This vegan golden milk recipe is a dairy-free version of the traditional drink from India. Golden milk gets it's name from the rich yellow colour from ground turmeric when mixed into warm milk. Flavoured with warming spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg, this drink is warm, creamy, rich, comforting and perfect a chilly day.
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Why This Recipe Works
Golden milk or turmeric milk is known as Haldi ka Doodh in Hindi and is a popular drink that has been consumed for centuries in India. The term golden milk gets its name from the bright yellow pigments from turmeric spice which are mixed into white milk.
When I was first introduced to golden milk, I was interested, yet skeptical; I knew the flavour profile of turmeric to be very bold, earthy, unmistakably pungent and bitter. Turmeric spice didn't seem fitting for a sweet drink, however, when combined with heated milk, warming spices and a touch of sweetener, it's become something entirely different—a warm, creamy, rich and comforting drink. In this recipe, the turmeric's intense flavour is tempered with non-dairy almond milk and added sweetener along with cinnamon and additional spices.
Ingredients and Substitutions
For the full list of ingredients and quantities of each, please see the recipe card further down this post. Many of the ingredients for this vegan golden milk recipe can be adjusted to taste, so feel free to play around with it to find a desirable flavour profile you like.
Organic Ground Turmeric: I use organic turmeric spice found at my local grocery. Turmeric is often sold in bulk or in small packages or jars. You can buy fresh turmeric root, but stick with the ground dried turmeric for this recipe. It's worth noting that turmeric can very easily stain clothing, equipment and utensils, so keep this in mind when preparing and enjoying this recipe. Turmeric can also temporarily stain your skin and fingernails if you touched. According to WebMD, don't to confuse turmeric with other plants which might share the same name: Javanese turmeric root, tree turmeric, zedoary or goldenseal—all of these are unrelated plants that are sometimes called "turmeric".
Unsweetened Almond Milk: traditionally, golden milk is made with whole milk; however, if you want a dairy free version and prefer not to use almond-based milks, cashew, oat or soy. I have also made this recipe with light coconut milk mixed with an equal amount of water to reduce the richness.
Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg and Ginger: these add warmth and flavour to the recipe. I choose organic spices whenever possible.
Ground Black Pepper: this adds a touch of heat to the recipe and may also enhance the benefits of turmeric (see below FAQ's).
Maple syrup: alternatively, you can use your sweetener of choice (a pinch of pure Stevia extract, or honey or granulated sugar in equal measure).
Cardamom and allspice: add additional warmth and flavour to this recipe. However, these are optional as noted in the recipe card.
Coconut oil: this makes the recipe more creamy and smooth, however, you can omit this if preferred.
Method Overview
For the full detailed instructions for making my golden milk recipe, please see the recipe card further down the post.
STEP 1: Gently heat the almond milk in a small saucepan over medium heat.
STEP 2: Add in the remaining ingredients (and optional ingredients, if desired) and whisk continuously over medium heat, until the mixture reaches a light simmer.
STEP 3: Remove from mixture from the heat and carefully portion. Allow the golden milk to cool slightly before enjoying so as not to burn yourself.
Helpful Tips
- Strain your golden milk through a fine sieve to remove any bits of spice before serving; this is optional, but recommended if you use whole allspice buds and perfer a smoother drink.
- Do not boil this recipe—the golden milk will take on a bitter taste if this happens. Make sure the mixture just comes to a light simmer and starts steaming.
- Whisk the mixture constantly to ensure it heats evenly and the flavours meld together. Whisking also ensures that there are no lumps of spice in the mixture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Golden milk or turmeric milk is known as Haldi ka Doodh in Hindi and is a popular drink that has been consumed for centuries in India. The term golden milk gets its name from the bright yellow pigments from turmeric spice which are mixed into white milk. The result in a smooth, rich golden drink.
Turmeric spice comes from Curcuma longa, which is a flowering plant related to ginger (Zingiberaceae family). Turmeric is native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia and turmeric has been consumed for thousands of years in traditional cuisines. Most notably, it is used to flavour curries and add vibrant colour to dishes and condiments such as mustard. Turmeric is also used in ancient Ayurvedic medicine.
Turmeric has become quite popular as of late not only for its ability to colour and flavour dishes, but for its reported anti-inflammatory properties. Many scientific studies on turmeric and curcumin (the active component in turmeric) have shown both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties according to PubMed and the United States National Library of Medicine.
If you are curious about turmeric, there is information online from reputable sources to help determine if it is something you. WebMD has an overview of turmeric uses and side effects, however, always speak to your licensed health professional before adding a new ingredient to your diet.
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Vegan Golden Milk (Turmeric Milk Tea)
Ingredients
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch ground black pepper
- 1 pinch ground nutmeg
- 1 pinch ground ginger
- 1-2 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
Optional
- 1 teaspoon whole allspice, or a pinch of ground
- 1 pinch ground cardamom
Instructions
- To a small saucepan, add the almond milk and remaining ingredients and bring the mixture to a light simmer over medium heat, whisking continuously. Do not boil—the golden milk will take on a bitter taste if this happens. Make sure the mixture just comes to a light simmer and starts steaming.
- Remove from heat and carefully pour or ladle the golden milk into two heat proof mugs. Allow the golden milk to cool slightly before consuming.
Notes
Nutrition
This is an approximation of the nutrition offered in this recipe, and is created using a nutrition calculator. I am not a nutritionist and cannot guarantee accuracy. If your health depends on nutrition information, please calculate again with your preferred calculator.
Disclaimer
all recipes on The Simple Green are developed and tested in a Canadian kitchen, at normal elevation, using electric appliances and ingredients available in Canada. Results may vary.