Golden Milk Recipe (Turmeric Milk) - Cooking Classy (2024)

Published April 21, 2023. Updated April 22, 2023

Golden Milk, AKA Turmeric Milk or Haldi Doodh, is a healthy, vividly flavorful, vibrant and dramatically yellow Indian drink made from milk, plenty of turmeric and other inviting spices. It can be served warm and soothing or cold and refreshing.

What does Golden Milk taste like?

Golden milk has a distinctive taste. It is warmly earthy, supremely spiced, slightly sweet, complexly flavorful, has a light bite to it, and with the addition of coconut oil or if using dairy milk it becomes a rich drink.

Some drinks with similar flavor include chai tea or spicy eggnog.

You have the option to sweeten it, then serve it warm and cozy or chilled and iced. I say this really just depends on the season. I think you’ll love it warm during fall and winter months and chilled during spring and summer months.

It’s touted to have lots of health benefits (see below) and some say it can even help improve sleep quality.

All the more reason to enjoy this delicious drink! It has tempting flavor and nutritious benefits.

Golden Milk Recipe Ingredients

See recipe box below for full recipe.

• Coconut milk, rice milk, coconut milk beverage, or dairy milk (avoid dairy milk for vegan option)
• Honey or maple syrup (use maple syrup for vegan option)
• Coconut oil
• Ground turmeric
• Cinnamon
• Ginger
• Cardamom
• Nutmeg
• Cloves
• Black pepper
• Vanilla extract

How to Make Golden Milk

1. Mix ingredients in pot: In a large saucepan or medium pot whisk together milk, honey, coconut oil, turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, cloves, and black pepper.
2. Simmer and steep: Heat over medium heat just until simmering. Reduce heat to low (should just be a light simmer), cover and let simmer 5 minutes.
   Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and let steep off heat for 5 minutes then serve once cool enough to your liking.
3. Serve hot or iced: If you would like to serve the drink iced rather than warm, chill in the fridge overnight then serve over ice in glasses.

How to Make It with Whole Spices

Use these amounts if you would like to make this with whole spices in place of dried which is also delicious. Also you’ll want to simmer for at least 10 minutes to bring out the flavors of the spices. Strain through a fine mesh sieve into a large liquid measuring cup once finished.

• 3-inches fresh turmeric, peeled and grated
• 2 (2-inch) cinnamon sticks
• 1-inch fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
• 5 cardamom pods, crushed open
• 1/4 tsp fresh grated nutmeg
• 6 whole black peppercorns
• 4 cloves
• 1/2 vanilla bean, split

What are the benefits of golden milk?

• Cucumin (the active ingredient in turmeric), cinnamon and ginger have anti-inflammatory properties. These ingredients may also provide benefits that help improve memory and brain function, and even heart health.
• Cucumin also has strong antioxidant properties, and also it may help improve mood.
• It’s possible for ginger to help an upset stomach.
• Cinnamon and ginger may help lower blood sugar levels.
• Golden milk is believed to have immune boosting benefits and in India it is frequently used as a home remedy to fight against colds.
• It may be a good source of calcium and vitamin D depending on the type of milk used. (Source: Healthline)

Helpful Tips

• Be careful to only simmer this drink gently (a low heat works well). The first time I made it I didn’t realize it had reached a high simmer then progressed to a full boil, and before I knew it I had a vibrant golden mess to clean up that had boiled over on the stovetop.
• Use a fair size pot or saucepan. I like to use a 4 quart to allow adequate room in case it does start to simmer up higher than expected.
• This drink really stains. The yellow turmeric is very hard to clean out of clothes and upholstery so be mindful and careful not to spill. I also recommend sipping with a straw to help avoid stains on teeth.

How to Store and Shelf Life

• Golden turmeric milk should be stored in the fridge.
• Once cool enough store in an airtight container.
• It will keep refrigerated for 5 days. It can be rewarmed or served cold.

More Delicious Beverages to Try

• Agua Fresca
• Homemade Almond Milk
• Horchata
• Protein Drink
• Pumpkin Spice Latte