Golden Chai Tea Latte
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Golden Chai Tea Latte
This Golden Chai Tea Latte also known as a golden milk or a turmeric latte is made with only a handful of ingredients and adds the perfect warmth + coziness to any day, especially during the Holidays. Literally whipped together in a few short minutes, this homemade latte comes bursting with chai spices + turmeric flavors that work so well together. A great caffeine alternative to coffee and works as a pick-me-up. Completely Dairy-free, Vegan, + Gluten-free.
If you've been following Orchids + Sweet Tea for a while ---Then you know I'm all about homemade lattes, especially with almond or oat milk! Well, my latest love? Chai lattes And guess what? I tossed in some turmeric for the health perks, and whoa—game changer alert! Plus, can we talk about that beautiful golden color? It's a win-win, my friends.
Usually, Chai Tea latte doesn't include turmeric (at all), however, I love adding turmeric to certain recipes because of its nutritional value. Believe me, adding turmeric to this drink doesn't change a thing in terms of compromising it's taste. It's still REALLY GOOD. If chai is your jam, you've got to give my Vegan Chai Latte Cinnamon Rolls and Vegan Chai Ginger Bread a whirl. Trust me--- It's the perfect way to keep the chai love flowing!
This golden milk is a breeze to whip up—your go-to alternative to coffee with a tonne of health benefits. Minimal prep, maximum goodness. It's officially my daily ritual, and I'm hooked!
Jump to:
- What Is A Golden Chai Tea Latte Anyway?
- What is Turmeric?
- How To Make Golden Chai Latte
- Ingredients
- How To Make Your Own Chai Spice Mix
- What You’ll Love Most About This Golden Chai Latte
- How To Get the Most Out Of Turmeric
- What Does This Golden Chai Latte Taste Like?
- Tips for Making Golden Milk Turmeric Latte
- Ways to Add Turmeric in Your Diet
- What Plant-Based Milks Are Good For Golden Chai Lattes?
- How To Make Extra Frothy Milk Without A Frother?
- Topping Ideas For Golden Chai Latte
- Golden Chai Latte Q + A's
- More Cozy Homemade Sips
- MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
- Golden Chai Latte
What Is A Golden Chai Tea Latte Anyway?
A "Golden chai latte" is a warm and comforting beverage sometimes called "golden milk" or a "turmeric latte." This cozy sip is made by combining milk (any milk works, I love using oat milk) with turmeric and other spices such as ginger, cinnamon, and black pepper. The name "golden" comes from the rich, golden-yellow color of the drink, thanks to the turmeric!
What is Turmeric?
Turmeric has a compound called curcumin, which is a powerful source of anti-inflammatory antioxidants. However, the best way that our bodies can absorb all of these benefits is when we consume turmeric with black pepper. The compound in black pepper piperine is what helps us absorb curcumin, You can’t taste the pepper much in this turmeric latte, but you get all of the health benefits.
How To Make Golden Chai Latte
Okay, so making a turmeric latte is as simple as this--- In a saucepan over medium-high heat, bring your milk of choice to a gentle boil for 1-2 minutes. Reduce the heat, add the tea bags, and let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat, let the tea bags steep for an additional 2-3 minutes, and then whisk in the chai spice blend, turmeric, vanilla, and maple syrup. Serve the turmeric-chai mixture in mugs, and top with your favorite toppings (see ideas below).
Ingredients
LATTE:
- Oat milk. Use your fave plant-based milk, cashew milk is also a delicious option!)
- Black tea bags. You can reduce the amount of tea bags based on the desired strength/taste level or remove them completely for a caffeine-free option!
- Pure maple syrup. If you are not vegan raw honey is also a great option!
- Vanilla extract. A great addition of flavor and marries everything together.
- Turmeric powder. For the beautiful golden color + health benefits!
- Black pepper. Just a tiny pinch!
How To Make Your Own Chai Spice Mix
One of the essential elements of this chai latte is the actual chai spice blend. It is very simple to make, plus, you can make a larger batch and save some for baking!
To make homemade Chai Spice, combine these spices:
- 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp ground allspice
- ½ tsp cardamom
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ⅛ tsp black pepper
That's it! This delicious blend is perfect for lattes, cookies, cakes, pies, pudding, bread or all things chai-infused deliciousness!
SHOP MY FAVORITE DRINKWARE ITEMS AND ACCESSORIES!
Here, I’ve curated a list of drinkware and mocktail essentials that I use to achieve my favorite drinking experiences, especially with this Golden Chai Latte. Everything from my fave glassware, cocktail shakers, ice cube trays, and more. SEE THEM HERE!
What You’ll Love Most About This Golden Chai Latte
- Easy to whip together and uses minimal main ingredients.
- Ready in less than 15 minutes TOTAL—-including prep.
- Warm and comforting with every sip.
- Loaded with delicious Fall/Winter spices.
- A great coffee alternative!
- All dairy-free, vegan, + GF.
How To Get the Most Out Of Turmeric
In case you weren't aware, in order to get the full benefit from turmeric, you have to add a tiny bit of black pepper. The main ingredient in turmeric—curcumin is where all the incredible benefits lie. It has powerful inflammatory effects and is a very strong antioxidant. OK, so where does black pepper come in? Whelp, black pepper’s main ingredient–piperine actually helps the body to absorb curcumin (by large increases) which gives us the full effect of health benefits at work.
What Does This Golden Chai Latte Taste Like?
- DELICIOUS
- Chai-infused + a little warming spice from the ginger
- Warm + creamy
- Sweet from the maple
- Like a big cozy golden hug!
Tips for Making Golden Milk Turmeric Latte
- Go for a creamy plant-based milk to level up the latte's creaminess. Almond milk is ok, but for that extra yum, I'd pick something else. Oat milk is my top pick, coconut milk would also go beautifully with the flavors of this golden milk tea and is super creamy!
- For those new to turmeric, start slowly. The recipe suggests 1 teaspoon, but if you're new to turmeric, you couldn't even start with ½ teaspoon. Turmeric's got a bold taste, so give your taste buds a heads up.
- Tailor the sweetness to your liking by adjusting the amount of maple syrup.
Ways to Add Turmeric in Your Diet
Adding more turmeric into your diet is much simpler than you think, especially since there are various recipes that I’ve shared that incorporate this ingredient. In general, you can easily add turmeric to:
- Smoothies
- Soups like this Creamy Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Chickpea Soup
- Lattes
- Teas aka Golden milk tea!
- Golden milk
- Scrambled eggs
- Baked goods (i.e. muffins, cakes, donuts, etc.)
- Rice-- Try adding it to basmati rice for a pop of color!
- Vegetables
- Pancakes/Waffles
- Health shots! They are such a great way to start your day-- hello Detox Green Tea Shot
- Ice cubes. You have to try out my Citrus Ginger Turmeric Ice Cubes
What Plant-Based Milks Are Good For Golden Chai Lattes?
My go-to plant-based brand for this golden milk tea is Oat milk or plant-based milk when using store-bought is Ripple or Oatly. However, you can always use your fave or one of the following: Almond, coconut milk, homemade oat milk (froths/foams VERY WELL), homemade cashew milk, flax milk, potato milk, quinoa milk, etc.
How To Make Extra Frothy Milk Without A Frother?
If you're craving a super frothy Turmeric Latte, the go-to is, of course, a frother. However, I get it, not everyone has one. So, here are a few tricks to whip up froth without the need for a frother:
Shake It up---Pour your hot milk into a lidded container and give it a good shake. This DIY method creates surprisingly decent froth.
Whisk it----Grab a whisk and vigorously whisk your hot milk until it starts to froth. It's a classic, effective move.
Pour it---Pour your hot milk back and forth between two containers. This simple trick can generate froth!
Press + plunge---If you have a French press, plunge it up and down in the hot milk. This method works wonders for creating froth.
Blend it: If you're feeling adventurous, use a blender on low speed. Just be cautious with hot liquids and start slow.
Remember, safety first, especially with hot liquids. Enjoy that frothy goodness!
Topping Ideas For Golden Chai Latte
Enjoy this golden milk tea just as it is, but if you're feeling a bit extra, here are my fave toppings!
- Coconut whipped cream
- Vegan festive sprinkles
- Crushed cookies
- Vegan caramel sauce, drizzled on top!
- Cinnamon sprinkled on top.
- Toasted coconut
Golden Chai Latte Q + A's
Yup. While I enjoy the slow and true cooking method of using my stovetop, you can make this Golden milk tea with your blender. Some high-tech blenders like the Vitamix have a heating mode which allows you to blend and warm at the same time, which is one way to do it. Of course, if you’re like me, then using your stovetop is just as easy.
Absolutely! The Golden Chai Latte is versatile. Enjoy it hot for a comforting sip during chilly days or iced for a refreshing twist in warmer weather. Simply let it cool, add ice cubes, and voilà!
Yes, it's normal for turmeric to settle over time in this Golden milk tea! Simply give your latte a good stir or shake before reheating to evenly distribute the spices.
Absolutely! If you're craving an extra kick, pull a shot of espresso and add it to your golden chai latte. It's a game-changer for those needing an extra dose of energy.
Absolutely! If you're aiming for a caffeine-free version of your Golden milk tea, feel free to skip the teabag step.
More Cozy Homemade Sips
If you loved this Turmeric Chai Latte recipe, be sure to try these mouthwateringly good drink recipes next!
- Brown Butter Maple Cookie Latte
- Dairy-Free Pumpkin Spice Latte
- Iced Vanilla Latte with Quinoa Milk
- Iced Caramel Latte [with Coffee Ice Cubes]
- Creamy Homemade Caramel Hot Chocolate
MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
If you tried this Golden Chai Latte recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea! I love hearing from you!
Golden Chai Latte
Ingredients
LATTE:
- 2 cups oat milk (You can use your fave plant-based milk)
- 3-4 black tea bags, premium (Reduce the amount of tea bags based on desired strength/taste level)
- 4 Tbsps pure maple syrup (See Notes!)
- 2 tsps vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 2 pinches of black pepper
CHAI SPICE BLEND:
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- ½ teaspoon cardamom
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
OPTIONAL TOPPINGS:
- Coconut whipped cream
- Vegan festive sprinkles
- Crushed cookies
- Vegan caramel sauce, drizzle
Instructions
TO MAKE THE LATTE:
- In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, add the milk and bring to a boil for 1-2 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and add the tea bags and allow everything to simmer, for about 3-4 minutes. Remove the milk from heat and add tea bags and let them steep for a few minutes (about 2-3 minutes).
- Once fully steeped, remove tea bags and whisk in the chai spice blend, turmeric, vanilla, and maple syrup, until combined.
SERVE LATTE:
- To serve, in your favorite mug(s), pour in the turmeric-chai mixture and top with your favorite toppings.
- Sip and enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
- SWEETENER: You can always use maple syrup, Agave, organic cane sugar, or organic brown sugar as a sweetener.
- LATTE: Best when consumed once prepared. Not recommended to be stored.
- IS THERE OTHER METHODS TO MAKING THIS? Yup. While I enjoy the slow and true cooking method of using my stovetop, you can make this latte within your blender. Some high-tech blenders like the Vitamix has a heating mode which allows you to blend and warm at the same time, which is one way to do it. Of course, if you’re like me, then using your stovetop is just as easy.
- WHAT PLANT-BASED MILKS ARE GOOD FOR THIS RECIPE? My go-to plant-based brand for Oat milk or plant-based milk when using store-bought is Ripple. However, you can always use your fave or one of the following: Almond, coconut milk, homemade oat milk (froths/foams VERY WELL), homemade cashew milk, flax milk, potato milk, quinoa milk, etc.
- TEA BAG: You can also use a chai tea bag blend instead if preferred.
Nutrition
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I was on a chai tea latte kick for awhile at Starbuck's too. But try to stick mostly to the regular coffees there...making this at home is a nice affordable alternative! I like the addition of the turmeric.
Thanks for sharing! This recipe is a great wind down beverage.
I make a latte every morning, and I'm always up for spicing it up. This recipe is so nice, I love the addition of turmeric. I will definitely be making it again!
What a great post! I knew that turmeric had great nutritional properties but I didn't know that pepper was important in this process! Thank you for the info and tasty drink!
Thanks for the useful info. I never knew that I need to add black pepper to get the benefit of turmeric. 🙂