The Garden Grazer

  • Recipes
  • Matcha
  • About
  • Newsletter
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Gluten-Free
  • Oil-Free
  • Subscribe
  • About
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • Gluten-Free
  • Oil-Free
  • Subscribe
  • About
×
Home » Recipes » Drinks

Vegan Golden Milk (Turmeric Latte)

May 14, 2018 by Kaitlin · 26 Comments

Jump to Recipe

An easy, soothing vegan Golden Turmeric Milk Latte recipe for bedtime (or anytime)! It's warmly spiced with cinnamon, vanilla, and touch of natural sweetness. We enjoy it as a cozy nighttime drink to help promote more restful sleep! (Vegan, gluten-free, oil-free.)

Mug of bright yellow vegan turmeric milk

This golden milk turmeric latte is such a comforting drink with warm, tasty spices! The combination of earthy turmeric, cinnamon, and vanilla is wonderfully soothing.

Turmeric milk is traditionally an Indian drink with roots in Ayurveda. (This particular recipe is simply my own version.)

Best of all, I do seem to sleep more restfully when including it in my nighttime routine. (I like to enjoy it a couple hours before bedtime.)

Plus it's completely dairy-free, caffeine-free, and easy to customize with your own favorite flavors!

Ground turmeric in a small glass jar with metal teaspoon

Ingredients for Golden Milk

For this recipe you'll simmer in a saucepan then carefully pour into a mug:

  • Soy milk: Or use any other dairy-free milk of choice. You can substitute cashew milk, oat milk, unsweetened almond milk, or coconut milk. (Golden milk was originally made with cow's milk. But we opt for plant milk in this vegan version.)
  • Ground turmeric powder: Be sure your ground spices are fresh (not expired) for best flavor. I haven't tested this with fresh turmeric.
  • Ground cinnamon: I use Ceylon cinnamon.
  • Pure maple syrup: Or use another sweetener to taste such as agave or stevia.
  • Pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch of black pepper: I include this because it's been shown to increase the bioavailability of curcumin (which is the main natural polyphenol in turmeric).

Other flavors! Dried ground ginger (or fresh ginger), cardamom, and ground nutmeg are also optional flavors to include.

Mug of turmeric milk latte with cinnamon sticks and a spoon

Health Benefits

Turmeric has long been used in Asian countries as a medicinal herb.

Curcumin: This is the main natural polyphenol and active component in turmeric. Various studies show it has multiple potential health benefits including supporting digestion and enhancing immune function.

Inflammation benefits: Turmeric contains antioxidants and reduces inflammation due to the anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin also appears to be beneficial for several aspects of arthritis.

Tips

Dissolving the spices: I find ground turmeric doesn't dissolve very easily, so some may settle at the bottom of your pan and mug. As I drink, I like to give my mug a gentle swirl before sipping to help it along.

Quality ingredients: Be sure to use good quality spices for this recipe for best flavor. (Also be aware turmeric can stain so pour and use cautiously.)

Pouring bedtime golden turmeric milk from saucepan to mug

For more inspiration, also browse all vegan drink recipes.

Bright yellow golden turmeric milk latte in a mug

Vegan Golden Milk (Turmeric Latte)

This soothing golden latte with cinnamon & vanilla is a cozy evening (or anytime!) drink. Customizable, easy, and can even help promote more restful sleep.
4.82 from 16 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Comment
Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes minutes
Author: Kaitlin - The Garden Grazer
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: Gluten-Free, Oil-Free, Vegan
Servings: 2 medium mugs

Ingredients

  • 2 cups soy milk (or other dairy-free milk)
  • 1 tsp. ground turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
  • 2-3 Tbsp. pure maple syrup
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • Pinch of black pepper

Optional:

  • 1/4 tsp. ground ginger (or freshly grated), cardamom

Instructions

  • In a small saucepan over medium heat, add all ingredients and whisk to combine.
  • Heat for about 5-6 minutes until milk is hot, whisking occasionally.
  • Take care not to boil. Only lightly simmer until the spices are mostly dissolved.*
  • Carefully pour into a mug and enjoy.

Notes

*Dissolving the spices: I find ground turmeric doesn't dissolve very easily, so some may settle at the bottom of your pan and mug. I like to give my mug a gentle swirl before drinking to help it along. (Be aware turmeric can stain, so pour and use cautiously.)
Milk: I use plain & unsweetened. If using sweetened or flavored milk, you can adjust the vanilla & maple syrup as desired.
Black pepper: The pinch of black pepper is said to aid in the effectiveness of turmeric.
Recipe adapted from Nutrition Stripped.

Nutrition Per Serving (Estimate)

Nutrition Facts
Vegan Golden Milk (Turmeric Latte)
Amount per Serving
Calories
171
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
5
g
8
%
Saturated Fat
 
1
g
6
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
3
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
1
g
Potassium
 
408
mg
12
%
Carbohydrates
 
23
g
8
%
Fiber
 
1
g
4
%
Sugar
 
18
g
20
%
Protein
 
7
g
14
%
Vitamin A
 
929
IU
19
%
Vitamin C
 
17
mg
21
%
Calcium
 
359
mg
36
%
Iron
 
2
mg
11
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Sodium content: This is omitted as I cannot provide an accurate number. I encourage you to calculate your own to provide a much more precise reading based on the exact ingredients, brands, and amounts you're using.

Get the Monthly NewsletterSubscribe here!

If you are enjoying this bedtime vegan Golden Turmeric Milk Latte recipe, also check out:

  • Turmeric Noodle Soup
  • Healthy Vegan Chocolate Milkshake
  • Healthy Texas Caviar

Follow The Garden Grazer on Instagram, Pinterest, or Facebook for more updates and inspiration.

More Vegan Beverage & Drink Recipes

  • Chunky monkey smoothie in a glass with banana
    Chunky Monkey Protein Smoothie (Vegan!)
  • Mango pineapple smoothie cover photo
    Mango Pineapple Smoothie (Creamy!)
  • Chocolate Cherry Almond Smoothie
  • Strawberry lime watermelon slush in a glass with straw
    Strawberry Watermelon Slush

Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating:




  1. Adrienne Avakian says

    March 12, 2025 at 12:07 am

    5 stars
    I made this and it was absolutely delicious! Not to mention the health benefits. I didn’t have any maple syrup so I used raw organic honey, only a tablespoon, and it
    was so good. It will be my go to evening drink from now on.

    Reply
    • Kaitlin says

      March 12, 2025 at 10:45 am

      That’s awesome, Adrienne! And great substitution - thanks for sharing. Hope you continue to enjoy it in your evenings!

      Reply
  2. Carrie says

    November 27, 2023 at 8:36 pm

    5 stars
    I've been on a quest to find the tastiest Golden Milk. Yours is my winner! I used coconut milk and a pinch of nutmeg, using my immersion blender in my stainless steel pot. It's a fabulous consistency. Thank you! Trying to combat some inflammation and this is just such a relaxing drink before bed!

    Reply
    • Kaitlin says

      November 28, 2023 at 8:49 am

      Aww, I'm honored to hear this, Carrie! I love your coconut milk with nutmeg addition. So glad it worked out for you and hoping it helps soothe your inflammation. Thanks for sharing your very kind and helpful feedback!

      Reply
  3. Melody says

    January 20, 2023 at 1:17 pm

    5 stars
    Excellent recipe!! I made myself 3 in a row. I feel very calm and happy now.

    Reply
    • Kaitlin says

      January 20, 2023 at 1:54 pm

      Aww, so wonderful to hear that Melody! Glad you enjoyed it enough to make again. Wishing you a lovely weekend!

      Reply
  4. Carol B. says

    October 10, 2021 at 11:33 am

    5 stars
    So yummy! Added coconut oil to mine. Tastes like autumn in a mug!

    Reply
    • Kaitlin says

      October 10, 2021 at 12:04 pm

      Autumn in a mug - I like that! Great to hear you enjoyed. Thanks for the feedback!

      Reply
  5. Jenny Ramos says

    September 29, 2021 at 10:17 pm

    5 stars
    Tried it for the first time I used vanilla oat milk and kind of got confused and put 1/2 table of ginger but no biggie... it's delicious, I was a little surprised of how good all those ingredients tasted together, will definitely repeat and teach my daughters this night time treat!!

    Reply
    • Kaitlin says

      September 30, 2021 at 7:22 am

      So fantastic to hear, Jenny! Thanks for sharing your very kind feedback. Hope your daughters enjoy it too! All the best, Kaitlin

      Reply
  6. Lindsay says

    March 16, 2020 at 7:42 pm

    4 stars
    Delicious! Made it with oat milk, so good.

    Reply
    • Kaitlin says

      March 25, 2020 at 12:20 pm

      Fantastic to hear that Lindsay! Oat milk sounds creamy & perfect. Thanks for the feedback!

      Reply
  7. Kate says

    September 03, 2019 at 7:47 pm

    5 stars
    I tried this recipe tonight! I used cows milk and honey instead of maple syrup (gotta use what you have on hand!) and added about a tbs of butter for the fat absorption aspect. It’s delicious! I bet if I had cardamom on hand it would basically taste like chai!

    Reply
    • Kaitlin says

      September 16, 2019 at 9:00 am

      Hi Kate! Wonderful to hear you gave this a try and enjoyed with your own twist. Thanks so much for the kind feedback!

      Reply
  8. Yvonne in Montego Bay, Jamaica says

    August 19, 2019 at 6:56 pm

    5 stars
    Enjoyed my first time Golden milk. Easy-breezy. I allowed the spices to dissolve slowly in unsweetened almond milk. It's best to use good brands. I used freshly grated ginger and ground pepper, swirled & sipped. Looking forward to my next adventure with turmeric. Thanks for the adventure Kaitlin. Every blessing!

    Reply
    • Kaitlin says

      September 16, 2019 at 9:17 am

      Hi Yvonne! Great to hear. Thrilled you enjoyed your first golden milk! Thanks so much for the very kind words and feedback. Wishing you a most beautiful week!

      Reply
  9. Christina says

    June 10, 2019 at 11:19 pm

    Hi Kaitlin. I tried your recipe tonight and at first it was SUPER good then it got thick. But I see Tracy had the same experience so I will give it another try tomorrow. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Kaitlin says

      June 11, 2019 at 1:18 pm

      Hey Christina! Sometimes I find I have a little leftover spice at the bottom of my mug if it didn't dissolve all the way. (Trying to experiment if this is due to different types of milk, not sure yet!) Be sure to whisk well while it's heating, or you could definitely try decreasing the amount of turmeric & cinnamon so it's able to better dissolve. (Sometimes I'll give it a little swirl in the mug before drinking to help it along too.)

      Reply
  10. Fuchi Girl says

    November 18, 2018 at 3:36 am

    This is surprisingly really tasty! I typically use turmeric in my smoothies and wanted an alternative recipe.

    Reply
    • Kaitlin says

      February 24, 2019 at 2:38 pm

      Great to hear!

      Reply
  11. Tracy says

    May 19, 2018 at 12:02 am

    Kaitlin, do you have any idea why this would get thick? I followed the recipe except I used almond milk instead of soy. While mixing it if I lift my whisk it almost has the consistency of raw eggs...not that i's all of it, it's like it's getting thick on the bottom. When we drank it, it was good but I could not drink the last few sips because it got too thick in my cup. Any ideas why this is happening or maybe it's supposed to? This is the first time I've made so I don't have anything to judge it to. I was just thinking it would keep the consistency of the milk and not get thick. Other than that we love it! Thanks so much!

    Reply
    • Kaitlin says

      May 29, 2018 at 4:25 pm

      Hi Tracy! Great to hear you love the flavor, but yes! The thickness at the bottom happens to me sometimes too. I suspect the cinnamon (or perhaps some of the turmeric as well) isn't dissolving completely. I find it helps if I heat it for a bit longer, and whisk more often. Also using good quality spices is important - I like the Simply Organic brand. If you're still not having much luck, you can reduce the spices or increase the milk. Hope that helps a little!

      Reply
  12. Terri S says

    May 15, 2018 at 12:29 am

    I make this quite often, sometimes before bed, sometimes after a tough morning run. I know it helps with inflammation. I use plain unsweetened almond milk, coconut oil (fat for absorption) one tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and fresh coarse ground black pepper. I love its soothing qualities and know it's so good for me. I love the citrusy fresh taste with the spicy turmeric undertone. Sometimes I add a dash of cayenne. I love your idea of the slightly sweet with cinnamon!

    Reply
    • Kaitlin says

      May 29, 2018 at 4:20 pm

      Great to hear it's been helping with your inflammation after runs! I never thought to add fresh lemon juice. Good idea!

      Reply
      • Tonya J. says

        June 25, 2019 at 8:53 pm

        5 stars
        This is my favorite way to use turmeric. As a breast cancer survivor, I'm trying to add more to my diet. Thanks for the recipe!

        Reply
        • Kaitlin says

          July 16, 2019 at 9:54 am

          Hello, Tonya! Wonderful to hear you're enjoying it. Thanks for the kind feedback & recipe rating!

Hello, I'm Kaitlin!
I live in Montana and share vegan recipes that are easy and healthy. About Me →

Footer

↑ back to top

Info

About
Privacy Policy
Contact

Follow

Newsletter
Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest

Recipes

Recipe Index
Oil-Free Recipes
Gluten-Free Recipes

Copyright © 2025 The Garden Grazer

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required