This popular Ayurvedic Haldi Doodh, also known as Golden Turmeric Milk, is a comforting and healing drink. Made with adding turmeric and spices to boiling milk, it is a cup of wellness that is just as delicious.

haldi doodh in two cups with cinnamon stick at the back
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Growing up, whenever we had a cold, fever, or sore throat, Mom told us to have turmeric milk before bed.

In India, we have been having this Turmeric Milk called Haldi Doodh (Haldi=Turmeric, Doodh=Milk) for a long time as an easy remedy for common colds. However, it has only recently been popularized all over the world as a Turmeric Latte.

This delightful and nourishing drink is super easy and quick to make. Mix the ingredients in a saucepan, heat them, and serve them warm. It is considered to be a cup of wellness. You can use coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk to make it vegan. 

It is a great drink to enjoy with friends and family, especially on those cold winter eveningsBadam Doodh (Indian Almond Milk) is similar.

Watch How to Make Haldi Doodh

What is Haldi Doodh?

There are so many ways to utilize turmeric. One of the most popular is Haldi doodh, a powerful Ayurvedic medicinal Indian drink with medicinal properties. It is also known as golden turmeric milk, golden milk latte, or turmeric latte.

This bright yellow drink is made by warming milk, turmeric, and healing spices. In most households in India, it is a go-to solution for coughs and colds. This Turmeric Milk is loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

Growing up in India, Turmeric is “The” spice found in every kitchen. It is one of the essential ingredients in every spice box and recipe. 

It is the root of the Curcuma Longa plant. The main ingredient in Turmeric is “curcumin” which gives it that bright yellowish tinge.

Turmeric milk (Haldi doodh) in two cups with sprinkled cinnamon powder

Ingredients for Turmeric Milk

This recipe suggests using whole spices, which are easily available, but you can always substitute them with ground spices to make this recipe easier and quicker.

Ingredients for Haldi Doodh
  • Milk: You can use milk of your choice. I use whole milk. You can use coconut milk, oat milk, or unsweetened almond milk to make it vegan. 
  • Turmeric: You can use fresh turmeric or turmeric powder. I used turmeric powder. If using fresh, grate it and add it to the milk.
  • Black peppercorns: Adding black pepper (active ingredient piperine) when making turmeric milk helps in the absorption of the nutrients in this turmeric milk, so I suggest not skipping it. Freshly ground black pepper is the best, but use what you have on hand.
  • Cardamom, Cinnamon, and Cloves:  I like to coarsely crush cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves and add them for a wonderful flavor, warmth, and aroma. You can substitute whole spices with 1/4 teaspoon each of cardamom powder and cinnamon.
  • Ginger: Add about 1/2 an inch of knob which is thinly sliced. This is optional, but adding it is excellent for additional nourishing benefits. For enhanced ginger flavor, you can also crush or grate it.
  • Sugar: Instead of sugar, you can substitute it with jaggery powder or honey, maple, or agave syrup.

How to Make Haldi Doodh?

Heat milk in a pot on a medium flame on the stovetop and bring it to a simmer. Add ground turmeric powder to it.

add turmeric powder into the pan to make haldi doodh

Using a mortar and pestle, coarsely crush the cardamon, cloves, and black peppercorns.

crushed whole spices using mortar and pestle for haldi doodh recipe

Add to the milk. Add cinnamon and fresh ginger slices to the milk. Then, stir in the sugar or sweetener of your choice.

added spices to make Golden Turmeric Milk

After the milk boils, turn the heat to the lowest setting. Cover and let it simmer for another 5 minutes. 

Golden Turmeric Milk in a pot with cinnamon sticks, black peppercorns and cloves at the back

Turn off the flame. Strain and serve the turmeric milk while it is hot.

Strain and serve the turmeric milk

Optionally, sprinkle a pinch of turmeric or cinnamon powder on top.

top view of haldi doodh in two cups

Tips to make Perfect Haldi Doodh

  • You can use any sweetener of your choice.
  • You can top it with a few strands of saffron, turmeric or cinnamon powder.
  • To make it vegan, you can use coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk.
  • Adjust the amount of turmeric to taste. I have included only 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric, but you can increase it up to 1 teaspoon based on your preference and the potency of the turmeric you are using. 
closeup shot of Golden Turmeric Milk in two glass cup
Is it good to have haldi doodh before going to bed?

Yes, it is. It has calming properties that lead to better sleep.

What is the best time to drink turmeric milk?

You can have it any time of the day, but it is best to drink it before going to bed.

Can I drink turmeric milk in the morning?

Yes, you can on an empty stomach. It helps to boost your immune system.

More Indian Drink Recipes

5 from 3 votes

Healing Haldi Doodh (Golden Turmeric Milk)

This popular Ayurvedic Haldi Doodh, also known as Golden Turmeric Milk, is a comforting and healing drink. Made with adding turmeric and spices to boiling milk, it is a cup of wellness that is just as delicious.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2

Video

Ingredients 

Instructions 

  • Add milk to a pot and simmer it on a stovetop on medium flame. Once heated, add turmeric powder to it.
  • Using a mortar and pestle, coarsely crush the cardamon, cloves, and black peppercorns. Add to the milk. Add cinnamon and ginger slices to the milk. Then add the sugar or sweetener of choice.
  • After the milk comes to a boil, turn the heat to the lowest setting. Cover and let it simmer for another 5 minutes. 
  • Turn off the flame. Strain and serve the turmeric milk while it is hot.
  • Optionally, sprinkle some cinnamon powder on top.

Notes

Turmeric: I have included only 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric, but you can increase it up to 1 teaspoon based on your preference and the potency of the turmeric you are using. 
Topping: To enhance the flavor, you can top the turmeric milk with crushed saffron, cinnamon, or cardamom powder. 
Vegan Golden Milk: To make it vegan you can use coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk.

Nutrition

Calories: 174kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 8gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 29mgSodium: 94mgPotassium: 416mgFiber: 1gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 398IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 316mgIron: 1mg

Additional Info

Course: Beverage
Cuisine: Indian
Diet: Gluten-free, Vegetarian
Tried this recipe?Mention @pipingpotcurry or tag #pipingpotcurry!

About Meeta

I strongly believe that each one of us has a chef inside us, we just need to explore the ingredients and create great food. My passion is to share easy, and wholesome recipes made using Instant Pot & Air Fryer, that are well tested, so you can cook with confidence.

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