If you’re looking for a cozy, vibrant drink that’s both soothing and packed with flavor, you have to try this Golden Milk (Hot or Iced) Recipe. It’s a beautiful blend of warming spices like turmeric, cinnamon, and ginger combined with creamy milk and just the right touch of sweetness. Whether you want something comforting on a chilly morning or a refreshing twist on a sunny afternoon, this recipe is incredibly versatile and easy to make. It’s my go-to for a healthful, delicious treat that feels like a hug in a mug or a cool pick-me-up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe works together to create that perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and sweet flavors. They’re simple staples you might already have, and each one plays an important role in the final taste, texture, and lovely golden hue of your golden milk.
- 2 cups plain milk: Choose your favorite—oat, almond, dairy—each adds its own creaminess and subtle flavor.
- 1 to 3 teaspoons maple syrup or honey: Optional sweetness to make your golden milk just how you like it.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a soft, comforting aroma and deepens the flavor.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground turmeric: The star spice giving golden milk its beautiful color and earthy taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Offers warmth and a hint of sweetness that complements turmeric perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Brings a gentle zing and freshness to the blend.
- Pinch of black pepper and fine sea salt: Black pepper boosts the turmeric’s benefits and flavor, while salt balances the sweetness.
How to Make Golden Milk (Hot or Iced) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Spices and Sweetener
Start by gathering all your spices and sweetener in a heatproof mug or bowl. This makes it easy to mix everything together evenly once your milk is ready. Combining the dry ingredients first helps the flavors infuse perfectly without clumps.
Step 2: Heat and Froth Your Milk
If you’re going for the hot version, gently steam or heat your milk until it’s warm and frothy. Use a frother for the most luxurious foam or simply warm it on the stove until nearly simmering. Heat is important here because it helps dissolve the spices and blend all those vibrant flavors together.
Step 3: Mix the Hot Milk with Spices
Pour the warm milk (minus the foam if you frothed) into your spice mixture and stir until everything is fully combined. Taste it and add your sweetener if you want it a little sweeter. Finally, top with that frothy milk foam and give a quick stir to unite all the layers of flavor.
Step 4: Make Your Iced Version
For iced golden milk, start by warming half a cup of milk so the spices dissolve fully—hot water works too if you prefer. Whisk together the warm milk, spices, vanilla, and sweetener. Fill a large glass with ice, pour in the spiced milk mixture, then add the remaining cold milk. Give it a quick stir with a straw and adjust sweetness if needed. Refreshing and packed with flavor!
How to Serve Golden Milk (Hot or Iced) Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a garnish elevates your golden milk from everyday to special. Try sprinkling a little cinnamon or turmeric powder on top or adding a cinnamon stick for stirring. A few thin slices of fresh ginger or a tiny drizzle of honey on the foam also make a beautiful finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This drink pairs wonderfully with light, comforting snacks. Think buttery biscuits, cardamom-spiced cookies, or a slice of banana bread. The warmth and spices in the golden milk harmonize so well with mildly sweet or even nutty treats.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your golden milk in a clear glass mug to show off its glowing yellow color. For the iced version, a tall glass with a colorful straw makes it look as inviting as it tastes. You could even layer it with a splash of coconut cream on top for a tropical twist that will wow your friends or family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can prepare golden milk ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just keep it in an airtight container or jar. Before drinking, give it a good stir or shake to recombine the spices and milk, as they tend to settle.
Freezing
While golden milk doesn’t freeze particularly well due to the separation of milk fats, you can freeze the spiced milk base without sweetener in ice cube trays. Then, thaw cubes and mix with fresh milk or warm water when ready to serve. This trick helps you whip up a quick cup anytime.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your stored golden milk, gently reheat it on the stove over low heat. Stir thoroughly to bring all the spices back into harmony. Avoid microwaving if possible, as low heat maintains better flavor integrity and prevents scorching.
FAQs
Can I use any type of milk for this Golden Milk (Hot or Iced) Recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly flexible. Whether you choose dairy, oat, almond, or coconut milk, each will give the golden milk a slightly different but delicious character. Oat milk is particularly creamy and popular in this recipe.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, if you use plant-based milk and a vegan-friendly sweetener like maple syrup, this Golden Milk (Hot or Iced) Recipe is completely vegan. It’s a wonderful dairy-free alternative that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Why is black pepper added to golden milk?
Black pepper isn’t just a flavor booster. It actually helps increase the bioavailability of curcumin, the beneficial compound in turmeric, which means your body can absorb and use it more effectively. A small pinch is all it takes!
Can I adjust the spice levels?
Definitely! The beauty of this recipe is how easy it is to tailor to your taste. If you like more warmth, add a bit more ginger or cinnamon. If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the spices slightly. Taste as you go and make it yours.
Is Golden Milk good for health?
Golden milk combines spices known for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, like turmeric and ginger. Many people enjoy it as a soothing, healthful drink to support wellness. Just remember it complements a balanced diet rather than replacing any medical treatments.
Final Thoughts
This Golden Milk (Hot or Iced) Recipe is truly one of those comforting creations that feels like both a treat and a little moment of self-care. It’s easy to make, naturally delicious, and offers so much warmth in every sip. Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly evening or cooling off in the heat of the day, give it a try—you might just find your new favorite drink.
Print
Golden Milk (Hot or Iced) Recipe
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Global
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Discover how to make homemade golden milk with this easy and nourishing recipe. Packed with anti-inflammatory spices like turmeric, cinnamon, and ginger, this comforting drink can be enjoyed hot or iced. Perfect for a cozy morning or a refreshing afternoon treat, it’s naturally sweetened with optional maple syrup or honey and can be made with any milk of your choice, including oat milk for a vegan option.
Ingredients
Base
- 2 cups plain milk (such as oat milk)
Sweetener (optional)
- 1 to 3 teaspoons maple syrup or honey
Flavorings and Spices
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- Pinch of black pepper
- Pinch of fine sea salt
Instructions
- Steam or heat the milk: For a hot latte, steam the milk using a frother until warm and frothy. Alternatively, heat the milk in a saucepan over medium heat until it is nearly simmering, then whisk briefly to create froth.
- Combine spices and sweetener: In a heatproof mug, mix in the sweetener (if using), vanilla extract, ground turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, and salt.
- Add milk to spice mixture: Pour the steamed milk (excluding the foam) into the mug with the spices and sweetener, stirring until completely combined.
- Top with foam and adjust sweetness: Spoon the milk foam on top and give the latte a gentle stir. Taste and add extra sweetener if desired.
- Serve hot: Enjoy your hot golden milk immediately while warm.
- Prepare for iced latte: Heat 1/2 cup of milk (or hot water) until nearly simmering. In a heatproof glass or measuring cup, whisk together this warm milk, sweetener, vanilla extract, turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, and salt until dissolved and evenly mixed.
- Assemble iced latte: Fill a large glass with ice cubes, pour in the warm spiced mixture, then add the remaining cold milk.
- Stir and adjust sweetness: Stir briefly with a straw to combine all ingredients. Taste and add more sweetener if needed.
- Serve cold: Serve your refreshing iced golden milk immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Use oat milk or any plant-based milk for a vegan version.
- Adjust the sweetness to your preference with maple syrup or honey.
- A pinch of black pepper is essential to enhance turmeric’s absorption.
- For best flavor, use fresh, high-quality ground spices.
- The drink can be served hot or cold based on preference and season.
- Do not boil the milk; heat it gently to preserve nutrients and prevent scalding.
