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    Home » Recipes » Drinks

    Vegan Golden Milk (Turmeric Latte)

    May 14, 2018 by Kaitlin

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

    Mug of bright yellow vegan turmeric milk

    This golden milk turmeric latte is a comforting drink with warm, tasty spices!

    It's traditionally an Indian drink with roots in Ayurveda. (This particular recipe is simply my own version.)

    I do seem to sleep more restfully when including it in my nighttime routine. It's completely dairy-free and caffeine-free, and I like to enjoy it a couple hours before bedtime.

    The combination of earthy turmeric, cinnamon, and vanilla is wonderfully soothing.

    Ground turmeric in a small glass jar with metal teaspoon

    Ingredients for Golden Milk

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

    • Soy milk: Or simply use any other dairy-free milk of choice. You can substitute 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 (Golden milk was originally made with cow's milk.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 have not tested this with fresh turmeric.
    • Ground cinnamon: I use Ceylon cinnamon.
    • Pure maple syrup: Or other sweetener to taste such as agave or stevia.
    • Vanilla extract
    • Pinch of black pepper: I include this because it has been shown to increase the bioavailability of curcumin (which is the main natural polyphenol in turmeric).

    Other flavors! 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.

    Preparation + Tips

    Preparation is quick and easy: We simply pour all the ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat and bring to a light simmer (taking care not to fully boil). Then whisk it well to blend and dissolve the spices in the milk.

    Dissolving the spices: If you find there are leftover, undissolved spices at the bottom of your mug, you may need to use less spices or increase the milk to find the right ratio at which it completely dissolves for you.

    Tips: Be sure to use good quality spices for this recipe for best flavor. 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 drink. Customizable, easy to make, and is said to help promote more restful sleep.
    4.79 from 14 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Comment
    Cook Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 10 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 (I use Ceylon)
    • 2-3 Tbsp. pure maple syrup (depending on desired sweetness)
    • 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 dissolved.
    • Carefully pour into a mug and enjoy.

    Notes

    Milk: I use plain, unsweetened soy milk, so adjust vanilla and maple syrup to taste if you’re using a sweetened or flavored milk.
    Black pepper: The pinch of black pepper is said to aid in the effectiveness of turmeric.
    Turmeric: Turmeric can stain, so pour and use cautiously.
    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.
    Did you make this recipe?Leave a star rating or comment below!

    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

    • Chocolate Cherry Almond Smoothie
    • Chunky Monkey Protein Smoothie
    • Strawberry Watermelon Slush
    • Healthy Vegan Cake Shake

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating:




    1. Melody

      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

        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
    2. Carol B.

      October 10, 2021 at 11:33 am

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

      Reply
      • Kaitlin

        October 10, 2021 at 12:04 pm

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

        Reply
    3. Jenny Ramos

      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

        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
    4. Lindsay

      March 16, 2020 at 7:42 pm

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

      Reply
      • Kaitlin McGinn

        March 25, 2020 at 12:20 pm

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

        Reply
    5. Kate

      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 McGinn

        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
    6. Yvonne in Montego Bay, Jamaica

      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 McGinn

        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
    7. Christina

      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 McGinn

        June 11, 2019 at 1:18 pm

        Hey Christina! Oh no! 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
    8. Alicia

      April 12, 2019 at 7:40 pm

      Can't wait to try this recipe! Sap season is over and we made 200 gallons of fresh maple syrup, so I'm always looking for new and exciting ways to use it. Thank you so much. I'll keep you posted when I make it!

      Reply
      • Kaitlin McGinn

        April 15, 2019 at 11:05 am

        Hi Alicia! I adore fresh maple syrup, what a treat. Hope you enjoy!

        Reply
    9. Fuchi Girl

      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 McGinn

        February 24, 2019 at 2:38 pm

        Great to hear!

        Reply
    10. BLD in MT

      June 06, 2018 at 5:01 pm

      You inspire me to give it another try. I didn't enjoy my first go with Golden Milk, but may it was the recipe. Or maybe because it is new. Consider me inspired to try again this week.

      Reply
      • Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer

        June 06, 2018 at 8:59 pm

        Hope you enjoy! I think the vanilla here might help (you could even add a little extra to taste if desired). And I also enjoy the cinnamon & sweetness from the maple syrup to balance it. Hope you have a lovely rest of the week! -Kaitlin

        Reply
    11. Tracy

      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 | The Garden Grazer

        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

      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 | The Garden Grazer

        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! Will try your version soon! Have a great week Terri!

        Reply
        • Tonya J.

          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 McGinn

            July 16, 2019 at 9:54 am

            Hi Tonya! Lovely to hear you're enjoying it. Thanks for the kind feedback & recipe rating!

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    Hi, I'm Kaitlin!
    I share vegan recipes that are easy & healthy. (Mostly whole food plant-based, oil-free, & gluten-free.) About Me →

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