Haldi Doodh (Golden Turmeric Milk) is an Ayurvedic Indian drink that comes together in under 10 minutes using 4 ingredients. It has incredible anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and is great for boosting immunity. Here is how to make it (vegetarian, gluten-free).

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About Haldi Doodh (Turmeric Milk)
Haldi Doodh (Golden Milk, Turmeric Milk) is a popular Ayurvedic beverage that is very popular in Indian households.
It is used as Ayurvedic medicine to cure multiple ailments, including cough and cold, joint and muscle pain, sore throat, sinus congestion, etc.
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties and other health benefits, haldi wala doodh is also gaining popularity in the Western world.
Popular in Western countries as Golden Turmeric Milk, Golden Latte, or Turmeric Latte, it is nothing but a mix of ground turmeric and milk. A pinch of ground black pepper and a little honey are added for warmth and sweetness.
This healing drink is spicy, bold, and has earthy flavors. It is great to treat colds, flu, or fever.
Enjoy a warm glass of this soothing haldi doodh before you sleep; it will help you unwind after a long day.
Here are some more popular Indian beverages that you must try
- Masala Chai
- Adrak Wali Chai
- South Indian Filter Coffee
- Kesar Badam Milk
- Saffron Milk
- Beaten Coffee
- Irani Chai
- Kanji
- Masala Soda
Ingredients

Milk – I like to use whole milk (full fat milk) to make this drink. It makes it creamy and rich.
But you can always opt for skim, low-fat, or plant-based milk. Almond milk, oat milk, coconut milk, soy milk, or cashew milk tastes great in this recipe.
Turmeric Powder – Make sure to use a good quality organic turmeric powder for the best effects.
You can also use fresh turmeric roots instead of turmeric powder for a more prominent taste and benefits.
Black Pepper Powder – Black pepper powder gives this drink a nice heat and warmth. It is also said to enhance the absorption of curcumin present in turmeric by the body.
Honey – This is optional! But if you like to add sweetness to your milk, add honey.
You can also replace honey with maple syrup, white sugar, brown sugar, or powdered jaggery.
Adjust the honey, sugar, or jaggery amount according to your taste.
Note – Some people add a little fat to haldi doodh recipe because, as per Ayurveda, curcumin (the bright yellow chemical produced by turmeric) is absorbed in the body better when it is mixed with some fat.
But in this particular recipe, milk has a lot of its own fat, so there is no need to add any extra fat. But if you still feel comfortable, add ½ teaspoon coconut oil or ghee while making this drink.
Variations
You can add spices like ground cinnamon, ground long pepper (pipli), ground nutmeg, grated fresh ginger (or ground ginger), and cardamom powder to your turmeric milk recipe for extra flavor and nutrition, call this version masala haldi doodh 🙂
A few threads of saffron, when added to this drink, not only increase its nutritional benefits but also make it more delicious.
Soak a few almonds and cashew nuts in milk for 30 minutes. Blend to make a smooth paste, and add it to your turmeric milk to make it healthier.
How To Make Haldi Doodh
Heat 2 cups milk in a saucepan over medium-high heat and bring it to a boil. Stir frequently to prevent the milk from scorching at the bottom of the pan.

Once the milk comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low.
Stir in 1 teaspoon organic turmeric powder and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes.
Stir frequently to avoid scorching of milk.
Note – If you are using fresh turmeric, add 2 teaspoon peeled and grated turmeric instead of powder.

Strain the golden milk using a tea strainer in a jug or a large measuring cup.


Add 2 teaspoon honey and mix well.

Pour the hot milk into the serving cups from a little distance to get froth on top.
Sprinkle a pinch of turmeric powder on top and serve immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions
You can drink this ayurvedic drink any time of the day, but I like to serve it in the morning post breakfast! Consuming it right before you sleep is also advised, as it promotes a good night’s sleep.
Serving Suggestions
Golden turmeric milk is best served hot, immediately after making. I like to sprinkle a pinch of turmeric powder as a garnishing.
A sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of vanilla extract can be added for extra flavor.
You can also sprinkle ground almonds or a pinch of saffron on top.
Storage Suggestions
Golden Turmeric Milk will last in the fridge for 3 to 4 days in a sealed glass jar.
Reheat it in a pan or microwave until warm before serving.
Make sure to add honey just before serving as it loses its good qualities if heated.
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Recipe Card

Easy Haldi Doodh Recipe (Golden Turmeric Milk)
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk (I use whole milk but skim, low fat, or plant-based milk also work fine)
- 1 teaspoon organic turmeric powder (or 2 teaspoon grated fresh turmeric)
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons honey (or sugar, maple syrup, agave nectar, sugar-free substitutes, adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Heat milk in a saucepan over medium-high heat and bring it to a boil. Stir frequently to avoid the milk from scorching at the bottom of the pan.
- Once the milk comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low.
- Stir in turmeric powder and black pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid the scorching of milk.
- Strain the golden milk using a tea strainer in a jug or a large measuring cup.
- Add honey and mix well.
- Pour the hot milk into the serving cups from a little distance to get froth on top. Sprinkle a pinch of turmeric powder on top and serve immediately.
Farida Banu
Hi! Neha nice recipe
Neha Mathur
Thanks
Lindey
Great recipe, I especially appreciate the addition on how to use fresh turmeric, since it’s what I have. Thank you!
Neha Mathur
I am glad you liked the recipe.
Ips
Yummm… the added crushed black pepper adds a nice ting to it!
Thanks for adding a little more taste to our health 😉
Neha Mathur
Thnx a lot for trying the recipe and leaving your feedback. Looking forward to your feedback on other recipes too 🙂
devbabbar
Turmeric milk is the best healthiest drink ever! From the past time ,it is used as the purpose of medicine,its not only a tasty drink but also provides so many health benefits. Thank you for sharing such a magical, full of flavors & delicious recipe of turmeric milk.