Instant Turmeric Latte Recipe (2024)

Published on September 14, 2017 by Helen Best-Shaw 51 Comments
Last Updated on November 8, 2021

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!

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?