Golden milk recipe: a warm, aromatic drink with turmeric, ginger and cinnamon
Short answer: Golden milk is a warm drink made in about 8 minutes by heating unsweetened almond or coconut milk with turmeric, black pepper, cinnamon and ginger over low heat for 3–5 minutes. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of curcumin in turmeric are being studied, and piperine in black pepper may increase curcumin absorption. Golden milk can accompany a balanced diet, but it is not a treatment for any disease.
Golden milk recipe: ingredients and method
This warm, aromatic drink combining turmeric, ginger and cinnamon takes about 8 minutes to make for 1 cup.
Pour the almond or coconut milk into a small pot. Add the spices and stir until there are no lumps. Heat over low heat for 3–5 minutes without boiling.
How to sweeten golden milk
Optionally, use ½ teaspoon of pure honey or syrup from a reliable source, or 1 small date with no added sugar. Sweetening is entirely up to your taste; remember that honey and dates also contain sugar.
- Date: Remove the pit, mash it with a little warm milk and add it to the mixture; blend for a smooth texture.
- Honey: Add it after the drink has cooled slightly.
Why is this blend of interest?
The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of curcumin, the main compound in turmeric, are being studied. However, results from supplement studies do not prove that this drink has the same effect.
🌿 Inflammation and antioxidant support
Turmeric contains compounds, mainly curcumin, whose anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties are being studied. Curcumin supplement studies have shown reductions in some markers of chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. However, these results do not prove that this drink will have the same effect.
🧠 Brain health
Curcumin is not a neurotrophic factor; its effects on neurotrophic factors such as BDNF, which support the survival and connections of nerve cells, are being studied. Although some studies show positive findings, human data on memory and cognitive function are inconsistent.
❤️ Heart and joint health
The possible contribution of turmeric and curcumin in inflammation-related diseases is being studied. There are promising findings especially for pain and stiffness in knee osteoarthritis; it cannot be said to prevent heart disease or treat rheumatic diseases.
🔬 Cancer research
The effects of curcumin on mechanisms related to cancer development are being studied. However, there is not enough clinical evidence to recommend it for preventing or treating cancer.
Why add black pepper?
Piperine in black pepper may increase the absorption of curcumin. Ginger and cinnamon add their own plant compounds and aroma. This recipe can accompany a balanced diet that supports general health; on its own it is not a treatment shown to strengthen immunity. For related articles see How to support glutathione and An immunity boost before winter.
Who should be careful?
People with gallstones or bile duct obstruction, people taking regular medicines (especially blood thinners), and pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a doctor before drinking golden milk regularly.
- Gallstones or bile duct obstruction: Turmeric may stimulate bile secretion; consult your doctor before regular use. For information on gallstones see our gallbladder surgery page.
- Allergy: Anyone allergic to any of the ingredients should not use that ingredient.
- Reflux or a sensitive stomach: The spices may cause discomfort.
- People on regular medication, especially blood thinners; pregnant and breastfeeding women: Consult a doctor before regular use.
Appointments at Op. Dr. Salim Balin’s clinic in Ataşehir, Istanbul (Metropol İstanbul Block B, Floor 18): +90 506 520 30 55 (phone or WhatsApp). Address and directions
Clinic in Ataşehir, Istanbul and nearby districts
For questions on this topic and a personal assessment, you can book an appointment at Op. Dr. Salim Balin’s clinic in Ataşehir.
The clinic is in Atatürk Mahallesi, Ataşehir, in Metropol İstanbul Block B. Besides the Barbaros, İçerenköy, Küçükbakkalköy, Kayışdağı, Yenisahra and Ferhatpaşa neighbourhoods of Ataşehir, we see patients from Kadıköy (Kozyatağı, Bostancı, Göztepe, Erenköy), Ümraniye, Maltepe, Çekmeköy, Sancaktepe, Üsküdar, Kartal and other districts of Istanbul.
Address: Atatürk Mahallesi, Ertuğrul Gazi Cad. No: 2H, Metropol İstanbul B Blok, Floor 18, No: 282, 34750 Ataşehir/Istanbul · Monday–Saturday 09:00–18:00 · +90 506 520 30 55 · WhatsApp · Address and directions
Frequently asked questions
How do you make golden milk?
Add 1 teaspoon of turmeric and ¼ teaspoon each of black pepper, cinnamon and ginger to 200 ml of unsweetened almond or coconut milk, stir until there are no lumps, and heat over low heat for 3–5 minutes without boiling.
Why is black pepper added to golden milk?
Piperine in black pepper may increase the absorption of curcumin from turmeric.
Does golden milk boost immunity?
Golden milk can accompany a balanced diet, but on its own it is not a treatment shown to strengthen immunity.
How can golden milk be sweetened?
Optionally add ½ teaspoon of pure honey or syrup, or 1 small date with no added sugar. Add honey after the drink has cooled slightly, and remember that honey and dates also contain sugar.
Who should avoid or be careful with golden milk?
People with gallstones or bile duct obstruction, those on blood thinners or regular medication, and pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a doctor before regular use. Anyone allergic to an ingredient should avoid it; the spices may cause discomfort in people with reflux or a sensitive stomach.
Related guides
Glutathione: how can the body’s natural antioxidant defence be supported? ↗
An immunity boost before winter: what really works? ↗
Sources and further reading
NCCIH (US National Institutes of Health) · Turmeric: research and safety (2025) ↗Shoba G et al. Influence of piperine on the pharmacokinetics of curcumin in animals and human volunteers. Planta Med. 1998;64(4):353-356 ↗For information only. It does not replace the diagnosis and treatment of disease.
Ask me
Get in touch with your questions about Golden milk recipe or to request an appointment.
💬 Ask me on WhatsApp — +90 506 520 30 55
✉️ Ask me by email — info@drsalimbalin.com
📍 We are at Metropol İstanbul Mall, in the best location in Ataşehir, Istanbul.
Metropol İstanbul Block B, Floor 18 · Ataşehir/Istanbul · Directions ↗