This Golden Milk Latte – also known as a turmeric tea latte – is comforting, delicious, and good for you too! With warming turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon, this golden latte reminds me of a cozy hot chocolate, but with health benefits, too.

Basically, this latte with turmeric is a total win!

Golden milk latte, also known as turmeric tea, in white mugs on a wooden board with cinnamon sticks.

I think we can all agree that turmeric is has been having a moment, well, for a while now – and for good reason. My favorite way to enjoy it? In the form of a Golden Milk Latte!

Table of Contents

What is a Golden Milk Latte?

In a nutshell, a turmeric latte is made by simmering turmeric and ginger with milk. To make it more of a latte, I go heavy on the milk and froth it – and I highly recommend adding a touch of cinnamon and vanilla to the equation too.

Taste-wise, to me, golden lattes are reminiscent of a chai tea latte – both are warm, spicy, and comforting.

Golden Milk Latte in a white stoneware mug on a wooden board.

What Do Golden Lattes Taste Like?

Like coffee, golden lattes 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.

Readers say …
“Thank you for this recipe. I’ve tried a few different Turmeric Tea recipes but yours is by far the best. It is so tasty!! And the anti inflammatory properties in this drink is a big bonus for me. Thanks for sharing!”

– Jules
Close-up of a turmeric latte with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top

Recipe Development Notes

  • Dried turmeric vs. fresh turmeric: I’ve tried this turmeric tea latte 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).
  • Dialing in the sweetener & spices: I’ve 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. And honestly, all versions are delicious. But 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.
ingredients for golden milk latte on a marble backdrop.

Golden Latte Recipe Ingredients

For this golden milk latte recipe, I keep it as easy and as basic as possible, a building block for you and your own customized golden latte deliciousness. No matter which way you try it, I just know you’re going to love this golden milk and all of those turmeric tea benefits!

  • Milk – I like to use unsweetened almond milk, but oat milk is also rich and delicious. Dairy milk works too; just use whichever you like!
  • Honey – I love the rich sweetness of honey in golden milk lattes. Pure maple syrup is an excellent substitute, especially if you’re eating a vegan diet.
  • Turmeric – I go with the vibrant orange-yellow ground dried turmeric found in the spice aisle.
  • Ginger – I also use ground dried ginger, but 1-2 teapoons of grated fresh ginger works 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

Make Golden Milk Powder: I love this little shortcut for making turmeric lattes. In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons ground turmeric, 2 tablespoons ground ginger, and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. When you’re ready to make a golden latte, add 1 teaspoon of the mix to the saucepan along with the other ingredients.

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
Two golden milk lattes in rustic white mugs with a pot of honey and a pitcher in the background

How to Make a Turmeric Latte

  1. 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.
  2. Bring the mixture to steaming, just below a simmer (don’t boil).
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Pour into a mug and enjoy!
4.84 from 18 votes

Golden Milk Latte

Prep: 3 minutes
Cook: 12 minutes
Total: 15 minutes
Author: Kare
Yield: 1
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!
Print Pin Rate

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 teaspoon honey (up to 1 tablespon or more, to taste) (can sub pure maple syrup for vegan version)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (can sub 1-2 teaspoons fresh grated ginger, to taste)
  • 1 5- inch cinnamon stick (can sub 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon)
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil (optional*)

Optional additions – add with the other spices at the beginning of the process.

  • Pinch freshly ground black pepper*
  • 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

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.

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!
Make Golden Milk Powder: I love this little shortcut for making turmeric lattes. In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons ground turmeric, 2 tablespoons ground ginger, and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. When you’re ready to make a golden latte, add 1 teaspoon of the mix to the saucepan along with the other ingredients.

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1cup, Calories: 119kcal, Carbohydrates: 16g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Sodium: 327mg, Potassium: 111mg, Fiber: 5g, Sugar: 6g, Vitamin A: 21IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 384mg, Iron: 2mg

More Warm & Cozy Drinks

FAQs

Q: Does a turmeric latte contain coffee?
Nope! It might have the name “latte” in it, but it doesn’t have espresso or coffee. I call it a latte because of the creamy, frothy milk.

Q: What are the health benefits of golden milk?
Turmeric (curcumin), is well-known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties (source). A latte with turmeric is the perfect way to enjoy this wonder-spice!

Q: Can I use fresh turmeric instead of ground turmeric?
Yes, although when I was testing this recipe, I actually preferred the dried turmeric, but fresh works too! Either way, you’ll get turmeric tea benefits. Use about 1 teaspoon grated fresh turmeric and strain before serving.

Q: How do I make this turmeric latte frothy?
After heating, froth with a hand-frothed or whisk vigorously by placing the whisk in the drink, putting the handle between your palms, and moving them back and forth for a quick spin.

Q: Can I make this an iced turmeric latte?
Yes! Let it cool completely, then pour over ice.

Share or save:

This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a portion of the proceeds. More about this here.