Authentic Turmeric Milk Tea – Golden Milk | Haldi ka Doodh
Turmeric Milk (haldi ka doodh) is an ancient Ayurvedic drink that’s known for its anti-inflammatory properties. This quick and easy recipe is optimized for absorption, includes several warming spices and tastes perfectly sweet, rich, yet light and comforting.
“So delicious—I’m sometimes super lazy and make it with commercial tea bags of golden milk blend, but your recipe is 1000x better, and I always regret not taking the extra few seconds to make a batch of the real deal. Making some again later this week, and can’t wait!”
Kathryn
I have a blog with the words ‘tea’ and ‘turmeric’… a blog that reflects on the benefits of traditional recipes… a blog that celebrates the wisdom of South Asian cooking techniques.
Sharing this recipe is practically a duty.
All About Turmeric
I’m assuming you’ve heard of turmeric (since, you know, it’s in your URL). And if you haven’t, read on as I try to enunciate my love for it.
Chances are, if you are near me and have the sniffles or a sore throat, I’ll offer you turmeric milk. If you feel joint pain, I’ll mention something about turmeric milk & its ‘anti-inflammatory’ properties. Feeling kind of down with the blues? You guessed it – turmeric milk! (It’s a mood enhancer.) I truly, wholeheartedly, passionately believe in its benefits. Heck, it’s the first thing I drank after my baby entered the world.
Let me convince you with a few facts (since you shouldn’t believe random people on the internet):
- Turmeric has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine as well as Traditional Chinese medicine.
- In one of the most comprehensive summaries of turmeric health benefits, ethnobotanist Dr. James Duke reviewed 700 studies and concluded that turmeric outperforms many pharmaceuticals to reduce inflammation and support brain and joint health.
- The National Institutes of Health PubMed database, one of the top directories for medical research, listed nearly 5000 studies and articles on turmeric or curcumin (and that’s in January of 2015).
- Numerous studies have linked turmeric with a vast amount of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
And I’m just touching the tip of the iceberg here!
How To Boost Turmeric’s Properties In Turmeric Milk
With this recipe, you’re packing on the healing properties of all the additional spices as well. The black pepper actually enhances the absorption of the turmeric. Plus, turmeric is better absorbed with a fat. For example, turmeric is often used in curries, where there’s always a fat element. This is why I’ve included the option to use coconut oil or ghee.
With all this talk about its medicinal properties, I don’t want to undermine that this drink is truly delicious! The warming spices, the full-bodied, earthy taste, and the soothing aroma…as cliche as it sounds, it’s not just a drink, it’s an experience. So slow down, relax, and focus on how you’re nourishing your body while enjoying a unique and flavorful drink. W.I.N.
Lastly, I know this recipe has a long list of spices. Feel free to omit the ones you don’t have on hand. Keep it as basic or supercharged as you’d like. And if you try it, do share with me in the comments below and/or tag me on Instagram.
More hot drink recipes:
Authentic Pakistani Chai
20-Minute Kashmiri Chai Recipe (Pink Tea)
Authentic Turmeric Milk Tea – Golden Milk
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk, almond, soy or coconut also work well though milk is traditionally used
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4-1/2 tsp turmeric powder*
- 1 thin slice fresh ginger**, optional
- 1 whole green cardamom, slightly broken
- 1 clove
- 1/2 inch piece cinnamon stick
- 2-3 black peppercorns
- 1 leaf of a star anise
- 1/4 vanilla bean (scraped) or 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, optional
- 1/4 tsp coconut oil or ghee, optional
- 1 tsp honey, jaggery (gud), or sweetener of choice
Equipment
Instructions
- In a saucepan over medium-high heat, bring all of the ingredients except coconut oil/ghee and sweetener to a simmer.
- Stir well and lower the heat to a low or low-medium (you want it to simmer but not boil). Cover with the lid ajar and allow the milk to simmer for 5 minutes or more depending on how strong you want the flavor of the spices.
- Turn off the heat and strain into your cup. Add coconut oil/ghee (if using) as well as your sweetener. Delight in the warmth and comfort of therapeutic golden milk.
Notes
53 Comments on “Authentic Turmeric Milk Tea – Golden Milk | Haldi ka Doodh”
Have you ever made more than one serving to heat up later? I’m wondering how it would be if I heated up another serving in the microwave after making a batch.
Hi Brandy. I think it’ll be fine heated up after refrigerating, as long as you put it in the fridge after straining. I’m sure you’ll naturally do this, but stir afterward as the turmeric will probably settle to the bottom.
Hello. I used to make Golden Milk pre Covid. Tonight was the first time in a long time. I did not have a vanilla bean or star anise and used ground cardamon and my oh my– it is delish! the first sip when right into my heart and made me so happy. My hot chocolate days are OVER. This is the best. Thank you for your wisdom and energy.
Sincerely,
Nina Nathan, Oakland CA
I just recently heard of golden milk and went on a search. Your recipe was clear and simple. The results are amazing and my husband, though skeptical at first, really likes it too. Thanks so much for sharing
Thank you for this delicious recipe. I made it for the first time while recovering from Covid-19 and it was so comforting and uplifting, like a warm hug in a mug. If I make it for 2 or more people, do I increase all the ingredients or just the liquid and simmer for longer?
I agree, it’s so comforting when sick! Thank you, Natalie. Hmm that’s a great question and I understand you’re probably concerned about the spices becoming overpowering once doubled. I think that as long as you don’t boil too long, you’ll be fine either way. But you can certainly use a restrained hand when doubling the spices.
WOW! This is great and worth the effort!
Thank you!
A drink that truly should be drank with love, intention and mindfulness. I applaud you for sharing this magical and delicious recipe. Thank you.
I couldn’t agree more. Nourishes the soul. Thank you so much, Jamie! 🙂
Hello, your recipe has black pepper in it which helps the turmeric work better in inflammation.
Thank you! It’s wonderful!
Hi Izzah!
I found your blog from searching authentic turmeric latte recipes. Your website is so pretty! I love the pink, & the fonts are elegant with a splash of graceful ♥
I happened to have some leftover fresh turmeric root so I boiled it in water with clove & a dash of “pumpkin pie seasoning”. which… I only sort of liked. I am happy to have found your recipe so now I can go try this! I love using whole spices ♥ plus, I need to use milk instead of water, who would have thought 🙂
Thank you so much, Samantha! A lot of thought went into these details so I really appreciate your noticing! ☺️ I hope you get a chance to try this one!