Golden milk is the ultimate wellness drink—warm, soothing, and packed with anti-inflammatory benefits. Simply simmer turmeric, milk, maple syrup, cinnamon, and a dash of black pepper on the stovetop for a nourishing, immune-boosting beverage that’s as delicious as it is healing.
If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I’m a big fan of using turmeric in my recipes. My love for this golden spice began unexpectedly during a trip to Bali, where I was accidentally “glutened.” A local handed me a glass of Jamu juice — a traditional turmeric drink — to help soothe my gut. And let me tell you, it worked wonders.
Golden Milk, also known as Haldi Doodh, is a soothing and nourishing drink made with milk, turmeric, and warming spices. Thanks to turmeric’s powerful anti-inflammatory properties, it’s the perfect remedy when you’re feeling under the weather — or simply need a comforting pick-me-up!
Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory and healing properties make this Golden Milk, also known as Haldi Doodh, the perfect drink when you’re feeling under the weather or simply craving something warm and comforting.
Golden Milk (Haldi Doodh) Recipe
A warm, healing drink packed with anti-inflammatory benefits — perfect for cozy evenings or soothing the body when you’re feeling under the weather.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Servings: 1
Yield: 1 cup golden milk
Golden Milk Ingredients
You can multiply the ingredients as needed (1x, 2x, 4x):
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or coconut milk for richer texture)
- 1 (1½ inch) piece fresh turmeric root, peeled and grated (or 1/2 tsp ground turmeric)
- 1 (½ inch) piece fresh ginger root, peeled and grated (or 1/4 tsp ground ginger)
- 1 pinch ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch black pepper (helps absorb curcumin in turmeric)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, to taste
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine all ingredients over medium heat.
- Stir continuously and bring to a gentle simmer. Do not boil.
- Simmer for 3–5 minutes until fragrant and well combined.
- Strain into a mug if using fresh roots.
- Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
- Serve warm and enjoy immediately!
Pro Tips
- Use full-fat milk (dairy or coconut) to better absorb turmeric’s benefits.
- Always include black pepper — it increases the bioavailability of curcumin by up to 2,000%.
- Add extras like cardamom or nutmeg for added flavor depth.
- Make it ahead! Store in the fridge for up to 2 days and gently reheat before serving.
How to Make Turmeric Milk / Golden Milk
Traditionally, my mom made it with just two ingredients:
- Milk
- Turmeric powder
She would gently stir the turmeric into milk and bring it to a simmer. That was it. Sometimes we’d sweeten it a bit, but there were no spices involved.
Now that I make it myself, I elevate the flavor by adding a variety of warming spices — giving it a “masala” twist. That’s why I call it Masala Haldi Doodh.
Milk Options – Dairy or Non-Dairy?
Golden Milk is versatile and can be made with your milk of choice. Here are a few options:
- Dairy milk – Traditional and creamy
- Almond milk – Light and nutty
- Cashew milk – Creamy with a neutral flavor
- Coconut milk – Rich in healthy fats and great for absorbing turmeric compounds
Preparation Tip:
Once you’ve selected your milk, add it to a pot along with turmeric, spices (like cinnamon, ginger, black pepper), and your preferred sweetener (like honey or maple syrup). Gently simmer the mixture — don’t boil. The goal is to infuse the flavors together for a cozy, aromatic drink.