Golden Milk
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of ACME Markets. All opinions are 100% mine.
Golden Milk, a creamy and slightly spiced Indian-inspired drink, is my favorite bedtime drink! Known for its several health benefits, it is easy to make and will help you stay warm without hindering your New Year’s resolutions.
There is a reason turmeric is so popular: it has amazing anti inflammatory and anti oxidant properties. If you’re interested in more turmeric recipes, make sure to also check out my Turmeric Almond Butter!
I know I’m late for the party. It’s been a while since the world became obsessed with golden milk and by now it is old news!
But it wasn’t until last year that I tried it.
It was love at first sip! This bright yellow drink conquered my heart not because of its many health benefits, but because it tastes like a warm hug.
Yes, the fact that it is good for me definitely helps me not feel guilty about drinking it every day. But having a cozy, treat-like drink right before bed is what convinced me that this recipe had to be shared even though it is nothing new!
If you haven’t tried Golden Milk yet, make this! I am pretty positive you will love it.
And if you have, I hope you get inspired to try my version! 😊
What is Golden Milk?
Golden Milk, also known as Turmeric Milk or Turmeric Latte, is the westernized version of haldi doodh, an ancient Indian beverage made of milk and turmeric.
While the Indian version is just milk mixed with ground turmeric, what we call Golden Milk here in the Western Hemisphere is more like a barista drink, involving not only milk and turmeric, but also other spices, a sweetening element and coconut oil (or ghee)!
This drink gets this name because of its bright gold color, which comes from the curcumin in turmeric, and its magical health benefits.
Golden Milk Benefits
I have heard from several friends from India that, there, this beverage is considered the answer to cure all ailments, from the flu, to inflammation, depression and even cancer.
While I’m sure most of that is an exaggeration, I did take some time to research.
This is what I’ve found:
- It has anti-inflammatory properties, so it allegedly helps prevent or manage diseases like arthritis, cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer.
- Due to curcumin’s antioxidant properties, it helps protect cells from damage and also fights off disease and infections, contributing to our overall health.
- It is good for our brains, improving memory and brain function.
- It boosts our moods and helps reduce symptoms of depression.
- It has antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties, so it may help prevent and fight infections, and boost our immune system.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make Golden Milk:
- Milk – Usually dairy free milk, but you can use regular milk if you prefer.
- Turmeric – As I mentioned earlier, this is the ingredient that gives this drink its golden color!
- Spices – Ground ginger, freshly ground nutmeg and a cinnamon stick.
- Black Pepper – Since our bodies can’t absorb curcumin by itself, we add a pinch of black pepper, which contains piperine, a bioactive compound that boosts the absorption of curcumin.
- Coconut Oil – Because curcumin is fat-soluble, adding fat – like coconut oil or ghee – may increase absorption.
- Maple Syrup – Optional. You can use honey, agave or your favorite sweetener instead.
- Vanilla Extract – Also optional, but I love adding a splash for extra flavor!
Which type of milk is used for Golden Milk?
Haldi doodh is originally made with cow’s milk. However, when the drink became popular in the Western Hemisphere and evolved to something more complex, it changed into a plant based drink instead.
I personally prefer using coconut milk, because it produces creamier results, but you can use your favorite kind of dairy free milk, like almond, cashew, oat or even soy milk.
If eating more plant based products is one of your goals – like it is mine – I highly recommend you visit your local ACME. They have a wide selection of delicious plant based offerings, including the O Organics® Coconut Milk that I use in this recipe – that are delicious, good for you and good for the environment!
I shopped at ACME Markets in my local area, but you can also find high-quality plant based products at the Albertsons Companies family of stores, including Albertsons, Safeway, Jewel-Osco, Vons, Randalls, Shaw’s Supermarket, Star Market, Tom Thumb and Vons.
ACME Markets also offers Grocery Delivery and DriveUp & Goâ„¢for convenient ways to shop!
Fresh VS Dried Turmeric
Ground turmeric is is simply fresh turmeric after it has been dried and ground so texture is the main difference.
However, the nutrients in fresh turmeric are more easily absorbed by our bodies, so it is said to be healthier.
That being said, I prefer using ground turmeric to make Golden Milk. Having made both versions, I like the convenience and the color of the version made with dried turmeric.
How to Make Golden Milk
This drink is easy to make and very customizable, no special equipment necessary!
While some recipes ask you to make a golden paste to keep in the fridge for when you crave golden milk, I find that most people are not that organized and prefer something they can make on the spot.
So with simple ingredients that are probably already in your fridge and spice rack, you can whip this up in less than 15 minutes!
Recommended tools and equipment: saucepan, fine-mesh strainer.
Here’s how I make Golden Milk. As always, you will find the printable (and more complete) version of the recipe at the end of this post!
Step 1: Combine all the ingredients.
- Combine all the ingredients, minus the vanilla extract, in a saucepan.
Step 2: Simmer.
- Bring to a low boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes for the flavors to meld.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Step : Strain and serve.
- Strain through a fine-mesh sieve to get rid of the solid bits.
- Serve, garnished with ground cinnamon.
Olivia’s Tips
- Use a milk frother or blender to make a frothy beverage!
- Be careful! Turmeric will easily stain whatever it touches, so wipe splashes right away.
- While this is traditionally a hot drink, you can definitely enjoy it iced during the warmer seasons!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Golden Milk can be made 3 days ahead. Store in an airtight container and store in the fridge. Warm in a saucepan or in the microwave before serving, or enjoy it cold!
While I love drinking this right before bed, you can enjoy it whenever you feel like it!
Golden Milk
Ingredients
- 2 cups O Organics coconut milk
- 3/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- Pinch black pepper
- Pinch freshly ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or honey), or to taste
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon, for garnishing
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, over medium heat, combine the coconut milk, spices, coconut oil and maple syrup. Bring to a low boil.
- Once boiling, lower the heat, cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Strain through a fine-mesh sieve and discard the solid parts. Stir in the vanilla extract. Taste and adjust the maple syrup.
- Serve, garnished with ground cinnamon.
2 Comments on “Golden Milk”
Golden milk is the best drink to have before bedtime. You can have it anytime around. People often drink milk in their free time or before bedtime, adding turmeric into it can help you with the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Thank you for sharing this golden milk recipe with us. Keep sharing more such turmeric recipes with us in the future also.
I had LandOLakes half n half on hand.. my substitutes were…
I used it and half filtered water…
Butter …
A bit of added cayenne …
Log Cabin Natural Table Syrup to taste …
Very good
Will try with Coconut milk n oil some day…