurious café drink, but it’s easy to make at home with a few everyday staples and healing spices. It’s rich, warming, and full of flavor you can feel good about. Here’s what you’ll need to make this wellness-boosting drink:
- Ground turmeric: The star ingredient that gives this golden milk recipe its signature hue and anti-inflammatory power. Look for it in the spice aisle, organic options tend to have the boldest color and flavor.
- Ginger root: Fresh ginger adds a spicy, invigorating kick in the drink. Peel and slice or grate for maximum flavor. You can find it in the produce section near the garlic and onions.
- Spices: Ground cinnamon brings cozy, chai-like warmth and a subtle sweetness that perfectly balances turmeric’s earthy bitterness. Black pepper might seem like a small addition, but it plays a powerful role in creating a powerful drink. You can find these in the spice aisle.
- Canned coconut milk: Full-fat canned coconut milk makes the drink extra creamy and satisfying, while also delivering healthy fats to support nutrient absorption. Find it in the international foods or canned goods aisle.
- Raw honey: Adds gentle sweetness and a dose of natural antioxidants. Stir it in after heating to preserve its nutrients. Look for local or raw varieties in the baking or natural foods section.
- Unrefined coconut oil: This adds richness and helps emulsify the milk for a smooth, frothy finish. Use cold-pressed, unrefined coconut oil for a mild, pleasant flavor. You’ll find it in the oil or baking aisle.
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How to Make Dairy-free Turmeric Milk
If you’re looking for a cozy, caffeine-free drink to end your day on a calming note, this turmeric milk is it. Inspired by the traditional Indian drink haldi doodh, this dairy-free version is easy to make at home:
- Add the ground turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, and fresh ginger in a saucepan. These are your healing base ingredients.
- Pour in the canned coconut milk, then add the raw honey and unrefined coconut oil. Whisk everything together until smooth and well combined.
- Warm the mixture over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Heat until very hot but not boiling, you want it steaming, not bubbling.
- Pour the hot mixture into a heat-safe blender and blend on low until light and frothy. Once frothy, pour into your favorite mug, sip, and enjoy.
Make Your Golden Milk Latte Smooth and Grit-Free
If you’re using fresh ginger or find the texture of ground spices a bit gritty, strain your golden milk through a fine mesh sieve before serving. This ensures a silky-smooth drink without compromising on flavor.
Easy Swaps and Add-ins
Try these easy variations to tailor this golden milk recipe to your taste or what you have on hand. Whether you’re craving something spicier, creamier, or more naturally sweetened, you can make it your own.
- Milk options: Not a fan of coconut milk? No problem. Swap it out for almond milk, oat milk, or cashew milk. Just be sure to choose something unsweetened so you can control the flavor.
- Sweetener swaps: This recipe calls for raw honey, but you can easily use maple syrup, agave nectar, dates, or stevia. You can go to my blog that covers the best natural sweeteners.
- Spice it your way: Want a bolder flavor? Add a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or a splash of vanilla extract. Craving more heat? A dash of cayenne will do the trick and boost circulation, too.
- Add creaminess: Instead of coconut oil, you can use a small amount of ghee (for non vegetarian versions) or MCT oil for an extra creamy, energizing blend.
- Hot or iced: While golden milk is traditionally enjoyed warm, it’s just as tasty served over ice. Blend everything and chill for a refreshing, summer-ready version.
More Plant-based Teas and Lattes
Here are a few of my favorite non-dairy drinks that are energizing and perfect for any season, whether you’re craving something warm and spiced or cool and refreshing:
- When I’m in the mood for something bold and spiced, chai tea latte is my go-to. It’s brewed with black tea, warming spices like cardamom and cloves, and finished with frothy oat milk for a rich, comforting cup.
- When I’m looking for something sweet and smooth, my cinnamon dolce latte hits the spot. It blends cinnamon and vanilla with espresso and steamed milk for an amazing drink that tastes like dessert in a cup.
- On warmer days, I reach for my vanilla iced matcha latte. It’s earthy, refreshing, and made with antioxidant-rich matcha powder and creamy milk over ice, perfect for a gentle energy boost without the crash.
- When I want something warm, cleansing, and invigorating, I reach for my best homemade detox tea. With lemon, fresh ginger, and a touch of cayenne, it’s gently spicy, soothing, and perfect for jumpstarting digestion and giving your body a natural reset.
If you make this golden milk recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out in the comment box below. Your feedback helps me and all the readers in this community. And if you’re interested in more plant-based recipes (and exclusive content), sign up for my weekly recipe newsletter.
Golden Milk Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ tsp ground turmeric ground
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon ground
- ⅛ tsp black pepper, ground ground
- ½ tsp ginger root
- 1 cup coconut milk canned
- 1 tbsp raw honey
- 1 tbsp coconut oil, unrefined
Instructions
- Combine the turmeric, cinnamon, pepper and ginger in a saucepan.
- Whisk in the coconut milk, honey and oil.
- Heat over medium heat for 5 minutes, until very hot but not boiling.
- Pour into a heat-safe blender container and carefully blend on low until frothy. Alternatively, remove saucepan from heat and use an immersion blender to carefully froth.
- Pour it into the glass and it's ready to serve!
Equipment
Video
Notes
- Milk options: You can use any plant-based milk for this recipe—almond, oat, coconut, or soy all work well. For a creamier texture, choose full-fat coconut milk.
- Sweetener swaps: Maple syrup can be replaced with honey, agave, or a few drops of stevia to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Fresh vs. ground spices: Ground turmeric is convenient, but fresh turmeric root (grated) offers a bolder, earthier flavor. If using fresh, start with about 1 teaspoon.
- Black pepper boost: Don’t skip the black pepper—it enhances the absorption of curcumin (the active compound in turmeric) for greater health benefits.
- Make-ahead tip: You can mix the dry spices in bulk and store them in an airtight jar for up to a month to make quick non-dairy drinks anytime.
Nutrition
Common Questions
Golden milk, also known as turmeric milk or haldi doodh, is a warm, comforting drink made by blending turmeric, ginger, and other spices like cinnamon and black pepper with milk (dairy or plant-based). It’s naturally caffeine-free and often sweetened with honey or maple syrup, making it a nourishing alternative to coffee or tea with a beautiful golden glow.
Golden milk is traditionally made by gently heating milk with turmeric and other warming spices like ginger, cinnamon, and a pinch of black pepper (which helps your body absorb curcumin, the active compound in turmeric). It’s typically sweetened with honey or maple syrup and sometimes finished with a splash of vanilla. While classic recipes use dairy milk, plant-based options like coconut, almond, or oat milk work just as well and add their own subtle flavor. Simmer everything together for a few minutes to let the spices infuse, then strain for a silky-smooth, nourishing drink.
One of the benefits of golden milk is that drinking regularly can support your overall wellness thanks to its powerful ingredients. Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. Combined with ginger, black pepper, and healthy fats from milk or coconut oil, golden milk may help with joint health, digestion, immune support, and even relaxation. It’s a simple, delicious way to give your body a daily dose of functional nutrition.
Yes, you can enjoy a turmeric milk daily, and many people do! As long as you’re not consuming excessive amounts of turmeric (especially in supplement form), drinking a cup of golden milk each day is generally considered safe and beneficial for most people. If you have any medical conditions or are taking medications (especially blood thinners), it’s best to check with your healthcare provider first.
I want to try this tonight – just wondering if it drains the Vitamix. What was your experience if using the Vitamix A3500i.
I make this in my Vitamix and it works wonderfully. 🙂
I was a little hesitant to try this with the cracked pepper, but honestly, it blended right in! A very soothing drink.
I love drinking this after a long day! It’s def a great soothing drink.
Has anyone tried heating this up in their VitaMix? I know you can make soup in it, so can anyone think of s reason not to hear this up in it also?
Thank you!
Hey Ann! I think you could def make this + heat it in your Vitamix.
This sound really good. Think I might try tonight with my boys. Question…how do you store your fresh ginger & can you grate it & save it, if so how do you store it? I have lots of fresh ginger right now….lots:-) Thank you
Hey Julie! I usually keep mine in the fruit basket that’s on the countertop in the kitchen. You can also store it in the fridge and even the freezer. (I store it whole but you can grate it and store it if you want.) Some people like to keep it in the freezer whole and that makes it much easier to grate when you need to use some. If you have lots, I’d put some in the fridge and some in the freezer. 🙂
I love this blog. I just had to say that. The photos, the content and conversations about the content is absolutely amazing. I have visited many blogs like this but I have stuck with and recommended this blog. I have been rawking with you for five years! It has made what once seemed impossible, possible.
That’s great, Alexis! We’re glad you’re here. 😀
Is it okay to add hot liquid to a plastic blender container? Would it be better to use an immersion blender or something of that sort so the plastic doesn’t leach or anything? Just curious.
It is totally fine to add it to your blender. This is what I always have to do since I do not have an immersion blender. If you do have an immersion blender I would suggest using that to make it easier for you.
I have been benefiting from “Golden milk” to reduce my inflammation, but never thought to add ginger to it! Looking forward to trying this for a “double whammy”. 🙂 Thanks so much!
Hey Angela,
It really is the perfect combination!!!
Enjoy 🙂
Just made this for the first time!!! Delicious! Doctor recommended turmeric for arthritis. YUM!
Hey Debra!
SO happy that you were able to not only enjoy this recipe but that it was also beneficial to you as well.
Win win!!! 🙂
I absolutely love turmeric milk. I have found I also love it with fresh turmeric in this (just grate it up like the fresh ginger). Thank you for another awesome recipe!
You’re welcome, Kimberly!
This looks delicious! Can’t wait!
Hope you enjoy this recipe, Rachel!!
I cannot wait to try this after a long day of autumn hiking! It seems likes the perfect way to kick off a chilly night, sitting around the fireplace and warming up 🙂
Hey Kate,
Awe I wish I was hiking right now!
It really is the perfect “chilly night” drink 🙂
I can not wait to try this! I think that it would help the inflammation in my knees and elbows. Years of Tae Kwon Do have done a number on my joints. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe!
Hi Emily,
That is so neat you did Tae Kwon Do! I am sure this recipe will help relieve some of your joint pain.
Cheers!
So looking forward to trying this.
Thank you Caroline!
It really is super tasty and we cannot wait for you to try it!
This looks so comforting… does the blending impact the flavor at all or just the texture?
Hey Tega,
It is so comforting and makes you want to snuggle up in a blanket and binge watch Netflix 🙂
The blending will help with both. Making sure it is blender completely will make the flavors mess together well and also avoid any powder chunks.
Cheers!
I’m curious about the turmeric milk as its not something I typically cook with. Looking forward to adding it into my beverage rotation as I LOVE the spiced almond milk from the spring cleanse!
Hey Tabatha,
Turmeric is so beneficial to your body and reduces inflammation. Not only is this recipe soothing and delicious, it’s also healing as well!!
I made this turmeric milk recipe last night and it was delicious. I felt so good today also.
Im so excited about finding healthy ways to reduce inflammation and sleep better. Thank you Jen!
Hey Michaela,
I am so happy to hear how much you enjoyed this recipe! It really is the best because not only is it soothing, it also reduces any inflammation you may have. It’s a win win!!