Golden Milk (Turmeric Latte)
Before I ever tried a turmeric latte, I assumed it would taste medicinal or a little weird. But the first time I made a cup from fresh turmeric and ginger, I was immediately hooked. I wasn’t expecting to like this as much as I do, honestly.
Golden milk has such a pleasant spiced flavor, with a little zip from the ginger and turmeric and subtle warmth from the cinnamon. Now, I crave this cozy, caffeine-free drink anytime I want something soothing, especially on chilly evenings.
This golden turmeric latte recipe is steeped (literally!) in tradition. Instead of stirring in turmeric powder like many modern versions, I gently simmer fresh turmeric root, fresh ginger, and whole cinnamon sticks right in milk on the stovetop. The result? A smooth, flavorful drink without any gritty residue.
If you like this, you might also love my Ginger Milk Tea or Masala Chai from Scratch. Both are cozy, milk-based drinks infused with whole spices. The masala chai includes black tea for a caffeinated kick, while golden milk is all about herbal comfort.
Why You’ll Love This Golden Turmeric Latte
Warm and cozy — Perfect for fall and winter nights
Naturally caffeine-free — No tea or coffee here, just herbal goodness
Made with fresh turmeric and ginger — For a cleaner taste and smoother texture
Comforting and soothing — Often enjoyed before bed to help wind down
Health-boosting — Turmeric and ginger are both rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
Budget-Friendly Bonus
Golden lattes at coffee shops can cost $5–$7 a cup (or more…eek!), but making your own at home is so much cheaper. You can literally buy fresh turmeric and ginger root for pennies, and a single piece of each will make multiple servings. Cozy + cost-effective! What’s not to love about that?
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Fresh turmeric root – The star of the show!
- Fresh ginger root – Adds a zesty kick.
- Cinnamon sticks – For subtle sweetness and warmth.
- Black pepper – Helps your body absorb all the goodness from the turmeric.
- Milk – Use what you like: whole milk or plant-based options both work.
- Optional: splash of coconut oil or other healthy fat – For even better absorption of the curcumin in the turmeric (if not using milk with fat).
- Sweetener – I like a bit of brown sugar or raw sugar. Honey or maple syrup also taste great.
- Ground Cinnamon – To sprinkle on top (optional).
Ingredient Notes
Why not turmeric powder?
Turmeric powder is actually a great option, especially when you’re short on time or don’t have access to fresh root. It’s convenient, shelf-stable, and still delivers that signature flavor and golden color. That said, it can sometimes settle to the bottom of the cup or create a slightly gritty texture.
For this recipe, I love using fresh turmeric because it steeps cleanly into the milk and gives the latte a smooth, infused flavor. But powdered turmeric totally has its place, especially if you’re planning to make golden milk often.
Coming soon: I’m working on a homemade turmeric latte powder blend made with ground spices so you can scoop and stir whenever the craving hits. Stay tuned!
Do I really need the black pepper?
Yes! Piperine, found in black pepper, boosts your body’s ability to absorb curcumin (the active compound in turmeric).
What kind of milk works best?
Whole milk gives the creamiest result, but oat, almond, or coconut milk work too. Pick one with some fat to help your body better absorb the fat-soluble curcumin found in the turmeric .
Looking for more ways to enjoy fresh ginger?
Check out my Ginger Tea Recipe for a caffeine-free tea option or my Ginger Milk Tea for a spiced, cozy drink that’s equally soothing.
How to Make a Turmeric Latte (Golden Milk)
Detailed recipe and instructions are in recipe card at bottom of post.
- Slice the roots.
Thinly slice the turmeric and ginger. No need to peel unless you want to. - Add to a saucepan.
Place turmeric, ginger, cinnamon stick, black pepper, and milk in a small saucepan. Add a splash of oil if using. - Simmer gently.
Heat over medium-low until steaming hot (but not boiling). Simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring now and then. - Sweeten to taste.
Remove from heat and stir in your sweetener of choice. - Strain and serve.
Pour through a fine mesh strainer into your favorite mug. Sip and enjoy!
Making the golden milk.
Straining the turmeric latte.
Recipe Notes
- Want a frothy latte? Pop it into a milk frother or blend briefly with an immersion blender.
- Turmeric stains! Be careful with your cutting board and mugs.
- This recipe makes 1–2 servings. It’s easy to scale up if you’re sharing or want a refill.
Pro Tip:
If you drink turmeric lattes regularly, stay tuned for my upcoming turmeric tea concentrate recipe. It’s a make-ahead option that you can combine with hot or cold milk for quick golden lattes anytime.
Is Turmeric Latte Good for You?
Note: Turmeric may interact with certain medications, so it’s a good idea to check with your doctor if you have any concerns.
Turmeric is more than just a colorful root. It’s long been used in traditional medicine. Thanks to curcumin, it’s packed with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial benefits. Just be sure to include black pepper (to boost curcumin absorption) and ideally pair it with a fat (like coconut oil or whole milk) to help your body absorb all those good compounds.
Ginger brings its own benefits to the mix, especially for digestion and inflammation.
And beyond the physical perks, golden milk is a naturally caffeine-free, warm beverage that may help promote relaxation and support better sleep. It’s often enjoyed in the evening for that very reason.
Personal Note
I’ve been doing a little “study of one” (just me!) and I’ve noticed that when I drink a small cup of golden milk in the evening, I sleep longer and wake up feeling more rested. Whether it’s the relaxing spices or the cozy routine (or all in my head), it’s become one of my favorite ways to wind down at night.
Craving More Spiced Milk Teas?
If you love this kind of warm, spiced drink, here are a few of my other favorites:
- Masala Chai from Scratch – Made with whole spices and real black tea
- Homemade Chai Concentrate – Perfect for prepping a week’s worth of chai lattes
- Ginger Milk Tea – A bold, simple blend of fresh ginger and milk
- Pumpkin Chai Latte – A creamy, fall favorite
- Starbucks Iced Chai with Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam – A refreshing and indulgent way to enjoy chai on ice
Turmeric Latte (Golden Milk)
This turmeric latte is made from scratch using fresh turmeric root, ginger, and whole spices for a warm, cozy drink packed with flavor. It’s a golden latte recipe that gently simmers real ingredients in milk for a smooth, soothing latte experience, without any ground spices.
Ingredients
- 1 inch turmeric root
- 1/2 inch ginger root
- 1/2 cinnamon stick, (broken into pieces)
- 5-10 black peppercorns
- 12 ounces milk, preferably with fat
- 1 teaspoon raw sugar (or another sweetener like maple syrup, honey etc)
Instructions
- Slice the roots. Thinly slice the turmeric and ginger. No need to peel unless you want to.
- Add to a saucepan. Place turmeric, ginger, cinnamon stick, black pepper, and milk in a small saucepan. Add a splash of oil if using.
- Simmer gently. Heat over medium-low until steaming hot (but not boiling). Simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring now and then.
- Sweeten to taste. Remove from heat and stir in your sweetener of choice.
- Strain and serve. Pour through a fine mesh strainer into your favorite mug. Sip and enjoy!
Notes
- Be sure to prepare your golden milk with black pepper and pair with milk with fat (or a splash of coconut oil) for better absorption of the curcumin in the turmeric.
- Want a frothy latte? Pop it into a milk frother or blend briefly with an immersion blender.
- Turmeric stains! Be careful with your cutting board and mugs.
- This recipe makes 1–2 servings. It’s easy to scale up if you’re sharing or want a refill.