When golden milk cravings strike, there’s hardly time to fuss with getting out all the spices, which is why I recently made my own “mix.”
Because I enjoy golden milk most afternoons, I’ve been using my mix almost daily! It’s the perfection solution to help speed the golden milk process along to save time and energy. Let me show you how.
This 4-ingredient, 5-minute mix is made of the 4 basic spices added to most golden milk: turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, and ginger.
The result is an earthy, spicy, comforting blend that pairs perfectly with dairy-free milk and a little sweetener.
In the winter, I’m all about the hot golden milk, but when summertime comes, I crave things that help me stay cool. In the instructions, you’ll see tips on how to make both hot and cold golden milk, depending on what climate (and mood) you’re experiencing.
We hope you LOVE this mix! It’s:
Easy to make
Super convenient to have on hand
Anti-inflammatory
Sugar-free
& Super tasty
Lately, I’ve been preferring this quick mix over getting out all the spices and grating fresh ginger for my daily dose of golden milk. The simplicity of it – and the flavor! – has me hooked. We hope you love it, too. In addition to being used to make golden milk, we also think it makes a delicious spice mix for vegetables, soups, smoothies, and more!
For more Ayurvedic-inspired dishes, check out our original Vegan Golden Milk, Golden Milk Smoothie, Golden Milk Macaroons, Golden Milk Ice Cream, and Cauliflower Rice Kitchari.
If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and tag a photo #minimalistbaker on Instagram. Cheers, friends!
4-Ingredient Golden Milk Mix
A mixture of the 4 basic golden milk spices so you can easily prepare golden milk whenever the craving strikes. Perfect for both iced and hot golden milk.
Ingredients
GOLDEN MILK MIX
- 4 Tbsp ground turmeric
- 2 tsp ground ginger (plus more to taste)
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon (plus more to taste)
- 1 tsp ground black pepper (plus more to taste)
ADD-INS (optional)
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp ground clove
TO MAKE GOLDEN MILK
- 1 heaped tsp Golden Milk Mix (recipe above)
- 1-2 tsp sweetener of choice (we prefer maple syrup // or stevia to taste)
- 2 tsp hot water
- 1 cup dairy-free milk (we find light coconut milk to work best here)
Instructions
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To make mix, add all spices (add-ins optional) to a small jar and shake or stir thoroughly to combine. Will keep at room temperature up to 3 months. Or you can store it in the refrigerator if you prefer. Double the recipe if you intend to use it daily (it goes fast!).
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To make HOT golden milk, add 1 heaped tsp Golden Milk Mix, 1-2 tsp sweetener of choice (more or less to taste), and 2 tsp water to a small saucepan. Use a spoon to mix into a loose paste (you want as few clumps as possible). Then add dairy-free milk of choice and whisk to combine. Heat over medium heat until just hot/warm (not boiling).
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To make ICED* golden milk, add 1 heaped tsp Golden Milk Mix, 1-2 tsp sweetener of choice (more or less to taste), and 2 tsp water to a serving glass. Use a spoon to mix into a loose paste (you want as few clumps as possible). Then add several big ice cubes and top with dairy-free milk of choice. Stir to combine.
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In addition to being used to make golden milk, we also think it makes a delicious spice mix for vegetables, soups, smoothies, and more!
Notes
*Nutrition information is a rough estimate calculated for one serving of golden milk using 1 heaped tsp Golden Milk Mix, refrigerated fortified unsweetened coconut milk from a carton, and 1 tsp maple syrup.
Nutrition Per Serving (1 of 15 Servings)
- Calories: 68
- Fat: 4.6g
- Saturated fat: 4g
- Sodium: 3.4mg
- Potassium: 130mg
- Carbohydrates: 7.2g
- Fiber: 0.7g
- Sugar: 4.6g
- Protein: 0.7g
- Vitamin A: 10%
- Vitamin C: 1%
- Calcium: 11%
- Iron: 11%
I feel like I’ve been waiting for this post for a long time!!! :) After seeing you post/talk about it on Instagram a while ago. Can’t wait to make this tonight! Thanks Dana!
Is this like a chai flavor?
It’s similar to a chai flavor, but there isn’t typically turmeric in chai and there isn’t any black tea.
This looks really good to try. Would you have a DIY guide to make Chai tea?
Hi Karem! We do have a Vegan Chai Latte you may enjoy!
I’ve always wanted to try golden milk – it seems so beneficial for the body and so powering. Would you say this could be/is a breakfast drink, or better for later in the day?
Both! It’s great all day!
Hi did you use fresh or ground ginger and turneric ? I use fresh and wanted to make sure the ratio would be the same. Thanks so much
Dried! It’s best for the mix.
As someone who is always looking for a nightime treat, this looks interesting. However, i am not familiar with your teaspoon measurements. For instance, .27 Tbs. Can you tell me how to convert? Thanks!
There are 3 teaspoons in 1 Tablespoon. Hopefully that helps!
What coconut milk do you use?
I buy canned full fat coconut milk and dilute with 50% its volume in water. OR, I make my own! https://minimalistbaker.com/how-to-make-coconut-milk/
Do you use the light coconut milk from a can? How are the results with almond milk?
I personally don’t like the taste with almond milk and prefer coconut. You can use either light canned or carton!
I am writing this comment with my cup of golden milk right by my side. This recipe is awesome! I love golden milk and was just thinking yesterday how awesome it would be to have a mix of it ready for the craving, and my favorite recipe blogger comes with this.
I made the hot version, only didn’t use a saucepan (I’m lazy like that) and instead I diluted the miw with water in my cup, then poured soy milk and put it in the microwave for a minute. Worked like a charm!
I like the way you prepared it. I am lazy too! I will try with soy milk too as it is what I have on hand most of the time.
Smart! Thanks for sharing!
I tried this (I’m also too lazy to make this on the stove), but I seem to still have a lot of the mix at the bottom of my cup, even after lots and lots of stirring. Do I need to get the liquid hotter? Any tips?
Hi Katie! Did you mix the spices with hot water first before adding the milk? They can separate while enjoying, like any powdered tea or mix, so I tend to give mine an occasional stir mine throughout drinking.
I did the same thing and it is absolutely wonderful for the lazy people out there!
Saw the recipe. Checked my spice rack. Made it. Drinking it. Happy.
Ha! Thanks for sharing! xo
Decided to experiment a bit… cocktails! This was a very good idea.
1tsp of your golden milk mix
25ml silver tequila
25ml simple syrup
25ml non-dairy milk (I used soy as I had it on hand, any will do I guess)
1tsp aquafaba
Shake with ice for at least 20 seconds to get some nice foam.
I went for a coupe glass garnished with some candied ginger and fresh ground black pepper.
I just made this and it’s almost gone. I made the spice mix as written, then made the iced version. I had only 1/2 c. unsweetened almond milk left (oops!) so I added 1/2 cup full fat coconut milk. It was creamy and delish!!! I can’t wait to try with just almond milk as it was just so thick with that coconut milk. I added a dash of nutmeg to this batch and used 1.5 tsp maple syrup. Dana, you are the best! This recipe rocks!
I added this to my morning smoothie today and it was life changing ?
Danielle,
What kind of smoothie did you make? I have been trying to figure out how to incorporate it into a smoothie, but I don’t have any ideas for what goes well with it.
Thanks!
You can find our version of Golden Milk Smoothie here! https://minimalistbaker.com/creamy-golden-milk-smoothie/
Absolutely delicious .and so easy to make . thank you
I’ve tried this recipe but find uncooked turmeric bitter. My recipe includes water and coconut oil brought to a boil to form a paste and honey is incorporated during the cooling process. I’m sure honey could be left out. It makes a quart so all I have to do is stir a Tbsp into my warm almond milk, tea or coffee! I love it!!!
Hmm, turmeric can be a little bitter. But when combined and balanced with the other spices, coconut milk and sweetener, it should actually taste more earthy. Is your turmeric still fresh?
I just tried this recipe with almond milk and was not a fan either. I’ve had other golden almond milk (at a restaurant so I don’t know how it was prepared) that was delightful, so I’m not sure what the issue is. I’ll try once more with coconut milk on another day….
Please I beg you to tell me the
health benefits of using goldmilk
Find that here! https://minimalistbaker.com/5-minute-vegan-golden-milk/
This is freakin delicious! I’ve struggled to keep this in my life daily but this is totally worth it. Love all your stuff!
Thanks for sharing!
I love adding golden milk spices to my pancakes and drinking it on its own as well, but I’ve never thought of making a mix beforehand! So clever! Thank you! I’ve made it tonight and it was lovely. Will try it with my pancakes tomorrow :)
Maybe add it to your pancakes! :D
Is it ok to take it in summer? Dried ginger powder is heating in nature.
Very true! But based on my research turmeric is cooling. To balance the heat from ginger and cinnamon, try the iced version!
I’d like to drink more golden milk because turmeric is so healing. Kind of a silly question…. turmeric always stains my counter tops yellow if I spill some, do you worry about it discoloring teeth at all? (I assume it doesn’t because so many people like it)
I’ve never worried about it staining my teeth – hasn’t happened yet and I’ve drank a lot of golden milk. If your counter tops are porous, be careful. I have quarts and it can absorb but always fades as I wipe it.
Warning… my mother ate some fried rice once that had turmeric in it and it stained her tooth implant (aka denture) bright yellow!! She had to go have it professionally cleaned as she had one bright yellow tooth ;). Not sure the effect on real teeth but beware if you have fake ones!
If I make this mix, would it be a suitable substitution in your Golden Milk Overnight Oats? And how much of this mix should I use? Thanks!
So I tried making a version of overnight oats with golden milk mix and didn’t really like it as it requires a lot of sweetener. But if you try it and figure it out, let us know how it goes!
Hello!
I need to know (yes, need!!) where the jar is from. The jar being used for storing the goldenmilk mixture. Please let me know! I NEED IT! lol
I believe from World Market (a long time ago).
Delish! I have been drinking warm turmeric tea for the last week and then came across your receipe. I am enjoying the cold version right now and wondering how I have lived without it for so long! I especially like the tip about making up the spices in advance cause some days I have just not felt like doing all that! Thank u soooooo much for sharing this!
Smart! Thanks for sharing, Denise!
I am a bit confused about he difference between turmeric and curcuma. I would love to make this recipe, I have curcuma on hand, but in other recipes (e.g. scrambled tofu) I find curcuma quite bitter. Can I use it here or is it going to be bitter, too?
Thank you!
Curcumin is a compound found in turmeric. Hope that helps! It can be a little bitter and I probably wouldn’t recommend this mix for scrambles.
Have you tried Almond milk as an alternative by any chance?
I personally don’t love the taste with almond milk, but give it a try if you’d like! Coconut is my preferred.
I’ve been trying to hunt down easy turmeric drink recipes for the last few weeks to add the spice to my regular routine. Golden Milk seemed like the best bet flavor-wise but the traditional way of making it seemed like such a hassle for a daily thing. I LOVE this mix idea! I’m making it tonight and trying it out. Thanks for thinking of this :-)
Ooooh! I am so excited to try this!!! And I love that I have all ingredients on hand :) Thank you, thank you for creating this mix!
Like any other poster, wondering if golden milk stains your teeth—I have a friend who insists it stained hers!
I use turmeric powder in my homemade toothpowder that I add into coconut oil for toothpaste. It does not stain my teeth. My teeth are brighter using my homemade powder.
Thanks for sharing, Wendi! I’ve never experienced teeth staining either.
Wow we love this! I made it cold without pepper for my family to taste. I just need the light coconut milk and I have to say it tastes amazing with full fat coconut milk and melted ice cubes! Thank you for all the delicious recipes!!!!!
Thanks, Cynthia!
Delicious, was Looking for a mushroom recipe and your website popped up. I saw it. Check to see if I had all the ingredients which I did and Walla I made it. I am drinking my 1st cup, And it won’t be the last.
How lovely!
Hi Dana!!
Got your e-mail about this a little while ago and once today I was craving some something sweet and different so I decided to give it a try. ( note: I didn’t make the mix as per recipe, I did the golden milk).
Just because I live in India, it is actually easier to get the spices in natura and grind them at home…I made a ‘chai masala mix’ of cinnamon, clove, and cardamom and ground all together, and sieve the powder ( the cardamon pods don’t grind very well) and voila. The mix as a flavoring agent is ready…. The rest I somewhat followed the recipe, with coconut milk, stevia, black pepper, turmeric and fresh ginger. Pretty awesome i must say. It definetly killed my sweet tooth. Hope you have a chance to try it with some cardamom…it get a delicious and satisfying mouthfeel. xo
Lovely – thanks for sharing, Stefanie!
I make this with equal parts ginger, cinnamon, and turmeric, then a bit of black pepper for absorption. It is then used by adding one teaspoon to my morning oats. Thank you for validating my innovation (ie laziness)!
Smart!! Thanks for sharing, Rebecca!
Well this is a forehead-slap moment for me. Genius! (And whyyyyy didn’t I think of doing this.) Thanks so much for sharing.
I made this with soymilk and I totally loved it!! Offered a sip to my mum, who by the way is kind of difficult where food and drink are concerned, and she loved it!! I had to make her a mug too and she insists I make more spice mix and hand her the recipe?. Thanks a lot Dana!
Whoop! Glad to hear that your Mom enjoyed it, Susan!
The golden milk recipe has been my summer obsession! Favorite is with hazelnut milk (double the measurement b/c I don’t always have coconut milk)! I’ve just been throwing everything into a blender. Been making this so many times, I made a mix just as this came out! Glad this is here so I can stop converting cups and tsp :) Still have to try the smoothie version.
Yum! Glad you are enjoying it, Kathryn!
I love and often drink golden milk in the evening. I add a little cardamom to mine and make it with sweetened hemp milk. Mmmmmm
Smart! Love hemp milk, too!
I can’t wait to make this!!
I made the iced version today and am not sure if I did something wrong because all of the spices sink to the bottom of the glass even after using a hand held frother to whip up the coconut milk and spices before adding the ice. The taste seemed pretty raw and the texture of the spices in the mixture was off putting. Do you have any suggestions on how to better incorporate everything together? With all of the positive reviews of this recipe I’m hoping I can make it better.
Did you mix them with hot water first before adding the milk? They can separate, like any powdered tea or mix, so I tend to stir mine throughout drinking. Any bitterness can be offset with a little more sweetness OR by adding less spice mix to the drink.
Thank you for the quick reply, I didn’t use hot water so I will try that the next time. I made your coconut butter today and it is WONERFUL! I had tried making it a few years ago in my Vitamix and the results weren’t what I had hoped for. I added 1 tsp vanilla powder to your recipe and it is so creamy and delicious. I know what a couple of my friends will be getting for Christmas this year.
Love this! I use pumpkin pie spice with turmeric and pepper. Then you don’t have to add the cloves and nutmeg separately.
Smart!
I made this cold with unsweetened vanilla almond milk and it is great. Also used all the extra spices and the whole 2 t. Maple syrup. Only downfall to this for me was that the spices don’t really dissolve. So I drank it out of a shaker cup and it works well to be able to just shake instead of stir every time I take a drink. Is there something I missed?
Hi Betty! Did you mix the spices with hot water first before adding the milk? They can separate while enjoying, like any powdered tea or mix, so I tend to give mine an occasional stir mine throughout drinking.
I had the same problem when I made it today, the spices didn’t dissolve properly and were hard to swallow. I liked the taste and wish I could get it to be smooth enough to drink without coughing. I did mix the spices with hot water first??
A good whisking should fix that, Frankie!
I am trying to avoid coconut milk because of the fat content. I read that you don’t prefer the flavor of almond milk with it, so any suggestions for a decent substitute? What about light soy milk with a drop of coconut extract? Also, you said you use the dried, ground spices – just the regular grocery store varieties then? Thanks!
I’d say soy or hemp milk!
I’m wondering if this would be fine to make in a pitcher to have on hand. Or is it best to make glass by glass.
We prefer to make a glass at a time, but its up to you!
I had this exact mix of flavors in iced black tea yesterday at a restaurant (minus the milk!). Thank you for helping me figure out how to recreate it at home!
Yay!
Oh my word Dana, this is soooooo good, thank you for sharing this recipe!!
We are glad you love it, Vicky!
Has anyone tried this with pea milk? I don’t like coconut or soy milk, but I can see why almond milk may not be the first choice. I will probably end up trying both but was just curious!
I’m sure it would be good!
What kind of veggies do you think this would pair best with if I were to use it as a roasted veggie spice mix!?
Just about anything really. But might I recommend our similar DIY Curry Powder? It’s my favorite for ALL roasted vegetables! https://minimalistbaker.com/diy-curry-powder/
Thanks! Looks great!
Curious as to why almond milk isn’t the best choice for this recipe. Also curious as how to use this mix as a spice mix for vegetables!
As for the spice mix, see comment above! And as for almond milk, I just think that the flavor of almond milk doesn’t work quite as well as milks like coconut and cashew. But give it a try and see what you think!
I ended up needing coconut milk for a different recipe anyways, so I tried it for this & I think you’re right – it’s creamier for sure with the coconut milk & has more of a milkshake-y ‘decadent’ taste :)
This was so delicious! A rich, creamy and healthy drink. I made it before bed, and had quite the calming effect. Highly recommend!
We are glad you enjoyed it, Erin!
Any way to turn this into golden milk chia pudding? Just add seeds?
Hmm thats a great idea, Adrienne! We haven’t tried but I’m pretty sure that would work. If you experiment with it, report back on how it goes!
When you spoke of Golden Milk cravings-I could not relate! Now….I rush home for an afternoon fix. At first I used a little maple syrup, but now I mix it with almond milk on ice. Yummy and oh so eazy. I have made two batches so far. It is keeping inflammation at bay! Thanks so much. You are my go to for fail-safe recipes!! I appreciate you!
Welcome to the club, Barbara! :P We are glad you are a fan too!
I am looking forward to trying this easier method. I have one question. Have you ever noticed settling of the ingredients at the bottom of your cup? Maybe I am putting to much turmeric. Any thoughts? Trying to perfect it because it’s so tasty. Thanks
I’d recommend just giving it a good stir!
I had never heard of Golden Milk until I came across this post. I made the mix and added a heaping teaspoon, 1 cup frozen bananas and almond milk to make a smoothie. Basically, combined this recipe with your Golden Milk Smoothie recipe. It was amazing! So delicious. No sweetener needed. Thank you so much!
Yay! Glad to hear it, Rhonda!
This recipe is awesome. I made it to give to a friend who recently had surgery. I felt inspired to make some for myself. I used homemade pecan milk and added a tiny bit of maple syrup. It’s like fall in a glass! Thanks for this!
Is it possible to use normal mælk, with or without fat.
Thinking there is a lot of fat and sweetnes in coconutmilk.
Hei from Brigitte
Yes, that will work!
I was very hopeful when I made this. My little sister has a hen and rooster sanctuary and has inspired me to cruelty free eating and drinking. Now, my son is participating with me. We found some mixes at Natural Grocers that we were so interested in (we bought one). So expensive! Then…I came back to this site. I use the recipes all the time. Sure enough…score! This is amazing. I have already made little pots of this and given it away as gifts. One recipient texted me and described being “obsessed” with this beautiful beverage. If you are on the fence, jump off and make this! Delicious and healthy. Enjoy.
Omg thank you! I wanted a simple, no fuss, quick recipe for this!! I am new to your site & already finding a ton. Your serving calculator is so helpful! I cant wait to follow you everywhere (social media that is- not in real life LOL, that sounded very odd when I re-read it!) & make some of your recipes! Thank you!!
P.S. For people maybe thinking “yuck tumeric/ginger in milk?!” I used to think that too! I hated ginger and had just never tried tumeric sadly. But give this a shot or even just try some mixed into a chai tea. I think it will surprise you. It quickly becomes a sweet drink not the spicey, salty-type drink you may be picturing since salty dishes are mostly what we use these spices for in America. Also learning a bit about spices & their use in Ayurvedic culture helped me to learn WHY they’re so good for us & helped me to be more open to trying them. It’s a creamy & delicious sweet drink!
Great recipe! I’ve used Silk Protein Nut Milk as well as Good Karma Flax Milk with protein and love it! Another way to use this mix is to add to hot water with apple cider vinegar, cayenne, and lemon for an immune boosting tonic!
We are glad you enjoyed it, Amanda! Thanks for sharing your additions!
Oh snap! I know everyone else said this, but-why didn’t I think of this?! Soooo yummy. Thank you.
We are glad you enjoyed it, Ronica!
I just used a teaspoon of this in a half batch of donuts and it turned out amazing! I did cinnamon and sugar to coat the donuts and it complimented really well. I also made the hot golden milk and it was perfect :D
Yum!
Yes! This is delicious! We used So Delicious Organic Coconut Milk out of a carton and a little nutmeg on top- Muah! Perfection! Even my 3 year old liked it. I’m going to make some to give as a gifts because everyone should know about this. Thanks for another 5 star recipe! (Also loved the creative reviews- oatmeal?? Doughnuts?? I never would have thought to use it like that!)
This is exactly what I’m going to make for this holiday season for my friends. A mason jar full, along with some local maple syrup and coconut milk. Done! Thanks so much. 😊
This recipe is perfect!! I will double it next time. I used 1/4 tsp nutmeg and cloves. Then used full fat coconut milk and a splash of soy milk and frothed it with our espresso maker. Can’t wait to offer this to my friends when they visit. I may add a tsp of cardamom to the blend next time.. because I love it.
What would you recommend for a ginger substitute, for someone who is allergic? (and in what quantity?). Thank you muchly!
I would just omit!