If you are looking for ways to relax, unwind, and improve your sleep, struggle with joint inflammation, or simply like the idea of adding a warm, tasty beverage to your evening routine, this Golden Milk recipe is for you!
“Get more sleep” always seems to be on my list of resolutions and actions I can take to improve my health.
I’ve been putting more thought into how I spend the last 90 minutes before I climb into bed.
And by “more,” I mean that I’ve actually been thinking about it, period.
For most of my life, I’ve ignored sleep as a critical component of health.
Diet and exercise? Absolutely. But sleep? I reasoned that was why God gave us coffee (and Starbucks Mocha Frappuccinos).
5 Star Review
“Oh my goodness, this was the best night drink I’ve ever had.”
— Deborah —
I’ve heard a lot about “golden milk” over the years.
I’d seen enough recipes for it floating around the web to know it was a drink that originated in India and contained turmeric and ginger (the sources of its signature golden hue), but I didn’t fully understand or appreciate its benefits until I decided to get more serious about my zzzzs.
Benefits of Golden Milk
This warming bedtime beverage isn’t only delicious—it has been used for centuries as an alternative remedy due to its medicinal properties. Golden milk:
- Contains ingredients packed with amino acids (like tryptophan), minerals and other vital compounds scientifically shown to promote more restful sleep.
- Is rich in immune system-boosting antioxidants which can help fight illness and infection.
- Contains ingredients known to have anti-inflammatory properties that can ease joint pain and stiffness.
- Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has been linked to improved brain function and heart health.
- Golden milk can aid in digestion, calm nausea and improve overall gut health.
**As always, check with your doctor before turning to golden milk as a remedy or wellness supplement. The above is based on information available online. I’m not a dietician but enjoy reading about health and sharing what I’ve learned.
Since beginning my quest for better sleep, I can say for sure that one of my favorite new bedtime rituals is making myself a cup of this traditional golden milk.
In addition to soothing me to sleep, this bedtime golden milk has also helped me appease my nightly craving for something sweet before bed.
TIP!
While you can enjoy turmeric milk any time of the day, most suggest drinking it about an hour before bedtime to get the full effects of its relaxing, soothing properties.
How to Make Golden Milk
This creamy, comforting golden milk recipe is made of ingredients that have been shown to promote a good night’s sleep and reduce inflammation.
The Ingredients
- Almonds. Rich in magnesium, which promotes both sleeping and muscle relaxation. This golden milk recipes uses them in the form of almond butter and almond milk.
- Honey. Allows tryptophan (of Thanksgiving turkey fame) to enter the brain more easily.
- Ginger. Calms the stomach and promotes relaxation. Some studies suggest ginger can also help reduce anxiety.
- Turmeric. Aids digestion and has calming properties, which lead to sounder sleep. If you have aches and pains, golden milk for joints is a popular remedy, as it is anti-inflammatory too.
- Cinnamon. Similar to turmeric and ginger, cinnamon also helps with digestion. PLUS it supports healthy sugar metabolism and is a delicious pairing with the other ingredients.
Tip!
Beyond being the PERFECT bedtime beverage, I love golden milk because you can tweak the recipe with other spices and ingredients to suit your personal dietary needs or taste preferences.
Optional Add-ins
- Black Pepper. Studies show that to get the full benefit of tumeric, you should pair it with black pepper which piperine. Piperine boosts the body’s ability to absorb curcumin, the key compound in turmeric which fights inflammation. (It’s a bit much for me at bedtime, so I usually leave it out. Personal preference!)
- Ground Cloves, Nutmeg, or Cardamom. Contain additional beneficial antioxidants.
- Coconut Oil. Improves the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, calcium and magnesium.
- Ghee. Adding just a teaspoon of ghee to golden milk is thought to alleviate cold symptoms. Similar to adding honey to tea, ghee coats the throat which can help soothes a sore throat and ease a persistent cough
The Directions
- Combine ingredients in a small saucepan.
- Warm over until heated through, whisking to fully incorporate the almond butter and spices. Pour into a mug and ENJOY!
Storage Tips
- To Store. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container such as a mason jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To Reheat. Reheat on the stove, stirring to recombine the spices and almond butter.
Meal Prep Tip
Since golden milk saves and reheats well, I like to make a double or triple batch, then enjoy it several nights in a row.
Enjoy Golden Milk With
Baking
Healthy Banana Bread
Snacks
Protein Balls
Desserts
Avocado Brownies
Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe
- Saucepan. Invest in a great set of saucepans for all your stovetop cooking needs.
- Whisk. This slimmed-down size is ideal for stirring.
Insulated Mug
Keep your drinks warm for hours so you can enjoy them to the last drop.
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk
- 2 teaspoons honey plus additional to taste (to make vegan, swap maple syrup)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons almond butter
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon plus additional for serving
- 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
- Optional additions: tiny pinch ground black pepper ground cardamom, or ground cloves
-
Combine the milk, honey, almond butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, and any optional spices in a small saucepan.
-
Heat over medium until warmed through, whisking briskly so that the almond butter does not stick to the bottom and the spices incorporate. Do not let boil. Pour into a mug and sip deeply.
- To Store. Keep leftovers in an airtight container, such as a mason jar, for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- To Reheat. Warm on the stove, stirring to recombine the spices and almond butter.
Serving: 1drinkCalories: 134kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 3gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gPotassium: 87mgFiber: 2gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 3IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 338mgIron: 1mg
Join today and start saving your favorite recipes
Create an account to easily save your favorite projects and tutorials.
Register
Related Recipes
Here are more of my favorite good-for-you non-alcoholic beverages:
Non-Alcoholic Drinks
Healthy Hot Chocolate
Smoothies
Oatmeal Smoothie
Smoothies
