This iced golden milk turmeric latte is paleo and vegan, loaded with anti-inflammatory turmeric and other ancient, healing spices. It comes together so quickly and is naturally sweetened, super refreshing, and perfect for warmer weather. This iced golden milk turmeric latte is a modern take on an ancient healing drink, and you can feel fantastic about shaking up batches of this paleo and vegan drink!
A few years back, I fell madly in love with Ayurveda.
I’m not sure what prompted my obsession, but I was fascinated by this three-thousand-year-old holistic system of health, based on our individual compositions. It was the first time I really began to think that maybe the ideal diet varies from person to person.
Here’s the gist, at the most elementary and probably misrepresentative level:
Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine, considered the oldest, or one of the oldest, in the world. Its tenets include universal interconnectedness, knowing and treating body composition, and balancing your body’s composition, rather than treating the symptoms.
There are three body compositions, or doshas, as they’re called in Ayurveda: pitta, vatta, kapha.
Me? I’m a pitta, through and through. If you knew me for five seconds you’d know I’m a pitta: a fiery Aries, ENTJ, type 4, type A+ go go go do do doer who lives in extremes. I run hot, flush easily, and crave spicy food daily. On top of that, I have a naturally muscular frame and tons of energy. So what does Ayurveda prescribe for me?
Well, at the core of it, I need to balance the fieriness, the oiliness, the spiciness. It’s recommended for me to eat cold and soothing foods, to not over-consume spicy and very pungent foods, to soothe my inner wild woman. Ayurveda is so interesting and nourishing, and I really think you should learn more about it!
Where did golden milk come from?
The interesting thing, though, is that in Ayurveda there’s something that’s recommended for all body types (or doshas): golden milk. I started regularly drinking this iced turmeric latte years ago when I first learned about it during my Ayurveda expeditions, and it’s recently absolutely exploded as a darling dish in the health world. Turmeric, specifically, known for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, is experiencing a serious moment in the spotlight as an awesome superfood, and iced golden milk, a turmeric-spiked milk-based drink, is such a soothing way to ingest it.
In fact, I used to drink it hot every night! But since I’ve been pregnant, I’ve been craving cold and refreshing and invigorating daily, without the option to bolt through the Starbucks drive-thru for an iced macchiato too terribly often. Instead? The iced golden milk turmeric latte is here!
This iced golden milk turmeric latte is paleo and vegan, and it comes together super quickly and easily. To keep things simple, this iced golden milk turmeric latte recipe uses maple syrup to sweeten and powdered spices to season, meaning all it needs is a quick shake-up to be ready!
Because of the powerful combination of spices, this iced golden milk turmeric latte is a fantastic paleo & vegan afternoon pick-me-up, a perfect refresher in the warmer weather that you can feel great about consuming. My toddler even loves it! And I’m glad he does…
This iced golden milk turmeric latte…
- builds immunity
- supports the liver
- helps treat colds and coughs
- supports digestion
- purifies the blood
- supports your treatment of autoimmune disease
- and more.
Because of the relationship among all the spices, don’t skip any! If you have to skip one, you can leave the cardamom out; it’s in my recipe simply because I love the richness it gives the iced golden milk turmeric latte. However, you need the black pepper to activate all the power in the turmeric, so don’t skip it. I promise your drink won’t taste peppery!
How do I make golden milk?
Golden milk is, at its heart, a combination of just a few things: milk (typically a non-dairy milk), turmeric powder, a sweetener, and a couple other spices that help balance the turmeric and activate its powerful ingredients. This iced golden milk turmeric latte in particular is especially easy! You simply shake all the ingredients together with ice and strain over more ice. Delish.
Can I make this in bulk?
You can! You’ll just want to make sure you shake or stir very, very well the entire container before serving, as the spices will settle.
Can I heat this before chilling?
Absolutely, and this will help activate the curcumin in the turmeric. Simply heat all the ingredients together in a saucepan over low heat, stir well, then transfer to a heatproof container and chill fully. Serve over ice. This is a great idea for making this iced golden milk turmeric latte in bulk, too!
How to make this iced golden milk turmeric latte:
Shake very well. Alternately, stir all ingredients together vigorously.
Strain over two cups full of ice and drink! If you want the “ombré” look, stir together the almond milk with 1/2 tablespoon maple syrup. Pour over two glasses filled with ice. In a cocktail shaker, mix together the remaining ingredients and shake very well. Strain over your iced almond milk.
Make sure you stir it regularly if you don’t drink it quickly – the spices will settle.
Other recipes you’ll love (if you like this iced golden milk!):
- Frozen Golden Milk Turmeric Frappuccino
- Coconut Curry Turmeric Chicken (Whole30)
- Healthy Pink Drink Strawberry Refresher
Iced Golden Milk Turmeric Latte (Paleo, Vegan)
This iced golden milk turmeric latte is paleo and vegan, loaded with anti-inflammatory turmeric and other ancient, healing spices. It comes together so quickly and is naturally sweetened, super refreshing, and perfect for warmer weather. This iced golden milk turmeric latte is a modern take on an ancient healing drink, and you can feel fantastic about shaking up batches of this paleo and vegan drink!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups coconut milk from carton vanilla or plain is fine
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened plain almond milk
- 3 Tbsp. maple syrup divided if you'd prefer an "ombré" look
- 1 1/2 tsp. ground turmeric
- 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp. ground ginger
- Pinch ground black pepper
- Pinch ground cardamom
- 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
Instructions
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Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake well. Pour over ice and enjoy!
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If you'd like to pour the "golden milk" part over plain milk, like in my photos, combine the almond milk with 1/2 tablespoon maple syrup and stir well. Pour over two glasses filled with ice. In a cocktail shake, combine the coconut milk, all the spices, 2 1/2 tablespoons maple syrup, and plenty of ice. Shake well and pour over cups filled with ice and sweetened almond milk. Enjoy!
Recipe Video
This look so good I only have one question! Can I use only almond milk are something else then coconut milk…we are not big fan of it other then using it for curry. Hope you can help me….looking forwards to your reply!
The coconut milk is ideal because of the fat content – this helps with the absorption of the benefits of the spices! You could potentially use full-fat cow’s milk if you prefer. However, the Indian origins of this drink make coconut milk just perfect with it! I use the carton kind for this drink and don’t find it coconutty at all
Hello! This looks delicious. Tomorrow is my last day of Whole 30 (yay!). I have been soooo grateful for your Whole 30 recipes. I do miss my iced chai from Starbucks, but I don’t want to go back to that much sugar in a drink and I don’t drink coffee. So I am excited to see something that may fill that chai filled hole. One question though, could I substitute honey for the maple syrup or leave the sweetener out entirely? Thanks!
I’m so glad! I actually made these just a few days before my Whole15 started, so I am missing them big time! You could definitely use honey, but I wouldn’t skip the sweetener altogether. Nothing at all would not probably be very good!
Hi, Can this be mixed up ahead of time and stored in the fridge and just grab and go in the morning throughout the week? Thanks so much!
I used to drink both coconut and almond milk, but have switched to soy milk as it contains more protein. Can I use soy milk to make this drink?
Absolutely!
Be careful consuming so much soy though
This looks so yummy and I love turmeric recipes! I am however allergic to almonds 🙁 Could I use all coconut milk in this or cashew milk instead of almond?
I’ve heard from several readers that this works with whatever kind of alt milk you like! 🙂
What would adding a shot of espresso to make it an actual latte do to the balance of this drink? Just out of caffeine-addicted curiosity!
Ummmm, that could work. It might taste like a dirty chai? I’m not sure how the turmeric would meld with the espresso but you could definitely try it!
I’m allergic to almonds. Could I use all coconut milk or should I try possibly something different?
You can use all coconut milk for sure! Just make sure it’s the carton kind 🙂
Can I just use all coconut milk instead of almond since I can’t have the almond milk ? I can’t have any of the but milks although coconut seems to sit fine with me
Sure! Just make sure you use the carton kind 🙂
I don’t have a cocktail shaker. Can I use a protein shaker cup?
Absolutely!
Can I multiply the recipe and make enuf for a couple of days? Thanks.
You can! Just make sure you shake or stir the serving very well before drinking; the spices will settle.
What’s the reason for it needing to be carton coconut milk? I only had canned so I used that and Holy Cow is this delicious! I’m totally hooked! I usually only buy canned coconut milk though, because I have a hard time finding cartons that aren’t full of so much extra “stuff”. I think I’m going to make a premix of the spices so I can just throw in a few teaspoons quickly. So good!
I find that it mixes much better and faster! But if you like it with canned, that is fantastic!
I have bought packaged Golden Milk tea before but had a mild allergic reaction to the ginger component. By removing the ginger from this recipe, will it still have the same benefits? Also, can this drink be served hot and still have the same benefits, with or without the ginger?
This sounds amazing! But I’m wondering,how would it taste without the cinnamon? An unfortunate allergy here. Thanks!
It would definitely be OK without the cinnamon! Definitely better with it but if you have an allergy I think it’d be just fine without 🙂
Are the spices gritty or do they dissolve?
I don’t find the spices gritty but I do definitely stir mine regularly! You could always strain yours if you prefer.
Do you think this could be blended kind of like a frappeccino? I can only imagine how refreshing it would be! It sounds delicious either way!!
I think so! That sounds delicious!
Can I use another sweetener instead of maple syrup or honey due to on Keto diet? Like liquid stevia?
Sure!
Hi. Just wanted to clarify that when you say “coconut milk in carton “ you mean the ones in the refrigerated section? Or are there more fatty ones in cartons in the aisle with the canned coconut milk?
That’s right! I much prefer the refrigerated carton coconut milk here because it blends so much easier and is less thick
Can this be made in advance and stored in the fridge until time to drink? Then just pour over ice.
I used to drink the warm version where you made a turmeric paste and added it to warmed non dairy milk then added a sweeter, but time restraints stopped that now for months. But if this can be made ahead of time I will for sure start drinking it again. Thank you
You can! You’ll just want to make sure you either whisk or shake well the mixture before drinking
Thank you so much.
I’m another person that has a question about the milk being used—I have a history of kidney stones, so almonds or almond milk on a regular basis is possibly not recommended. Do I have to use almond milk for this to work? If not, what else could I use with the coconut milk? Thanks so much.
You can definitely use all coconut milk! Make sure you use the refrigerated carton kind. You might want to use hemp or oat milk, too, if you eat those ingredients.
Will definitely try this, looks yummy! Is this your own photography? I was disappointed to see the recipe displayed in a plastic cup and a plastic straw.
Yep! It’s mine. It was a food styling choice to mimic to-go iced coffeehouse drinks.
If I doubled the receipe and kept in pitcher how many days would it still be ok to drink?
Can I put in blender with ice or mus it be poured over ice?
You can blend it up with ice! I actually created a frappuccino style version of this recipe 🙂
https://40aprons.com/frozen-golden-milk-turmeric-latte-frappuccino/
I have read in a number of places that not only do you need the black pepper to activate the turmeric, but that they have to be heated. What do you know about this?
Heat increases the absorption of curcumin, but black pepper increases the bioavailability – the studies I’ve seen have not required heat. If you have the time to make it ahead and let it cool, that’s ideal! I don’t usually, though 🙂
I’d love to see the nutritional facts on each serving. Do you have anything like that? Thanks!
I’ve updated with a label!
Looks delicious! It’s best to cook/heat turmeric before consumption as heat stabilizes curcumin (a substance in turmeric) and increases its absorption. I’m going to try heating it and then letting it cool down to make this iced 🙂
Yes, heat does increase curcumin absorption! If you have the time to heat then cool before making it, that’s a great idea!
Just wondering what part of the recipe contains so much sugar? The sugar count is quite high?! Looks delicious! Just wondering how to cut the sugar?
Every tablespoon of maple syrup has 14 grams of sugar 🙂 If you wanted to reduce the sugar you could probably get away with 2 tablespoons per batch!
How do I find out if I’m pitta, vatta, or kapha?
Try this!
https://www.theayurvedaexperience.com/dosha-quiz/
Hi! Can I replace the almond milk with something else? My husband is allergic to almonds (tree nuts). I wanted to let him try this drink since he takes turmeric supplement pills. Can’t wait to try this myself (: thanks
Yes, you can use any kind of alt milk (or regular milk!) you like 🙂
What a lovely, refreshing drink! I just made this because it popped up on my Pinterest feed and I had all of the ingredients. I gave it a little buzz in my blender, as it was my most accessible container.
I am sooo glad you liked it! And using a personal blender cup is so perfect
Love it! But no reusable cup? I think we all should reduce plastic consumption.
That was strictly a food styling decision to mimic coffeehouse creations 🙂 We do not use single-use plastic in our home.
This is such a good idea!! I need this in my tummy RIGHT NOW!! Haha!! I will be making this next week – just watch this space… thanks for the recipe 🙂 x
Just made this with rice milk instead of the coconut – since we didn’t have any. It’s delicious! The flavors are fantastic and I’m definitely going to keep this on my make a lot recipe lists.
I love the taste of this drink, but the spices separate so quickly I have to drink it fast and sit there with a spoon to constantly stir it. Is there something I’m doing wrong??
A couple of the spices do not dissolve in cold liquid, so you WILL have to stir it somewhat. But blending it quickly in a blender is a great solution too! It will help things stay together longer 🙂
Question! Looks delicious but do you think honey would work just as good as maple syrup?
You’ll have to make sure it dissolves just as well, so I’d whisk it well before adding ice, but otherwise it should be fine!
I wanted to love this because I’m giving up coffee and thought finding a New morning drink that’s healthy would be awesome. I don’t hate it. I think my problem with it is the cinnamon. I’m not a fan of the smell and not a big fan of the flavor and I feel like it overpowers this drink a little. With that said, it’s nice and creamy and healthy. I am gonna try it again without the cinnamon.
I wanted to add that I tried again with 1/8 tsp of cinnamon versus the 1/4 tsp the recipe called for. And it’s delicious! There’s nothing wrong with the original recipe, it was just my tastebuds hating cinnamon lol. Thank you for sharing the recipe!