4-Ingredient Golden Milk Mix

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Jar of spices for making homemade vegan golden milk

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.

Ginger, turmeric, and other spices for making our homemade golden milk mix recipe

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.

*Note: you can learn about golden milk and its ancient history in India and Ayurveda here. And find a more traditional recipe here.

Jar and plate of spices for making perfect vegan golden milk

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.

Pouring coconut milk into a mug filled with our homemade golden milk mix

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!

Stirring a glass mug of delicious vegan iced golden milk

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.
Author Minimalist Baker
Print
Jar of Golden Milk Mix with the spices arranged in layers
4.85 from 108 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 15 (1-tsp servings)
Course Beverage
Cuisine Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Indian-Inspired, Vegan
Freezer Friendly No
Does it keep? 3 Months

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

  • 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!).
  • 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). 
  • 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.
  • In addition to being used to make golden milk, we also think it makes a delicious spice mix for vegetables, soups, smoothies, and more!

Video

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 (1 of 15 servings)

Serving: 1 Servings Calories: 68 Carbohydrates: 7.2 g Protein: 0.7 g Fat: 4.6 g Saturated Fat: 4 g Sodium: 3.4 mg Potassium: 130 mg Fiber: 0.7 g Sugar: 4.6 g Vitamin A: 500 IU Vitamin C: 0.8 mg Calcium: 110 mg Iron: 2 mg

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  1. Troy F says

    What brands of ground spices do you recommend? I am new to this and would love some ideas on trusted brands. Thanks in advance.

    Troy

    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerSupport @ Minimalist Baker says

      Hi Troy, we don’t have a brand preference! We typically get spices from the bulk section of health food stores, or purchase the Simply Organic brand. Hope that helps!

  2. Ella says

    I made this mix for the golden milk overnight oats, tried the mix with milk, and it was a little too much pepper for my liking, but I made it again and instead put about a 1/8 teaspoon of white pepper (as well as a teaspoon of two more of cinnamon) and it was perfect! I’m saving the other mix to season other things with though, because I believe it would be fantastic in a savory dish.

    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerSupport @ Minimalist Baker says

      We’re so glad you enjoyed it with those modifications, Ella. Thank you for sharing! xo

  3. Theresa says

    This looks delicious. Do you strain the spices when pouring the milk mixture into a mug or are you supposed to drink the remaining spices at the bottom of the mug?

  4. Viv says

    This looks wonderful! In the video, you show grating a garnish on top. This s that raw ginger, or turmeric? Thanks.

  5. Robin says

    Absolutely delicious! I used all the spices, a little extra of each, and added 2 tsp of cocoa powder. This is just as good as an expensive mix made locally that I overpaid for and dearly loved. And a tip: I warm the milk first and then put in the spices and whisk them – no clumping at all. I like it with a little liquid stevia and any non-dairy milk. Thank you for the recipe!!

  6. Virginia says

    Oh my days…. I’ve just made your Golden Milk spice mix (because I want to make your golden overnight oats) It’s a freezing afternoon here in England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 so I thought a Golden Milk was called for. Amazing, what a warming, wholesome mug of deliciousness this is. This bit of sunshine in a mug will see me sail through winter. Thank you for the recipe. I’m going to make a few batches in pretty jars to gift at Christmas.

    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerSupport @ Minimalist Baker says

      We’re so glad it’s providing some warmth on this chilly day, Virginia! And it’s such a lovely gift – your recipients will be very lucky. Thank you for the lovely review! xo

  7. Elizabeth says

    Thank you for the delicious recipe. I’ve seen many recipes for golden milk paste and found them to be too laborious when you want something quick and easy. I used raw milk and honey. Just the right ingredients for a warming, soothing, spicy evening drink.

  8. Shannon says

    I LOVE this spice mix! It’s so versatil. We’ve enjoyed it with milk, both cold and hot. Then for breakfast, we made smoothies with bananas and almond milk – yum! We happen to have a ton of sweet potatoes from the garden, so I made golden milk sweet potato soup. Everyone loved it! Because the spice mix was already made & so flavorful on it’s own, the recipe came together quickly. Just veggie stock, coconut milk, sweet potatoes and a heaping tablespoon of your Golden Milk Spice. Perfect autumn dinner. Thanks for another awesome recipe MB!

  9. Teresa says

    I have made this recipe several times and 3 generations of my family love it! Tasted it first in our local cafe, and am so glad I can make it at home. Thank you

  10. Natalie Marie says

    Doubled this and made it for a daily smoothie mix. I add a scoop of protein, almond milk, and half a banana. Love it!

  11. hope says

    It’s not my favorite drink but it’s still nice for a cold winter night. Don’t skip the paste stage, it’s really obligatory :⁠,⁠-⁠)

  12. Melissa says

    I use this mix to flavor my morning oatmeal. It is delicious! With a little honey and raisins, it’s my favorite breakfast.

  13. Nan B says

    I would love to try the Cashew Coconut Oat Milk.
    Can it be frozen?
    It would be super convenient to pop a cube in my hot coffee in the morning.

  14. Gil says

    Great mix. Great taste. Easy to make. I’m addicted. Have it every night. The only thing I do differently is that I use more water than it calls for in order to mix all the powders. I have also yet to make it with coconut milk. I highly recommend it!!!

  15. Catherine says

    Oh, wow! Mixed the spices together in a small jar yesterday, and tonight, after a long day trip that included a six-mile walk (after I’ve barely shifted from my home office chair for two weeks), I needed something warm and comforting.
    Put a teaspoon of the mix in a half-oat-milk, half-hot-water drink, added in some maple syrup and it was delicious! Just the remedy I needed for my aching, weary limbs. Will definitely make this a regular thing in my kitchen! Thank you. :)

    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerSupport @ Minimalist Baker says

      We’re so glad you enjoyed the golden milk, Catherine! Thank you for sharing your experience! xo

  16. Sharon says

    I received a small jar of this recipe as a holiday gift from our neighbor. I loved it so much that I asked her to share the recipe! I made it as written (and as gifted to me) with the addition of a T. of vanilla powder. I use organic unsweetened soymilk because it is so thick and creamy with a bit of fat. It’s the most amazing tonic for the cold dark days of winter. Thank you!

  17. Jennifer says

    Would it possible to use this in a latte instead of drinking it alone? Not sure if it would cancel the health properties. Thank you!

  18. Grace Eyherabide says

    Thank you so much for sharing this recipe!. I’ve been buying the golden milk mix but it is kind of expensive. It is cheaper to make my own.

  19. Janice Kay Short says

    I don’t know how you do it, Dana, but your emails always seem to hit my inbox at the perfect time. Today I received my Burlap and Barrel turmeric from Rancho Gordo and was itching to use it to make golden milk when your easy recipe appeared. The only reason I haven’t made it yet is that all I have is fresh ginger. I will still make the mix, but could you advise how much fresh ginger I should use per cup and when I should add it to the pot. Thank you so much!

    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerSupport @ Minimalist Baker says

      Woohoo! We think ~1 Tbsp of fresh ginger per serving would be good, but you may want to steep it and strain it before serving. Hope you enjoy!

  20. Melissa Silta says

    I made this with full fat Thrive Market coconut milk and a little almond milk and it was delicious! I did a little more maple syrup than the recipe for my taste.

      • Saturday says

        I didn’t have any clove so I subbed cardamom; also added a heaping tablespoon of ashwagandha powder. Mixed it up with thrive full fat coconut and maple syrup SO GOOD.

  21. Renee says

    Tried golden milk once before and it was just okay. Yours is delicious! Also, your instructions to add a bit of hot water before the milk made it much easier to mix. I used unsweetened soy milk for the creaminess and left out sweetener entirely, as the cinnamon and ginger do it well enough on their own. We chose the warm version tonight but I took a sip before heating to test it; seems that is going to be a keeper too. Thank you for this!

  22. Sharon Marie says

    This (for me) is an acquired taste.
    We use all of the ingredients (except pepper) in our morning smoothie. I made the mix for days when time constraints forced us to miss it in favor of something faster. I made mine with 4 Oz of macadamia milk ( that’s what was on hand) a scant tsp of agave.
    I have a little milk frothier and that incorporates the spices quickly and leaves a nice texture.
    I appreciate the recipe and I will probably start taking this nightly ( regardless of the breakfast smoothie. Thank you!

    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerSupport @ Minimalist Baker says

      Yum! Thanks so much for sharing your modifications and your experience, Sharon. We’re so glad you enjoy the mix!

      • Laura says

        What a beautiful and simple recipe! I’m not vegan so I made it with skim milk powder (I don’t drink a lot of milk so that’s what I keep on hand) and a bit of honey. I boiled water in a kettle, mixed a bit in a mug with the spices, then added some powdered milk and filled the mug the rest of the way with water. Easy and delicious! I’m excited to try it with different milks and sweeteners in the future.

        I made this because it’s been cold and rainy lately. This warmed me up and is just a perfect drink to wind down the day. Thank you for the recipe!

        • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerSupport @ Minimalist Baker says

          We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Laura! Thank you for the lovely review and for sharing your modifications! xo

  23. C B says

    Really tasty! Tried this hot, mixed with almond milk and it was really good. Made this originally for the golden milk granola recipe and that was really tasty as well! This recipe is a keeper!

  24. Colleen says

    The warm golden milk is so delicious. I made it as written in the recipe and used unsweetened soy milk.

  25. Michelle says

    So yummy in a hot drink! I make my golden milk with coconut milk and pop a button of raw cacao butter in each cup to make it nice and creamy. A perfect winter warmer for the cooler weather we are coming into here in Australia. I also love it in your golden milk snack bites! Thank you xxx

  26. PB says

    This mix is my new weakness! I substituted with homemade almond milk which is sweetened with a few figs. I also add maple syrup for those who like a little more sweetness. I’m going to make a HUGE batch for a road trip. It’s great in oatmeal, yogurt, granola, soup, samosas.

    This is my new favorite thing! A total keeper.

  27. Rima says

    I love all your recipes. Thanks for this nice easy one.

    Question: To me, fresh and powdered turmeric taste different. Which Is your recipe based on? In your video I think I see fresh? How would quantities differ and how would you store if using freshly grated turmeric?

    Thank you so much.

    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerSupport @ Minimalist Baker says

      Hi Rima, we prefer ground turmeric! In the video, it’s mostly just for aesthetics/garnish. If using fresh, the mix will only last a few days.

  28. Julia says

    LOVE this recipe – simple and delicious! I originally thought it’d be too heavy on the turmeric, but it’s a great balance of turmeric with all the other warm spices of a golden milk. I’ve been drinking it with maple syrup and coconut milk (carton version) and it’s perfect. Haven’t tried it yet with the optional ingredients, but will add them to my next batch. I’ll definitely be making this again and again!

  29. Rose says

    I love this recipe, I didn’t use as much black pepper as recipe called for. Added extra cinnamon. I put this into 4oz mason jars with recipe on a tag- perfect gift.

  30. Amy says

    Just made a batch of this and drank it with vanilla oat milk! Quite delicious and easy to make!

    For those who don’t want to use a saucepan, I prepared this by heating up some water in my tea kettle and mixing that with a bit of the powder in my mug, then taking a separate mug with milk and warming it up in the microwave. Then I simply pour the heated milk over the dissolved powder mixture (this is how I make my matcha lattes too).

  31. Anna Marie Julia says

    This has become my before bedtime hot drink. so thank you for the mix recipe as I was getting tired of mixing it all every night. :-). Also added the suggested add-ins. Mmmmmm.

    Tip: I strain it through a small mesh tea strainer to filter out the pepper flakes.

  32. Samie says

    This is AWESOME!!! I want to make this a daily staple! Turmeric is usually a BIG no no for me because it gives me heartburn, but in this recipe, it made me actually LIKE turmeric… Delicious.

    I did 2 tsp of maple syrup to offset the spiciness and I used Vietnamese cinnamon (I also included the listed optional ingredients).

    Bookmarking this one!

  33. Meghan says

    I made it this morning and it’s so delicious and soothing. I made it with oat milk and will try coconut milk next time. Definitely a keeper!

  34. Joëlle says

    It’s the PERFECT recipe for golden milk … I do it on a regular basis for myself and friends, with any clove or nutmeg, and it’s to die for.
    Thank you!!!

  35. Olivia says

    This is so fabulous! I have tried a different recipe before, but it just didn’t taste right, and the instructions didn’t specify how to make it not clumpy. But this recipe was super easy to follow and had very tasty results!! Thank you! I made it with almond milk and maple syrup :)

  36. Amy says

    Absolutely delicious! I have attempted to make this in the past but never turned out. Just made this and did the iced version, very refreshing and great taste. So excited to have this and make on the regular. Thanks again for another great recipe!

  37. Sarah says

    I discovered golden milk not long ago and I love it.
    Thank you for sharing this great mix :-)
    I use it with a mix of coconut and almond milk and it’s just delicious <3

    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerSupport @ Minimalist Baker says

      We’re so glad you enjoy it, Sarah! It’s one of our favorites too =) Thanks so much for the lovely review!

  38. VICKY says

    This is pretty nice! Ive been so curious about this drink for a while now but never got around to make it.
    It just came across my instagram feed and I happened to have all the ingredients. I made it cold and we really like it! Toddler included!
    Thanks You!

  39. Alexandra says

    Perfect golden milk mix! I’ve made hot and iced golden milk and with coconut milk or almond milk. All ways turned out delicious! I keep a big jar of the mix ready to go in my pantry when I need a pick-me-up. I added the nutmeg from the suggestions and it tastes like fall in a cup. Highly recommend!

  40. Deb M. says

    Surprised I loved it so much and can make it at home. I enjoy it cold with ice cubes. Will try it hot when the weather is cooler. Hope to make this a regular habit. I would triple the recipe. Doesn’t last very long. Thank you for the recipe :-)

    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerSupport @ Minimalist Baker says

      Hi Alison, Hard to know for sure what is effective, but the spices in this mix are known for their immune-supportive properties.

  41. Bobbi says

    This was absolutely delicious! I had never had golden milk before and you made it simple and straightforward. I added the clove but not the nutmeg, and used So Delicious coconut milk. Do you think it would be ok to strain it before drinking (spices settled in the bottom), or would you lose some of the health benefits?

  42. Bobbi says

    This was absolutely delicious! I had never had golden milk before and you made it simple and straightforward. I added the clove but not the nutmeg, and used So Delicious coconut milk

  43. Sasha says

    Thank you Dana! This mix makes such a yummy drink. I just mixed some up and added both the clove and nutmeg add-ins. I used cashew milk and 1 teaspoon of coconut oil along with the heaping teaspoon of golden milk mix. Delicious!!!!!!!

  44. Da says

    I adore this mix! I include more ginger and a tsp. of cardamom, because cardamom. So wonderful. Aside from almond milk and various dishes, I like to add it to my cinnamon tea, which runs a little weak for my taste in the big mug I use, so the Golden Mix really punches up the flavor and gives me that comforting warmth I need by mid-afternoon.

    Thanks for this super easy and delicious go-to! (Doubling the recipe? I *tripled* it after trying it the first time. It will NOT linger on my shelf.)

    • Sheila Smith says

      Thanks! I love the idea of adding Cardamom! I’m always looking for excuse and ways to use this remarkable,wonderful spice!!!

    • Celine says

      My golden milk tasted great; however, the cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves kept separating from the drink and floating to the top, so I had to keep trying to stir it in every few seconds. Any tips to avoid separation?

      • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerSupport @ Minimalist Baker says

        Hi Celine, Did you mix the spices with hot water first before adding the milk? Some separation is normal, so it is best to give it an occasional stir throughout drinking. Hope that helps!

  45. Samantha says

    For got to put add this: my transverse myelitis effects the cental nervous system, will your special milk mix help to take down the inflammation
    Samantha

  46. Samantha says

    Hi Dana
    Thank you you for such a wonderful website? came across this & was wondering if this will help with my transverse myelitis (drs think I have this at mo) wanted to ask before trying☺
    ????? + (couldn’t find stars on keyboard) for website as a whole

  47. Jackie says

    I love this recipe- thank you! I was buying expensive mixes from Whole Foods now I don’t have to. I love that I can customize this to my own taste! Thank you!!

        • Kathie says

          I enjoyed this recipe more than 5 stars! Nice and creamy, soothing , so good to know that I’m indulging in something that is healthy! I enjoy receiving your e-mail and recipes. Continued success💕

  48. Bernadette says

    I have a terrible cold and wanted something warm and soothing, this is perfect.
    The only thing I needed to buy was the milk, the other ingredients are staples in my house. It’s so creamy and yummy! I know it will become a commonly served drink. I plan to gift a batch to my DIL.