Enjoy a fuss-free turmeric latte every day with my instant turmeric latte mix. Just add boiling water – there’s no need for heating in a pan, so it’s ideal at work. The perfect vegan, keto and paleo friendly drink!
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Turmeric Latte
Turmeric latte has become immensely popular in recent years. It’s deliciously golden and one of my favourite comfort drinks; a caffeine-free hug-in-a-mug for when you are cold, unwell or in need of comfort. Many people swear by the healing properties of turmeric, and make one at the first hint of a cold or sniffle. Turmeric milk offers a richly flavoured alternative to coffee or tea, and I love it, especially in the morning.
This instant version is completely fuss-free – a dried instant vegan turmeric latte mix. I will admit I was pleased with this brainwave when I first published it a couple of years ago. The number of versions that have sprung up since then make me feel vindicated. You just spoon the mix into a mug, add hot water, stir and enjoy.
There’s no need to extract turmeric juice or heat milk with this recipe. The mix is ideal for when you don’t have a stove or a microwave, or when you don’t want the bother of washing pans. Keep a jar in your desk for an easy instant turmeric latte or golden milk (mylk) at work, or take it camping.
The secret ingredient is coconut milk powder. I use this all the time for making curries and dhals, and now in this instant turmeric latte recipe. It is far cheaper than buying canned coconut milk, and you can use as much or as little as you like, without any waste. It also allows you to make your coconut milk as creamy or as light as you like.
The other great thing about making your own mix is that it costs a fraction of the price of the ready made ones, and of course you can tweak the recipe you your taste.
Turmeric – a Wonder Spice?
Earthy turmeric is popular all over Asia and has so many uses. In India, it is used in beauty treatments. In cooking, it adds colour and grounds the flavours of a curry. Add a pinch to rice to colour and gently flavour it, a dash for the most golden scrambled eggs. Alternatively, make a golden cake, scented with rose or orange flower water and topped with crunchy pine nuts.
Turmeric has also long been regarded as a valuable spice in traditional medicine. It is used in Ayurvedic treatments as an anti-inflammatory and for lung problems. More recently, scientists have investigated claims that it has potential for treating cancer, arthritis and even dementia. However, the scientific jury is still out.
Nevertheless, there are some promising signs and studies suggest that the curcumin in turmeric has useful properties. I like to feel that I am looking after my health as well as my taste buds with my instant turmeric latte recipe. I know that it makes me feel better, and that is worth something.
To absorb the curcumin in turmeric you need to mix it with both some fat and pepper – this turmeric latte recipe includes both.
How to Make Instant Turmeric Latte Mix
Step one – Lightly crush the cardamom pods and remove the seeds. Discard the pods.
Step two – Grind the cardamom seeds and chilli with 2 teaspoons of the coconut milk powder. (If you are vegan or have a dairy allergy, check the packet when buying coconut milk powder. Some versions contain milk products.) Having more volume in the grinder will help the spices grind finely.
Step three – Put the mixture into an air-tight jar. Add with all the other ingredients, close the lid and give the jar a good shake to mix.
Step four – Test the spicing by adding a little boiling water to a quarter teaspoon of the instant turmeric latte mix. Adjust to taste if necessary.
Step five – To mix a drink, put three teaspoons of the mix in a mug and add boiling water. Stir well.
Hints & Tips
- It is easier to add more spices than take them out, so be careful. Remember that not all brands have the same strength, and older spices may have lost some of their flavour.
- If you overdo the spicing, add some more coconut milk powder.
- I used coconut sugar, but any finely ground unrefined sugar would work well.
- It is far easier to mix if you shake all the ingredients in a large jar with plenty of spare space. You can transfer the powder to a smaller jar for storage.
- Allergy warning: For some reason, lots of brands of coconut milk powder contain dairy products. Read the label!
So there we have it: comforting, fuss-free instant turmeric latte or golden milk.
For an extra dose of turmeric, why not serve this with my vegan turmeric cake?
Instant Turmeric Latte Mix {Vegan, Paleo, Keto}
Ingredients
- 4 cardamom pods
- 1 pinch chili flakes
- 1 scant cup (100g) coconut milk powder
- 3 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
- 4 tsp coconut sugar (or use regular sugar)
- 1 pinch ground black pepper
- 1 pinch powdered vanilla (optional)
Instructions
- Lightly crush the cardamom pods, and remove the seeds. Discard the pods.
- Grind the cardamom seeds and chilli with 2 teaspoons of the coconut milk powder. (Having more volume in the grinder will help the spices grind finely.)
- Put the mixture into an air-tight jar. Add with all the other ingredients, close the lid and give the jar a good shake to mix.
- Test the spicing by adding a little boiling water to a quarter teaspoon of the instant turmeric latte mix. Adjust to taste if necessary.
- To mix a drink, put three heaped teaspoons of turmeric latte powder in a mug then top up with boiling water. Stir well.
Notes
- It is far easier to add more spices than take them out. Remember that not all brands have the same potency, and older spices may have lost some of their flavour.
- If you overdo the spicing, add some more coconut milk powder.
- I used coconut sugar, but any finely ground unrefined sugar would work well.
- It is far easier to mix if you shake all the ingredients in a large jar with plenty of spare space.
- Allergy warning – For some reason, many brands of coconut milk powder contain dairy products. Read the label!
- This recipe is 5 Weight Watchers Smart Points per portion
Flavour Seeker
This sounds amazing, thanks for sharing. I’m going to give it a try.
Helen
I hope you enjoy it!
Hannah Hossack-Lodge
This is such a good idea!I’ve never used coconut milk powder before but it does seem much more convenient than tinned so I’m going to get some and then give your delicious sounding latte mix a try :)
Helen
Coconut milk powder is one of my favourite things.
Rachel
Now I like the sound of this, though I like Tumeric anyway, but ive never tried it in a Latte x
Helen
it is such a comforting drink!
Erin
I had a tough night with a poorly little boy and this looks like just what I need today! I don’t have coconut milk powder (I didn’t know it existed and am definitely getting some!) but I think I’ll try almond milk for now but can’t wait to have the ‘real thing’. Where do you recommend I buy the powder?
Helen
Most of the supermarkets will stock it, mine was from Ocado – or look in an Asian shop.
Amy | The Cook Report
I still haven’t tried a turmeric latte but you make it look so easy and delicious!
Helen
so easy to mix up a batch of the powder
the Curious Pixie
My mum used to make me hot tumeric milk when I was little and full of cold. Indian kitchen medical remedy at its best! So funny seeing it nowadays all branded up as lattes now.
Helen
Mothers always know best!
Bintu - Recipes From A Pantry
Turmeric is such a super food. An interesting way to get turmeric into your diet, will bookmark this
Helen
My version of the turmeric latte is so quick and easy!
Kaitie
I’ve never considered turmeric as a latte before… what a great idea!!
Helen
it is the ultimate comfort drink!
Veena Azmanov
I’ve never used coconut milk powder as yet. I love the flavors you have here. Cinnamon, cardamon chill.. and pepper. Will definitely be making this one.
Helen
Coconut milk powder is a store cupboard staple!
Johlene Orton
Looks divine!! Will try!!
Helen
Hope you enjoy it!
Kirsty
I’ve never thought about adding turmeric to a latte by it sounds very nice and that added spice would be lovely for a cold autumn evening
Helen
we love our turmeric lattes here!
stephanie
What a great idea – this sounds like a perfect autumn/winter drink x
Helen
so comforting when you want a caffeine free drink!
Amy Deverson
Oh this sounds delicious! I have tried turmeric flavoured tea but a turmeric lattee, I’ll have to give it a try.
Helen
it is so good and comforting.
sarah
I’d never think of adding turmeric – its one of my fave spices
Helen
it is so good as a hot drink
Lynne Harper
This sounds so different yet delicious I must invest in some coconut milk powder as well x
Helen
SO easy too and far cheaper than the packet mixes
Dannii
I am loving turmeric lattes at the moment. The perfect autumn pick me up!
Helen
this instant version makes them even easier to enjoy!
Meg O
Can I use ground cardamom? If so, how much?
Helen
I’d start with 1/2 tsp depending how potent it is!
Mara Fillery
Hello Helen,
Thank you for the recipe. If I do not have pods but ground cardamom, how much do you suggest I use?
Thank you kindly, Mara
Helen
I think a generous pinch – it is very much according to taste. Remember you can always add more, but not take it out!
Hazel Barker
This is a great recipe. Buying a Turmeric latte is rather expensive from high street shops, so having this at work would be brilliant. Thanks.
Helen
So handy to have a jar at work, and so much cheaper.
Barry
Delicious and comforting, this sounds so nice.
Helen
The perfect comforting drink and caffine free.
Amanda
I haven’t tried a turmeric latte before, but this so sounds delicious that I am going to give it a try.
Helen
A very tasty and comforting drink.
Lorna Hindmarsh
I try to use turmeric when possible having read the benefits for health. I wasn’t aware that it was advised to eat with fat and pepper. Interesting. This is a great way to enjoy the benefits without any fuss.
Helen
I do like a fuss free recipe.
Margaret
this sounds so lovely and great that you can make it and store in a jar for later.
Helen
Great to have handy for an instant drink.
Nina S
I love using coconut milk powder, I put it in smoothies. This turmeric latte sounds delicious, will have to try it.
rhian ball
latte drinks are so warming and a great alternative to coffee. this sounds very tasty.
Lily
I drink far too much coffee in a working day, and don’t like tea. This would be a good option to cut back on the caffeine.
Jayne Rothwell
Turmeric lattes are delicious, and this is a brilliant recipe to make your own. I love how easy it is and no boiling of milk.
Phil Smith
Never tried a Turmeric latte, but this makes it sound very tempting. Very easy to make.