Spirited and Then Some

A food blog with hundreds of delicious gluten-free and dairy-free recipes.

  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Recipe Index
  • Free Course
  • Resources
    • Blogging Resources
    • Photography Resources
  • Blog
  • RSS
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Facebook

Beverages (Non-Alcoholic) Recipes

Vegan Golden Milk

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Vegan Golden Milk is a delicious turmeric milk recipe that tastes like chai tea! Flavored with fresh ginger, cinnamon sticks, and ginger, it feels like a warm hug on a chilly day! {Vegan + Paleo}

Friends, golden milk was not what I thought it was when I first heard about it. I thought the term referred to breastmilk, aka “liquid gold”, and that people were putting breastmilk in their smoothies. I have nothing against that, but my lactating days are long since gone, and I wasn’t sure I’d be able to create a Vegan Golden Milk recipe for y’all to share in. 

Golden milk in a white porcelain mug on a slab of white marble with a light green napkin and two silver spoons.

It turns out I was so so so wrong, and maybe you know that already. Vegan Golden Milk is not made with breastmilk. Instead, it’s made with turmeric, a spice whose color is, you guessed it, gold. 

Thank you for coming to my TED Talk. And make sure to follow me for more recipes.

Thank God I dug deeper. Actually, thank God people on the Internet, like Dana from Minimalist Baker in her 5-Minute Vegan Golden Milk recipe, kept talking about it, or I would have missed the deliciousness entirely. AND THANK GOD I did finally take a leap and concoct a Vegan Golden Milk recipe of my own because, holy cow, that stuff is GOOD.

Golden milk in a white porcelain mug on a slab of white marble with a light green napkin and two silver spoons.

So what does Vegan Golden Milk taste like? It’s warm and comforting and sweet yet bitter. It reminds me of chai. And let me be candid here. The final product doesn’t taste like one would expect. For example, this Vegan Golden Milk recipe includes coconut but doesn’t taste coconut-y. It also includes turmeric but doesn’t taste excessively bitter. I love fresh ginger, but a little goes a long way. That isn’t a problem here. In fact, I leave the fresh ginger rounds in the golden milk leftovers to infuse the drink even more. And although you can add a splash of vanilla, you don’t need to. So it’s optional on the ingredient list.

Friends, I cannot stress this enough – if you like chai, latte-style drinks, you must put this Vegan Golden Milk in your life. Still on the fence? Let me put it this way: if a warm hug on a frenzied day had a flavor, this would be it. 

Golden milk in a white porcelain mug on a slab of white marble with a light green napkin and two silver spoons.

WHAT IS GOLDEN MILK?

So what is golden milk, exactly? According to Beejoli Shah, in her Bon Appétit article, Golden Milk: Separating Fact, Fiction, and Lies My Mother Told Me About Turmeric, golden milk is “…a frothy, creamy, and incredibly Westernized variant on traditional Indian haldi doodh, or turmeric milk…” While the traditional drink often includes just milk or water, plus honey, the extra ingredients that sweeten it up are Western additions. So the version you see today, with cinnamon, ginger, almond milk, and coconut milk, are definitely a Westernized version of a traditional Indian drink.

Much has been touted about the health benefits of turmeric but there are also questions about preparation, absorption, and ongoing use. I’m not qualified to address any of those issues. However, if you’re curious to learn more, then check out Dawn MacKeen’s New York Times article, What Are the Benefits of Turmeric? The bottom line? Health benefits or not, turmeric is a delicious addition to several foods and beverages.

Coconut milk and almond milk with turmeric in a stainless steel saucepan on a white marble slab.

VEGAN GOLDEN MILK INGREDIENTS:

There are several additions you can include in your Vegan Golden Milk. Until you know exactly how you want to prepare your version, I suggest adding ingredients in small amounts and taste test as you go.

  • Coconut milk (from a can). I chill a can of coconut milk overnight. Then the next day I scoop the thick cream off the top and use that in the recipe. It yields almost exactly one cup, which is what we use in this recipe.
  • Almond milk. I go for unsweetened. Then I rely on the other ingredients to sweeten it up.
  • Dried turmeric. I use one teaspoon, but you can add more or less as desired.
  • Fresh ginger. I use three to four rounds from the “branches” or 1-2 pieces from the “trunk” that are each approximately 1/4 inch thick.
  • Cinnamon sticks. Add two. And if desired, let them continue to soak in the milk after it’s done simmering.
  • Maple syrup. A caramel-like paleo and vegan sweetener, it complements the bitter turmeric without making the drink too sweet. Adjust the amount to taste.
  • Optional ingredients: black pepper, cardamom (I add a sprinkle), and vanilla.
Coconut milk and almond milk with turmeric in a stainless steel saucepan on a white marble slab.

HOW TO MAKE VEGAN GOLDEN MILK:

Contents will start out lumpy. Therefore, it’s important to stir frequently throughout the process to create the correct consistency. Cook times will also vary depending on how long it takes the Vegan Golden Milk to reach a simmering temperature.

  1. Combine the coconut milk, almond milk, dried turmeric, fresh ginger, cinnamon sticks, and maple syrup, along with desired optional ingredients, in a saucepan. Start on a LOW heat and gradually increase to a MEDIUM-HIGH heat, stirring regularly, until the golden milk is simmering. Continue to simmer and stir about 5 to 7 minutes, or until the Vegan Golden Milk begins to froth and rise in the saucepan. Remove from heat to let cool.
  2. Serve immediately or cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for a few days.

NOTE: Contents may separate. If reheating, stir briskly before serving. 

Coconut milk and almond milk with turmeric in a stainless steel saucepan on a white marble slab.
The contents will separate after sitting out. If that happens, give the milk a brisk stir prior to serving.
Golden milk in a white porcelain mug on a slab of white marble with a light green napkin and two silver spoons.

Want another hug? Here are more comforting beverages that feel like a warm embrace on chilly days!

  • Dairy-Free Vanilla Cashew Coffee
  • Cinnamon Orange Tea
  • Dairy-Free Chai Tea
  • Lemon Ginger Tea
  • Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate

Stay warm and safe, friends! I’m glad you’re here. ❤️

Print

Vegan Golden Milk

Vegan Golden Milk is a delicious turmeric milk recipe that tastes like chai tea! Flavored with fresh ginger, cinnamon sticks, and ginger, it feels like a warm hug on a chilly day! {Vegan + Paleo}

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 minutes
  • Total Time: 12 minutes
  • Yield: 3 cups 1x
  • Category: Beverages (Non-Alcoholic)
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Diet: Vegan
Scale

Ingredients

  • 1 cup coconut cream (see notes)
  • 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • Fresh ginger: 3-4 rounds from the “branches” or 1-2 pieces from the “trunk”, each 1/4 inch thick
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup, more or less as desired
  • Optional ingredients: black pepper, a sprinkle of cardamom, and/or a splash of vanilla

Instructions

  1. Combine the coconut milk, almond milk, dried turmeric, fresh ginger, cinnamon sticks, and maple syrup, along with desired optional ingredients, in a saucepan. Start on a LOW heat and gradually increase to a MEDIUM-HIGH heat, stirring regularly, until the golden milk is simmering. Continue to simmer and stir about 5 to 7 minutes, or until the Vegan Golden Milk begins to froth and rise in the saucepan. Remove from heat to let cool.
  2. Serve immediately or cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for a few days.

    Notes

    • You can buy coconut cream in a can, or you can chill one can of coconut milk overnight, Then the next morning, skim the cream off the top and use that in your golden milk. The skimmed portion usually equals about 1 cup, which is perfect.
    • Contents will settle as milk sits, so it’s important to stir frequently during the simmering process, and you may need to stir again before serving.

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @SpiritedMorgan on Instagram and hashtag it #SpiritedRecipes

    You May Also Enjoy These Posts...

    Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato Salad
    Roasted Salsa Verde
    Chocolate Almond Butter Brownies
    Sautéed Shrimp Appetizer Skewers

    Beverages (Non-Alcoholic) Recipes


    Leave a Comment

    About Spirited and then Some

    I'm Morgan. A spirited, social chatterbox, small biz owner, and teacher. Lover of all things food. Think dip. Lover of all things family. Think K-Hubs, Toodlebug, and Twinkleberry. I'm so glad you found our spirited community.... Click Here to Read More

    « Olive Tapenade {Vegan + Paleo}
    Cinnamon Roasted Pecans »

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

    Greetings!

    I'm Morgan. A spirited, social chatterbox, small biz owner, and teacher. Lover of all things food. Think dip. Lover of all things family. Think K-Hubs, Toodlebug, and Twinkleberry. I'm so glad you found our spirited community. Learn more…

    Take a Stroll

    my foodgawker gallery  my finding vegan gallery  
    View my Tasty Kitchen Profile

    Recent Posts

    • No-Bake Paleo Chocolate Chip Coconut Bars
    • World’s Best Chocolate Coffee
    • Gluten-Free Hamburger Salad
    • Lemon Garlic Roasted Asparagus
    • Chicken Lime Soup
    • Cucumber Mint Cooler

    Categories

    As Seen On

    Pure Wow logo
    Red Tricycle Logo
    Yahoo! Lifestyle logo
    Mom and daughters in front of Magnolia Market in Waco, Texas! | spiritedandthensome.com

    Family

    How to make 3-ingredient Fluffy Slime without borax! | spiritedandthensome.com

    Kids’ Activities

    Beautiful purple flowers at Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden! | spiritedandthensome.com

    Health & Wellness

    • About Us
    • Blog
    • Recipes
    • Family
    • Kids’ Activities
    • Resources
    • Photography Tips
    • Blogging Tips
    • Free Course
    • Privacy Policy

    Copyright © 2021 · Divine Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
    Privacy & Cookies Policy

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled

    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

    Non-necessary

    Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.