Golden milk is a delicious, nourishing drink that many people enjoy. But what if you're vegan? Never fear—a vegan golden milk recipe is just as easy to make! This recipe is perfect for chilly winter nights when you need something warm and comforting. Plus, it's loaded with antioxidants and other beneficial nutrients. So why not give it a try?
Golden milk, Latte Oro, or Turmeric Milk, is a traditional Ayurvedic Indian drink. It can be as simple as mixing milk and ground turmeric.
Our goal is to make plant-based versions of our favorite foods. We are also fans of all vegan milk options; we changed the traditional golden milk recipe's cow's milk for rice milk and added a few aromatic ingredients.
You can make this turmeric golden milk recipe with any plant milk, such as this homemade soy milk, almond milk recipe, homemade oat milk.
We generally have golden milk twice a week to replace our morning plant-based late coffee. We love having it with a portion of vegan buttermilk gluten-free cornbread.
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✅ What is golden milk
Golden milk, also known as turmeric milk, is a traditional Ayurvedic drink originating from India. It's a spiced beverage made by mixing hot milk with turmeric and other spices like cinnamon, ginger, and black pepper.
It is popular for its potential health benefits, including improving joint pain, reducing inflammation, boosting the immune system, and possibly supporting heart health. It's enjoyed both for its comforting warmth and medicinal properties, often consumed before bed to promote relaxation and better sleep.
Making it vegan
Although the traditional golden milk recipe calls for dairy milk, since cow's milk has been associated with different forms of cancer and an increasingly high percentage of the population has become lactose intolerant, why not try a non-dairy milk version using beverages such as nut milk?
The active ingredient and most benefits of this traditional Indian drink come from turmeric and the other spices included in this delicious and nurturing drink.
💚 Why you will love it
- Quick preparation
- Vegan friendly
- Comforting warmth
- Rich antioxidants
- Mood booster
🧾 Ingredients
You need very few ingredients and 5 minutes.
- Ground Turmeric: The star of the show, ground turmeric, gives the golden milk its iconic yellow hue and is packed with anti-inflammatory properties. Plus, it's a mood booster—like sunshine in a cup!
- Black Pepper: Don't skip this! Black pepper enhances the absorption of curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, by up to 2000%. It's the wingman turmeric never knew it needed.
- Plant Milk: To keep it vegan and creamy, we opt for dairy-free plant-based milk options like rice, almond, or coconut milk.
- Ground Cinnamon: A sprinkle of this aromatic spice not only adds warmth and depth but also has its own set of anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Fresh Ginger: This root adds a zesty kick and aids in digestion. Plus, it's another anti-inflammatory powerhouse.
Substitutions
| Original Ingredient | Suggested Substitution |
|---|---|
| Ground Turmeric | Fresh turmeric root |
| Ground Cinnamon | Nutmeg or allspice |
| Fresh Ginger | Ground ginger |
| Freshly Ground Black Pepper | Cayenne pepper |
| Cloves | Allspice |
| Cardamom pods | Ground cardamom |
| Sweetener (agave, maple syrup) | Date paste, Stevia or monk fruit sweetener |
🔪 Instructions
Making this vegan golden milk recipe is easy and doesn't take more than a couple of minutes.
- Heat It Up: Begin by gently warming your choice of plant milk in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.
- Spice It Up: Next, whisk in the ground turmeric, a crack of black pepper, and the freshly grated ginger.
- Whisk: Keep stirring continuously to meld the flavors together. Warm the mixture until it's hot to the touch but not boiling, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Taste Test: Once off the heat, give it a taste. Feel free to get creative—add a little more sweetness or ginger, depending on your preference.
- Strain (Optional): If you've gone for whole spices like cinnamon sticks or cardamom pods, strain your golden brew through a sieve to keep it smooth.
- Enjoy: Serve it steaming hot right away, or if you're planning ahead, cool it down and savor it chilled. Either way, it's a treat. If there's a little cream on top, just skim it off before serving.
Hint: adding a frothy layer can elevate your golden milk experience to café-quality indulgence! After blending in a touch of maple syrup for sweetness, I grabbed my trusty milk frother and went to work. In seconds, I had a nice little foam on top that added a playful and luxurious texture.
📖 Variations
Pumpkin pie spice: Use it if you are out of time and have some store-bought or homemade pumpkin pie spice mix! It is an excellent option to make this fantastic drink faster. The recipe shares various essential ingredients. Thus, both the flavor and health benefits you can expect are similar. You will still need the turmeric and black pepper, though.
Pure vanilla extract: An additional flavor that pairs very well with this delicious drink. Just add a couple of drops.
🌙 4 Benefits of Turmeric Milk at Night
Accelerating recovery
Turmeric milk allows for the body's repair work to function optimally.
Hormonal balance
Drinking Latte d'Oro—as it is called in Italy—can improve hormonal balance and help with acne and unpredictable periods.
Insomnia
Drinking one cup of turmeric milk at night can help people who are restless during sleep. Also, if your rest breaks multiple times to use the bathroom in the middle of the night, you can benefit from Golden Milk.
Immune system
Turmeric can boost immunity. Drinking golden milk during season changes can protect you and your family from cough, cold, and flu.
Read on: Drink to boost the immune system
🧖🏼♀️ Turmeric milk benefits for skin
Curcumin has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help combat acne and clarify the complexion.
Turmeric derives its bright yellow from a component called curcumin. Curcumin protects against skin-damaging chemicals and environmental pollutants.
Remember that consuming Curcumin may help inhibit the immune pathways responsible for psoriasis. Golden Milk may also help prevent oxidative stress in the epidermal skin cells responsible for producing melanin.
We know that the skin is more prone to blackheads and acne when its pores are blocked by oil, dead skin, and external pollutants; drinking turmeric milk for the skin can help prevent acne.
🫖 How to serve
Known in Latin America as Leche de Cúrcuma or Leche Dorada, this vibrant drink is not only delectable but also brimming with health perks.
Imagine cozying up on a Christmas morning, a slice of Vegan Apple Cake in one hand and a mug of this soul-soothing Vegan Golden Milk in the other—pure bliss.
For those seeking a nightcap to usher in a peaceful slumber, sip on this golden elixir thirty minutes before bedtime to tap into its sleep-enhancing magic.
Picture a healthier alternative to hot chocolate, with a festive twist of extra spice to dance with the fragrant notes of plant-based granola.
🫙 Storing
This Ayurvedic medicine elixir feels more nurturing when fresh, but it can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat on the stovetop until hot.
📚 More health-promoting Elixirs
Morning Celery Green Juice: the Ultimate Anti-inflammatory Juice
Carrot, Apple, and Celery Juice
Beetroot and Celery Juice: the pre and post Workout Juice
⭐ If you try this turmeric latter recipe, let us know! 💬 Leave a comment, rate it, and don't forget to tag us @ourplantbasedworld on Instagram. Cheers!
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📋 Recipe
Vegan Golden Milk
Equipment
Ingredients
- 5 cardamom pods or ½ teaspoon of ground cardamon
- 3 cloves (Clavos de Olor)
- 2 cups rice milk coconut and homemade almond milk and homemade soy milk also work perfectly
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon maple or agave syrup
- ½ teaspoon ginger ground
- 1 pinch black pepper to activate the turmeric’s properties
Directions
- Add in. To a small saucepan, add rice milk and all the ingredients.
- Whisk to combine and warm over medium heat. Heat until hot to the touch but not boiling – about 3-4 minutes – whisking frequently.
- Turn off heat and taste to adjust flavor. Add more maple syrup or ginger for intense flavor.
- Strain. Pass throw a colander.
- Serve immediately.
- Best when fresh, but it can be stored covered in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat on the stovetop until hot.
Nutrition Facts
Nutritional Disclaimer
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice. See our full Nutritional Disclosure here.
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Please note that some of the links here are affiliate links, and I will earn a commission if you purchase through those links. I recommend all of the products listed because they are companies I have found helpful and trustworthy.
As the lead content writer and recipe developer at Our Plant-Based World, he combines his passion for health and sustainability with a Plant-Based Nutrition Certification to create accessible, delicious vegan recipes. His expertise in plant-based cooking supports the blog's mission of fostering a healthier, environmentally conscious lifestyle through simple and seasonal dishes. His commitment to making vegan cooking enjoyable and inclusive for everyone shines in each recipe and article.
Kate
Ahh I love golden milk and it is SO fab to have a vegan version, thank you! So many gorgeous flavours in there.