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The Recipe · No.619 · Golden Milk

Golden Milk, and where to source it

Golden Milk — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Golden Milk Indian 5best2buy.com

Turmeric needs both fat and black pepper to do anything in your body, so this isn't optional seasoning, it's the point. Warm the spices in a little fat first, then simmer them into the milk low and slow so it never scorches.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep5 min
Cook10 min
Makes2 servings
CuisineIndian
Cost$
VegetarianGluten-free
Contains  dairy
Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 2 servings
Our ratio, your call. The amounts below are a tested starting point — a version, not the one and only. Anything tagged to taste is the knob you turn: start there, then make it yours.
Whole milk
Whole dairy or full-fat coconut milk gives the fat turmeric needs and a rich body.
2 cupsrecommended
Ground turmeric
Fresh, bright-orange turmeric is the drink; dull old powder tastes like dust.
1 tsprecommended
Black pepper
A pinch of pepper makes the turmeric bioavailable; leave it out and most of it passes through.
pinchrecommended
Raw honey
Sweeten off the heat so the honey's enzymes survive; to taste.
1 tbspto taste
Butter or ghee
A knob of ghee carries the fat-soluble spice and adds silkiness.
1 tsprecommended
Fresh ginger
A little grated ginger adds warmth and bite.
1/2 inchrecommended
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● Barely a splurge
A light hand — your arteries say thanks.
EffortEasy
Cook it with
No-cook
The Method
  1. Bloom the spicesMelt the ghee, add the turmeric, pepper, and ginger, and stir 30 sec until fragrant.
  2. Simmer the milkPour in the milk and warm on low 5-7 min just to a bare simmer; don't boil or it skins over.
  3. Sweeten and strainTake it off the heat, whisk in honey, and strain out the ginger before pouring.
The Toolkit

Small saucepan · Whisk · Fine strainer · Microplane

Straight Answers
Can you make Golden Milk ahead of time? — Partly

You can batch the mix and keep it cold, but add the ice, soda, and garnish and shake or stir to order — a made-up drink goes flat and watery if it sits.

Is Golden Milk gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Golden Milk vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan

It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy and honey. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.

Community Notes

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