Golden milk (also known as turmeric tea) is cozy and comforting, with turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon – kind of like a warm hot chocolate, but with good-for-you stuff, too. So this Golden Milk Latte recipe with vanilla and turmeric is a total win!
I think we can all agree that turmeric is having a moment. It’s everywhere right now – and for good reason. My favorite way to enjoy turmeric? Golden milk tea! This Vanilla Turmeric Golden Milk Latte, to be exact … every. Single. Night.
In a nutshell, golden milk is made by simmering turmeric and ginger with almond milk or coconut milk. To make it more of a latte, I go heavy on the milk and froth it.
Taste-wise, to me, golden milk is reminiscent of a chai tea latte – both are warm, spicy, and comforting.
What Do Golden Milk Lattes Taste Like?
Like coffee, golden milk can be a bit of an acquired taste. Turmeric can be a bit bitter, though simmering helps tame that. Ginger, vanilla, and honey also help counteract the bitterness.
Recipe Development Notes
I’ve tried this turmeric tea with fresh turmeric root, but I prefer both the ease and taste of ground turmeric. I’ve also made it with fresh ginger and like it just as well as ground, though the end result is a bit more … piquant (in a good way).
I’ve also tried golden milk lattes with pure maple syrup instead of the honey, crushed cardamom pods, vanilla beans, star anise, cayenne pepper, and peppercorns instead of ground black pepper.
Honestly, all versions are delicious. Ultimately, I decided to keep this Golden Milk Latte recipe at its most basic and I encourage you to tinker with the recipe until you’re happy with your own personalized version.
Golden Milk Latte Ingredients
For this golden milk latte recipe, I thought I would keep it as easy and as basic as possible, a building block for you and your own customized golden milk deliciousness.
Milk – I like to use unsweetened almond milk, but oat milk is also delicious.
Honey – I love the rich sweetness of honey in golden milk lattes.
Turmeric – I go with the ground dried turmeric found in the spice aisle.
Ginger – I also use ground dried ginger, but 1-2 teapoons of grated fresh ginger will work well, too.
Cinnamon – One cinnamon stick for subtle cinnamon flavor.
Vanilla – I love how vanilla rounds out the sweet and spicy flavors in golden milk lattes!
Coconut oil – This is optional, but some studies have shown that a touch of fat like coconut oil can help your body absorb some of the beneficial compounds found in turmeric. (source + more info)
Recipe Adaptations & Variations
Vegan Golden Milk Latte: Be sure and use a plant-based milk, and swap the honey for pure maple syrup or agave syrup.
Optional additions – add with the other spices at the beginning of the process.
Pinch freshly ground black pepper (also reported to help your body absorb cucurmin from the turmeric)
1/2 vanilla bean (seeds scraped and entire bean added)
2-3 cardamom pods (crushed)
1 star anise
Pinch ground cayenne pepper
Pinch freshly ground nutmeg
Black peppercorns
How to Make a Golden Milk Latte
To make your turmeric tea, set a small pan over low heat and add the almond milk, a little honey, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and black pepper. Whisk it all together.
Bring the mixture to steaming, just below a simmer (don’t boil).
Remove from the heat and remove the cinnamon stick and any other large spices that need to removed (you can strain it too). Then stir in the coconut oil and vanilla. Taste and add more vanilla if you like.
I like to froth the final product, giving my turmeric tea a decidedly latte-esque feel. But frothing is absolutely not required – it’s wonderful either way.
Health benefits of turmeric aside, a mug of this comforting turmeric tea is also just the perfect way to cozy up at the end of a long day. I think it's reminiscent of a chai latte – warming and a bit spicy. Take this recipe and customize however you'd like!
1teaspoonhoney(up to 1 tablespon or more, to taste) (can sub pure maple syrup for vegan version)
1/4teaspoonground turmeric
1/4teaspoonground ginger(can sub 1-2 teaspoons fresh grated ginger, to taste)
1 5-inchcinnamon stick(can sub 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon)
1/2teaspoonpure vanilla extract
1/2teaspooncoconut oil(optional*)
Optional additions – add with the other spices at the beginning of the process.
Pinchfreshly ground black pepper*
1/2vanilla bean(seeds scraped and entire bean added)
2-3cardamom pods(crushed)
1star anise
Pinchground cayenne pepper
Pinchfreshly ground nutmeg
Black peppercorns
Instructions
Set a small saucepan over low heat. Add the almond milk, 1 teaspoon honey, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon stick, and black pepper and stir with a whisk until combined.
Bring to steaming, just below a simmer. Do not let it come to a boil. Keep just below a simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes.
Remove from heat. Remove the cinnamon stick. If you added other spices that need to be strained out, strain using a fine mesh strainer then return to the pan. Stir in the vanilla and coconut oil (if using). Taste and add additional honey if desired (I like about 2 teaspoons).
Use a frother to froth the tea, if desired. Pour into a mug and spoon the froth over the top. Serve.
Video
Notes
* Coconut oil and ground black pepper have both been found to help increase the absorption of curcumin, the beneficial anti-inflammatory compound found in turmeric. I usually include both for this reason.
Vegan option:
Use pure maple syrup instead of honey to sweeten.Adapted from The View From Great Island – I first learned about Turmeric Tea when Susan linked to her beautiful recipe on Facebook, and I am forever grateful!