Golden milk two ways: sleepy time and afternoon tea 

On my good days I try to switch up my afternoon coffee routine with a cup of golden milk. When I first heard about this traditional Ayurvedic medicinal drink made with tumeric I was intrigued and was willing to give it a try for all its great health benefits. Tumeric has anti-inflammatory properties and combined with the other ingredients it’s a powerhouse of a health elixir. And the name, golden milk drew me in – sounded like a luxurious way to kick off my late afternoon to tide me over before the dinner prep frenzy.

Some people might think this process is a bit involved and it’s defnitely not as simple as brewing a bag of tea, but since I make my coffee using the pour over method, this recipe has a familiar ring of ritual. Gathering the various spices, warming up the milk in a pot, whisking the coconut oil together to melt it all into a golden cup of goodness is all part of the experience and perhaps part of its health benefits. It forces you to slow down and take in the scents, the textures and the transformation of the different ingredients into a creamy golden tonic that is comforting and healing.

I’ve also tried a recipe dubbed as an “evening tea” with its addition of chamomile and it is quite wonderful and calming for unwinding in the evening.

So here they are – the two versions of golden milk tea, which could be consumed anytime of the day, but make it when you need it and see how you like it.

Note: Black pepper helps with the bioavailability of Tumeric – allows your body to absorb the good stuff (curcumin). It also adds little kick and warming quality to the drink.

AFTERNOON GOLDEN MILK

adapted from Nutrition Stripped 

serves 2

• 2 cups almond milk
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• small pinch of black pepper and grated ginger (fresh is best)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Pour all ingredients into a small saucepan and bring to a light boil. Whisk to combine ingredients. Reduce heat to low and simmer for up to 10 minutes.
2. Strain the milk if you have large pieces of ginger, cinnamon, peppercorns, etc. To serve, add honey or a dash of cinnamon.

SLEEPY TIME GOLDEN MILK 

adapted from Green Kitchen Stories 

serves 4

• 2 cups water
• 2 tbsp dried chamomile in a tea bag or 2 chamomile tea bags
• 1-3 tsp coconut oil
• 1 1/2 cup unsweetened plant milk of choice
• 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• a pinch of black pepper, optional
• 1 tbsp honey (to taste)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Bring water to a boil in a sauce pan. Turn off the heat, then add chamomile and let steep for 3-5 minutes. Discard the chamomile.
2. Stir in milk, coconut oil, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, black pepper and honey. Taste and add more honey, coconut oil or spices if you prefer. Re-heat on low heat if needed.