• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Herbivore Cucina

  • Recipe Index
  • Indian
  • Instant Pot
  • Air-Fryer
  • International
  • Cakes & Bakes
  • More..
    • Featured
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About Me
  • Recipe Index
  • Instant Pot
  • Contact
  • Web Stories
  • Get Social

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • About Me
    • Recipe Index
    • Instant Pot
    • Contact
    • Web Stories
  • Get Social

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Drinks

    Published: Dec 17, 2015 · Modified: Jul 7, 2023 by Smruti · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Turmeric Milk

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

    Golden Milk or Turmeric Milk is a mix of fresh turmeric, milk and spices. 

    Warming, delicious and full of good for you ingredients. This milk is amazing year round but super comforting when you have a cold or flu!

    Turmeric Milk in a white cup; topped with pepper powder and served in a gray plate with a spoon beside it and turmeric in a bowl beside it.

    Turmeric has always been a super ingredient in the kitchen. Its anti-inflammatory and healing properties have been popular for generations. 

    Indians have been a consumer of tons of turmeric each year and now the rest of the world has joined in too.

    A simple herb available as a finely ground powder, turmeric is used in Indian cooking each day. We flavor our dal, paneer curries, stir fries and sometimes even rice with turmeric powder. Plus, we pickle it and enjoy it with our meals.

    We use turmeric as a natural plant based yellow die in simple tasks like tie and dye, making colors for kids and so on.

    It is great that this spice is now popular in so many ways. So good to see it on the aisles of large stores, in bottles as turmeric latte and in desserts like panna cotta. It is truly amazing to see the Indian kitchen essential getting so much importance.

    Jump to:
    • What is Turmeric Milk
    • Why this recipe works
    • Ingredients and Substitutions
    • How to make the recipe
    • Expert Tips and Notes
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Pairings
    • More Milk recipes
    • Easy Turmeric Milk

    What is Turmeric Milk

    In reality, turmeric milk is actually just turmeric and milk; mixed together and boiled. 

    In Gujarati we call it haldar doodh, in hindi it is haldi ka doodh and the more popular name now is golden milk.

    It can be made fancy with spices, sweeteners, other superfoods and so on. But in reality, the main ingredients remain turmeric and milk.

    Known for its healing properties, turmeric has been on the centerstage ever since the pandemic broke out. Lots of people turned to natural ways of building immunity and turmeric got a lot of fame.

    The easiest way to consume turmeric is to add it to everyday recipes. But if you would like to include fresh turmeric in more ways, this milk is PERFECT. 

    With close to 2 teaspoon of turmeric per cup of milk, it is way more than any recipe can take. Add in a few spices and the milk becomes even more apt for the flu season and beyond.

    Why this recipe works

    • It is super easy to make from scratch; no more buying it from the store.
    • It comes together in under 10 minutes.
    • It is a way to add turmeric to your diet, especially if turmeric does not feature in your meals.
    • This turmeric milk is great for flu season and to build immunity in kids and adults.
    • It has been a family recipe for generations! 
    • Is perfect to replace store bought turmeric latte with a cleaner version.
    • A small cup of this milk does go a long way. From kids to adults, it is helpful for everyone and is a simple lifestyle change to make that sticks! 

    Fresh turmeric is a signature herb of the cold season and we enjoy it in so many ways while it is available. This milk along with pickled turmeric and ginger are the top ways we do so.

    Ingredients and Substitutions

    Turmeric Milk ingredients; fresh turmeric, sugar, spices and milk.
    • Milk: The recipe obviously needs milk! From the dairy options like whole, 2% and skimmed to the non-dairy ones like oat, soy and almond will all work for the recipe. Choosing a higher fat content will make the drink thicker and creamier. 
    • Turmeric: Fresh turmeric is the best for this recipe. This is my favorite turmeric brand. When it is not in season or inaccessible, use turmeric powder. Wash the fresh turmeric really well. Grate it with the skin or after peeling.
    • Sugar: This is an optional ingredient. It can be used or substituted with honey or maple syrup. The milk can be made without sugar too. 
    • Spices: Spices are optional in the recipe. However, they are great for winters and add a lot of flavor apart from the strong turmeric flavor. I often add some spices like cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon and black peppers. They can be added as whole and boiled with the milk or in the powdered form.
    • A lot of people add ginger to the milk too. We have a lot of ginger in our tea and so we skip it here. Feel free to add ginger too.

    See the recipe card for detailed ingredient information, measurements and nutrition.

    How to make the recipe

    1- Wash and grate fresh turmeric.

    2- Add 2 tablespoon of water in the pan. Then add milk.

    Collage steps to make turmeric milk; grate turmeric and heat milk in a pan.

    3- Next add the grated turmeric (or turmeric powder).

    4- Add the spices and sugar (if using).

    Collage steps to make turmeric milk; add turmeric and spices to the milk.

    5- Mix well.

    6- Let the milk come to a rolling boil on medium flame. Stir intermittently. 

    Collage steps to make turmeric milk; heat milk and stir intermittently.

    7- Once the milk boils, turn the flame off.

    8- Pour the milk into mugs using a fine mesh sieve. Serve turmeric milk warm, topped with some ground turmeric and black pepper powder.

    Collage steps to make turmeric milk; boil the milk and transfer to a fine mesh strainer.

    Expert Tips and Notes

    • This turmeric milk can be made using fresh powdered turmeric.
    • Dairy based milk or non-dairy based works well for this recipe.
    • Spices and sweetener are optional in the recipe. Use them as you like.
    • The higher the fat content of the milk, the creamier the turmeric milk.
    • Once prepared it is best to consume the milk immediately. Heat it again if serving later.
    Turmeric Milk in glass container with cups and spices placed around it on a black board.

    Recipe FAQs

    Can we make turmeric milk with fresh turmeric?

    Certainly. It is the best, earthy flavor to add to milk. There are a lot of different views on whether or not fresh turmeric can be boiled; take a call based on what you feel is best for you.

    What does turmeric milk do?

    Turmeric milk has a lot of fresh turmeric with milk. The anti-inflammatory property and immunity building properties of turmeric shine through the milk. Plus, the advantages of milk. So overall, turmeric milk is a great recipe to include in your diet.

    Can we make Vegan Golden milk?

    Yes certainly. Simply add any nut or seed based milk with turmeric, sugar and spices to make it Vegan.

    Do we need to strain milk made with fresh turmeric?

    The turmeric skin and fibers are present in the milk. Thus, it is great to strain it. However, it can be consumed as is too.

    Pairings

    While turmeric milk is perfect to enjoy as is; it can be paired with all kinds of easy breakfast recipes.

    • Batata Poha in a green bowl with sev and cilantro on top of it and a spoon beside it.
      Quick and Easy Batata Poha
    • Crispy Tea Time Milk Rusk
    • Rava Upma
    • Tricolor Tea Sandwiches

    More Milk recipes

    • A shot glass filled with paan milkshake and topped with colorful toppings; with more glasses behind it.
      Paan Shots | Gulkand Paan Milkshake
    • masala chai in cup with saucer
      Masala Chai
    • A glass with strawberry milkshake topped with whole strawberries.
      The BEST Strawberry Milkshake
    • Boba thandai topped with ice-cream and all the toppings, against a backdrop with flowers and boba.
      Thandai Boba

    Turmeric milk in a white mug with another mug in the background on slate blocks and some turmeric powder and flowers beside it.

    I love seeing when you share my recipes!

    Tag me on Instagram @herbivorecucina or mention #herbivorecucina so I can enjoy them virtually with you! You can also find me on Pinterest, Facebook, Tik Tok, and YouTube.

    Love this recipe? Please leave a star rating in the recipe card below & if you REALLY like it, consider a review in the comments whilst you are there, thanks!

    Easy Turmeric Milk

    Smruti
    Golden Milk or Turmeric Milk is a mix of fresh turmeric, milk and spices. Warming, delicious and FULL of good for you ingredients! This milk is amazing year round but super comforting when you have a cold.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 10 minutes mins
    Course Drinks
    Cuisine Indian
    Servings 2 servings
    Calories 183 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 cups Milk
    • 2 inch Fresh Turmeric piece
    • 1-2 Cinnamon
    • 4-5 Green Cardamom pods coarsely ground
    • 5-6 Black pepper
    • 2 teaspoon Sugar optional
    • 2 tablespoon Water

    Instructions
     

    • Wash and grate fresh turmeric if using. It can be peeled or with skin.
    • Add 2 tablespoon of water in the pan. This helps to avoid milk from sticking to the pan.
    • Add the milk and turn on the flame. Add the grated turmeric (or turmeric powder).
    • Add the spices and sugar (if using). Mix well.
    • Let the milk come to a rolling boil on medium flame. Stir intermittently.
    • Once the milk boils, turn the flame off.
    • Pour the milk into mugs using a fine mesh sieve.
    • Serve turmeric milk warm, topped with some ground turmeric and black pepper powder.

    Video

    Notes

    • This turmeric milk can be made using fresh powdered turmeric.
    • Dairy based milk or non-dairy based works well for this recipe.
    • Spices and sweetener are optional in the recipe. Use them as you like.
    • The higher the fat content of the milk, the creamier the turmeric milk will be. 
    • Once prepared it is best to consume the milk immediately. Heat it again if serving later.
    Note: Nutrition values are my best estimates using an automated calculator. If you rely on them for your diet, use your preferred nutrition calculator.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 183kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 9gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 29mgSodium: 1063mgPotassium: 419mgFiber: 2gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 334mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    More Drinks

    • Two glasses filled with kokum sharbat topped with mint leaves and served with ice on a slate platter.
      Kokum Juice (Kokum Sharbat)
    • Two glasses filled with falsa sharbat and topped with mint leaves and lemon slices.
      Falsa Sharbat | Phalsa Juice
    • A bowl filled with sol kadhi topped with cilantro and a spoon in it with bowls filled with ingredients around it.
      Sol Kadhi
    • Masala Milk in earthern glasses with some saffron strands in a small bowl behind it.
      Masala Milk (Masala Doodh)

    Reader Interactions

    5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    About Me

    Smruti headshot

    This blog is dedicated to one of my greatest passions, Cooking. I have always loved to cook, especially trying out some unconventional recipes.

    Learn more about me →

    Delicious sweets to enjoy!

    • Strawberry cheesecake ice cream in a green bowl topped with mint, strawberries and graham crackers.
      No-Churn Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream
    • A brown plate with sooji halwa served topped with rose petals on top; with diyas on the background.
      Rava Sheera | Sooji Halwa
    • An oval bowl with carrot kheer; topped with nuts, rose petals and saffron with a spoon on the side and nuts in small bowls.
      Carrot Kheer ( Gajar Halwa Kheer)
    • Gulab Jamun cheesecake mix in phyllo cups topped with saffron and nuts.
      Gulab Jamun Cheesecake Bites
    • Ice Halva sheets placed on top of one another with diya and pistachios in the background.
      Bombay Ice Halva
    • Rava Ladoo in a plate topped with dried rose petals and silver foil with diyas in the background.
      Rava Ladoo

    Popular Recipes

    • Air Fryer noodles in a tray with vegetables
      Air Fryer Noodles
    • Rose Peda in plate
      Instant Rose Peda
    • Instant Pot Pickled Jalapeños
    • Front view of Papdi Chaat Dip
      Papdi Chaat Dip
    • Top view of chaat
      Khasta Kachori Chaat
    • glass with rose boba tea
      Rose Boba (Bubble) Tea

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    Contact

    • Contact
    • About Me
    • Work with Me

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2025 Herbivorecucina.com

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.