Turmeric Tea Golden Milk with Chai Spices

How to make a caffeine-free, vegan golden latte with turmeric and chai spices. 

Last week I posted a recipe for a tropical turmeric smoothie. And I realized, while we’re on the hot topic of turmeric, I better share one of my favorite bedtime treats – turmeric tea. A cup of herbal tea after the kids go to bed has been a part of my evening routine for as long as I can remember. This small ritual signals to my body and mind that it is time to unwind and rest, and a warm cup in my hand makes me feel warm and cozy.

I first learned about turmeric tea, or “golden milk” a few years ago from a UK blogger (I can’t remember who), and have been making it ever since. Golden milk is creamy, warm, and slightly sweet. To me, it’s the perfect dessert or afternoon tea time treat. Turmeric contains curcumin, a powerful healing compound, so I try to add it into our diets as often as I can. It’s mild flavor works in everything from soups and sauces to rices, smoothies, and tea! 

Update: If you would like an espresso version of this recipe, try my Golden Pumpkin Spice Latte! 

Turmeric Curcumin Health Benefits:  

What does a turmeric tea/golden milk latte taste like?

Well, have you ever had a chai latte? I add some of the same spices, so it has the same warm and cosy flavors. Only bright orange. Fresh turmeric has been popping up at grocery stores recently, so you can use that, and grate the peeled turmeric right into the saucepan, or use the dried variety in the spice jar. 

How to Make a Golden Turmeric Latte

I enjoy my turmeric tea latte-style, with a creamy almond or soy milk base. If you don’t want it quite as rich, you can simmer your spices with water and then add milk at the end, as you would with English tea or coffee. Turmeric tea is so easy to make. Just bring your water or milk to a simmer, and toss in a teaspoon of dried turmeric (more if you’re using fresh) and spices.

Whisk it together and simmer for a minute or two to infuse those wonderful warm spices into your milk or water. Sweeten to taste with honey, syrup, or stevia. I use a few drops of organic liquid stevia (Trader Joe’s brand is my favorite). 

How to Serve a Turmeric Golden Latte

Take your turmeric tea off the heat and pour into a mug or teacup. This afternoon I’m enjoying a cup along with my favorite nourishing Raw Brownie Bars. They got extra fancy with some natural sprinkles this week. Because kids. 

Have you tried turmeric tea yet? 

If you’re thinking you would like turmeric tea, but are getting into the warm weather summer groove, you can keep a jar of your turmeric tea in the refrigerator and have a glass over ice any time you feel like you could use a pick-me-up. It’s just as tasty! 

I would also like to confess that some nights, when I fall asleep tucking my girls in, and come walking out with groggy eyes at 9pm, I take the easiest route and heat up a turmeric tea bag. I like having both options, so I’m sharing both with you. I use Numi Organic turmeric tea, which I got at Whole Foods, but you can also get online.