Turmeric Latte (Golden Milk): A Soothing Spiced Drink Recipe

A naturally caffeine-free beverage, this golden milk is warm and comforting. Learn how to make a turmeric latte with five ingredients in about six minutes.

Golden milk in a mug.

Golden Milk (Turmeric Latte)

Golden milk, or a turmeric latte, is a traditional Indian-style drink made from warm milk and ground turmeric. The bright yellow hue from turmeric is what gives this drink its “golden” name.

This beverage contains no tea or coffee and is naturally caffeine-free. Turmeric can stain teeth and utensils, so rinse or brush after enjoying a cup.

Note from Jee

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I tested several variations before settling on this version. I trimmed down the spice list to the essentials to keep the flavor balanced.

For the milk, oat milk performed best—it’s creamier and more flavorful than almond milk for this recipe.

Remember that turmeric stains easily. Clean mugs, frothers, and your teeth promptly.

Recipe Summary

  • Made with ground turmeric, ground ginger, and cinnamon for a balanced, warming flavor.
  • An electric milk frother gives the creamiest texture, but a French press works well too.
  • Ready in roughly six minutes and completely caffeine-free.
  • Yield is one 16-ounce serving (about 2 cups, similar to a grande).

Ingredient Notes

Ingredients for golden milk.
  • Oat milk: Any milk will work, including cow’s milk. Oat milk froths well and gives a rich, creamy texture; almond milk tends to froth less.
  • Ground turmeric: Use good-quality turmeric for the best flavor and color.
  • Ground ginger: Adds a bright, spicy note that complements turmeric.
  • Ground cinnamon: Offers warm, sweet undertones.
  • Maple syrup: Provides natural sweetness and depth; substitute honey or date syrup if preferred.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Pouring milk in an electric milk frother.

Step 1: Combine the milk and maple syrup in an electric milk frother or in a small saucepan.

Ingredients for golden milk in an electric milk frother.

Step 2: Add the ground turmeric, ground ginger, and ground cinnamon. Stir to combine.

Golden milk in an electric milk frother.

Step 3: Froth in the milk frother or gently simmer on the stovetop over low heat for about five minutes. Avoid boiling.

Pouring golden milk in a mug.

Step 4: Pour into a mug, sprinkle a little cinnamon if desired, and serve immediately.

Recipe Notes

Frothing with a French press

Heat the milk and spices on the stovetop without boiling. Pour the warmed mixture into a French press, close the lid, and pump the plunger about 20 times or until the liquid doubles in volume. Fill the press only halfway to leave room for froth.

Use fresh spices

For the best flavor, use fresh spices. Old or stale spices will produce a weaker taste.

Expert Tips

  • Clean pots, frothers, and utensils immediately after use because turmeric stains easily.
  • To make the drink milder, reduce the turmeric or omit the ginger.
  • Adjust sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup to taste.
Turmeric latte in a glass mug.

Related

  • Chamomile Latte
  • Rooibos Latte
  • Chocolate Mint Tea Latte
  • London Fog Drink (Earl Grey Tea Latte)
  • Lavender Latte

If you tried this Golden Milk (Turmeric Latte) recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ star rating and share how you liked it in the comments below.

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5 from 1 vote

Golden Milk (Turmeric Latte)

By: Jee Choe, Certified Tea Sommelier
Make golden milk at home in about six minutes with this simple recipe.
Prep Time: 6 minutes
Total Time: 6 minutes
Yield: 1 serving (16 ounces)

Equipment

  • Electric Milk Frother

Ingredients 

  • 1 ¾ cups oat milk
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • teaspoon ground ginger
  • teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions 

  • Put the oat milk and maple syrup in an electric milk frother or saucepan. Add the ground turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon.
  • Froth or heat the drink.

    If using a frother, turn it on to blend the ingredients. If using a saucepan, simmer on low for about five minutes without boiling.

  • Pour into a mug.

    Garnish with a pinch of ground cinnamon and enjoy immediately.

Notes

  • To froth with a French press: heat ingredients gently, pour into the press, and pump the plunger about 20 times until frothy. Only fill halfway to leave space for foam.
  • Any milk can be used, though frothing varies by type—oat milk froths especially well.
  • Swap maple syrup for honey or date syrup if desired.
  • Use fresh spices for the best aroma and flavor.
  • Clean utensils and containers promptly to avoid turmeric stains.

Nutrition

Calories: 287Carbohydrates: 57gProtein: 7gFat: 5gSugar: 45g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.

Tried this recipe?Mention @ohhowcivilized or tag #ohhowcivilized!