What The Heck Is Golden Milk—And Should You Be Drinking It?

Turmeric, coconut oil, and almond milk have all been ultra trendy for a while now. So why did it take us so long to combine the three into one incredible superfood?

Say hello to golden milk, or milk that's infused with fresh or ground turmeric, coconut oil, and a mix of other spices like black pepper, ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom. It's become a big thing among clean eaters in recent months, though it isn't exactly new. For centuries, practitioners of both Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine have been using golden milk reduce inflammation, boost immunity, and improve digestion. 

But it's not just crazy good for you. It's also crazy delicious! It's creamy and spicy—sort of like chai tea. But with a bright yellow color and a slightly earthier flavor, thanks to all that turmeric. 

You might find golden milk tea or a golden milk latte at a cool coffee shop or clean eatery. But you can also easily make golden milk at home. Though every recipe is a little different, the basic idea goes like this: 

1. COMBINE turmeric and your choice of other spices, like black pepper, ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom. Add enough hot water to make thick paste.
2. MIX in coconut oil or ghee (along with some raw honey, if you'd like) to thicken mixture even more. 
3. TRANSFER mixture to jar and refrigerate. Once it cools, you'll have a paste that's easy to blend with your favorite milk to create golden milk.

Prefer to follow a recipe instead of just winging it? Sure, we get that. Try Savory Lotus' Golden Turmeric Paste. It's rich and spicy, and it makes a big batch that'll last in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.  You can also use golden milk paste to add a flavor- and antioxidant-boost to all kinds of other yummy stuff. In fact, we'd totally recommend trying it in any of these genius recipes.

Because a drink this good for you shouldn't have to be limited to chilly weather enjoyment. The First Mess adds turmeric, cardamom, black pepper, and cinnamon to a sweet, refreshing iced coffee made with plant-based milk and sweetened with a touch of maple syrup. Warning: It's addictive!     

Just call these sunny treats summer on a stick. Do like Food Pleasure and Health and make a batch of golden milk, pour it into popsicle molds, and let the popsicles freeze. Once they're ready, take them out to your stoop or porch and share them with friends. 

MORE: The Six Worst Frozen Treats You Can Eat This Summer

Here's how Cotter Crunch does golden milk for breakfast: Blend golden milk with papaya, banana, and frozen mango (all of which turn up the volume on that awesome yellow color), along with some coconut cream and vanilla extract for extra creaminess and flavor. It's crazy tasty, and it'll keep you full all morning. 

And here's how The Bojon Gourmet does it: Pour golden milk over rolled oats, chia seeds, and hemp seeds, and let the mixture hang out in the fridge overnight. In the morning, top the deliciousness with some fresh fruit and a drizzle of honey, and devour.