How to Make Perfect Delicious Turmeric Latte

2 mins to read

Looking for a healthy drink to start your day? It could be time to welcome the turmeric latte into your life.

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What is in a turmeric latte?

Part of the ginger family, turmeric is a spice which gets its golden colour from curcumin – an antioxidant that can help reduce inflammation.

Traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric milk is often drunk as an evening tonic.

Today, turmeric lattes are often talked up for their wellbeing properties and can be found on cafe menus from Bondi Beach to Byron Bay. But what’s in them? Well, traditionally a turmeric latte contains:

Turmeric
Black pepper
Milk
Honey
Ghee (clarified butter)

When combined with black pepper, curcumin becomes more bioavailable. In other words, by blending it with other spices, your body can fully absorb the benefits.

The basic ingredients are just a starting point, however. There are oodles of ready-made golden turmeric latte powders which contain added spices such as ginger, cinnamon and vanilla bean.

A ‘dirty’ turmeric latte includes a shot of coffee and, if you like it hot, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Turmeric latte with black peppercorns

Turmeric latte recipe

Making a turmeric latte is easy and it starts with milk. Almond, cashew or soy milk provide a dairy-free option and bring out the nuttiness of the turmeric. Cow's milk creates a creamier drink and tastes slightly sweeter.

Ingredients

1½ cups milk of your choice
½ teaspoon turmeric powder
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon honey

How to make

Combine the ingredients in a saucepan over a medium-low heat and whisk until hot but not boiling.

What are turmeric lattes good for?

Aside from enjoying the drink itself, there are many benefits to drinking a turmeric latte. Turmeric contains a number of vitamins and minerals including manganese, iron, potassium and vitamin C.

Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, helps to relieve digestive discomfort, supports cognitive function and is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to relieve mild joint aches and pain.

If you're drinking a turmeric latte for the benefits, it's best enjoyed as part of a healthy diet that consists of whole foods. It’s also a very tasty alternative to coffee if you’re trying to scale back your caffeine intake.

What about turmeric tea

Not so keen on milky drinks? Not a problem – turmeric tea is another way to enjoy the benefits of this traditional Ayurvedic spice.

Simply add a teaspoon of turmeric powder to boiling water, stir and add honey to sweeten. Turmeric tea has a distinctive, earthy flavour and can be added to masala chai tea blends for added flavour – just be sure to add a pinch of pepper so you reap those health benefits.

And check out other ways to harness turmeric, such as in this delicious, warming turmeric and cauliflower soup.