This is a very unique drink recipe that is intended to soothe the nerves and to help heal gut issues.

It drinks similarly to chai tea or a spiced tea, but it also has the hot chocolate vibes to go along with it.

Normally, one does not usually associate turmeric, cardamom and cayenne pepper with hot chocolate, but I never said this was a “normal” recipe, but rather it is quite unique.

Jump to:

• Why you will love this golden milk cocoa recipe
• Tips
• Ingredients for golden milk cocoa
• How to make golden milk hot cocoa
• Variations
• Substitutions
• Serving suggestions
• Equipment
• FAQ’s
• 📖 Recipe
• 💬 Comments

Why you will love this golden milk cocoa recipe

The one thing that I hear over and over about this recipe for golden milk cocoa, is how everyone loves how it makes them feel!  This spiced hot chocolate recipe is essentially a drink to calm an anxious soul, and it does just that.

The thing that I love about it is the way it seems to reset my mind.  I feel focused, calm and rational as I drink it, and it helps me to fall asleep easier at night.

Not only does golden milk cocoa have a calming effect, but it also has anti-inflammatory properties that may assist in relieving certain gut issues, but may not be for everyone, according to this research by John Hopkins Medicine.

Tips

• When making this recipe, make sure that the milk comes to a hot and steaming temperature, but does not boil.  When milk boils, it can curdle and separate, leaving a film on top of the milk and burned milk solids on the bottom of the pan.
• Since spices tend to settle to the bottom of this drink, I advise serving it with a spoon so that you can stir in between sips.  You don’t want to end up drinking all of the spices in your last sip.

Ingredients for golden milk cocoa

Golden milk is also referred to as turmeric milk or turmeric latte.  It is called this because turmeric when added to milk, makes it look a golden color, hence the name.  Turmeric is a flavorful spice that is yellowish orange in color and has many health benefits to it.

A compound in turmeric called “curcumin” is known to have anti-inflammatory properties and is also considered an antioxidant.

Research suggests that turmeric may be beneficial to those with arthritis (turmeric may be anti-inflammatory), anxiety, bowel and gut issues, and what better way to consume turmeric than in a unique and delicious turmeric hot cocoa recipe!

Turmeric has always been a staple in ancient and Eastern medicines and has been widely used by holistic health experts as well.

Really, all of the spices and honey in this recipe are extremely soothing and may help to boost the immune system also!  If you have a sore throat or feel like you are coming down with something, I would suggest giving this golden milk cocoa drink a try.

These are the ingredients for golden milk cocoa:

• Whole milk (or dairy free milk of choice)
• Cocoa powder
• Ground turmeric
• Cardamom pod
• Cayenne pepper powder
• Ground Cinnamon
• Honey

How to make golden milk hot cocoa

In a small saucepan add your milk of choice.  If you want this to be a vegan drink, you can use full fat coconut milk, almond milk or oat milk. I personally like to use whole milk for this recipe. In fact, I have access to raw milk so I like to use that.

Take one green cardamom pod and smash it so that it cracks.  This will release the flavors and healthy oils in the cardamom pod.  Add the cardamom, turmeric powder, cocoa powder cinnamon, and cayenne pepper powder to the milk and turn the stove to low-medium heat.

Constantly whisk the milk mixture and spices together while it is heating up.  Slowly heat it up until it just begins to bubble on the sides of the pan.  Do not boil the milk, otherwise it will separate, and you will end up with burned milk on the bottom of your pan, and a curdled film on top of your milk.

Once the milk is hot and steamy, remove it from the heat and remove the cardamom pod. Pour the milk into a mug and add raw honey.  Give it a stir and enjoy!

Variations

While I tend to drink this with real dairy and honey, this recipe can easily be made vegan.  In order to do so, substitute the milk with a vegan milk of choice and substitute the honey with maple syrup.

Substitutions

If you do not have green cardamom pods, or cardamom isn’t your thing, this recipe is also delicious if you substitute the cardamom with a slice of fresh ginger.  Simply break off a small part of the ginger root and place it in the pan instead of the cardamom pod.  Remove the ginger root before serving.

Serving suggestions

This is most definitely a hot drink and is not meant to be cold.  Serve it hot or warm and always have a spoon handy to stir and integrate the spices, since they tend to clump up and sink to the bottom.

It is also advisable to drink golden milk cocoa at night time since it can be used as a relaxation and sleep aid.

Equipment

• Small saucepan
• Whisk

FAQ’s

What does golden milk taste like?

Golden milk or turmeric milk tastes very similar to a spiced tea or a chai tea with hints of menthol and sweetness from the other spices and honey.

What are the side effects of turmeric milk?

Not everyone is able to easily consume turmeric.  Some people have allergies to turmeric and should not eat or drink it if they experience a rash or stomach upsets.

Is it ok to drink golden milk every night?

Yes, it is ok and even beneficial to drink golden milk at night time, or even on a nightly basis, since it has calming properties and may assist in falling asleep faster.

📖 Recipe