Golden Milk — the trendy Ayurvedic drink
Golden Milk is a comforting hot drink made with turmeric, ginger, pepper, and milk — originating from Indian culinary tradition. It has a warm, spicy flavor with a hint of sweetness and is a loving ritual, especially in winter.
Golden Milk — Basic recipe (for 2 cups)
- 400 ml milk (cow's milk, almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk)
- 1 tsp turmeric powder (alternatively: 1 cm fresh turmeric root)
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger (or a small piece of fresh ginger)
- 1 pinch freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (for sweetening)
- Optional: a pinch of cardamom, vanilla, or a vanilla bean
Preparation
- Heat the milk in a small saucepan (do not boil!).
- Stir in the spices and let steep for about 5 minutes.
- Sweeten with honey or maple syrup to taste.
- Pour into a cup, optionally garnish with a little cinnamon or a vanilla bean.
Variation: With turmeric paste
For easier preparation, you can make a batch of turmeric paste in advance:
- Simmer 20 g turmeric powder with 100 ml water until it forms a thick paste
- When chilled, the paste will keep in the refrigerator for about 2 weeks
- In the recipe, you can then replace the turmeric powder with 1 tsp turmeric paste
Where does the Golden Milk recipe come from?
Golden Milk (in Hindi Haldi Doodh) originates from Indian culinary tradition. There, it is a classic home remedy that is especially popular in the cold season — and is often enjoyed as a soothing evening ritual.
Tips and variations
- Vegan: Use plant-based milk and maple syrup instead of honey
- Froth: Use a milk frother for a latte-like experience
- Fresh turmeric: Provides an even more intense aroma than powder
- With coconut oil: A teaspoon of high-quality coconut oil gives it a creamy consistency
- Sweeter with dates: Instead of honey, simmer 1–2 pitted dates with the milk and blend
