Comforting Golden Milk Latte
We woke up to -24°F this morning. Contrary to what most people probably imagine when the temps are that low, it was a stunningly beautiful day. I witnessed something called a “sun dog” and it looks like a rainbow surrounding the sun. A sun dog occurs when the temperatures are low enough to refract light off of ice crystals in the air. HOW COOL IS THAT? I love it.
Ironically, one of the reasons I love winter is because it gives me an excuse to cozy up with a warm beverage, a soft blanket, and a good book/show/music. I really like being cozy. It is my favorite state of being.
I don’t know about the rest of you, but the last week or so has felt like a lot. The post- holiday feels are always tricky to manage, but I also think pandemic things are a major cause of stress and anxiety for a lot of people out there, especially our healthcare workers. So, when a friend of mine from my Luther College days asked if I would pop into a virtual event and share a fun recipe with some nurse leaders who work for M Health Fairview, I leapt at the chance. In an effort to share something fun, beautiful, and soul soothing, I decided it was the perfect time to share my Golden Milk Latte .
I sent everyone in the group a small mason jar filled with the spices they’d need to make their own Golden Milk Latte at home. During the virtual event, I demonstrated how easy it is to make, offered some ways to mix it up (like adding espresso powder or even a splash of rum or bourbon for happy hour) and we chatted about self-care.
Why make a Golden Milk Latte?
There is a lot of info out there about the health benefits of Golden Milk, a tea made from Turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and black pepper (other spices can be added as well- my version is a bit simpler and paired down compared to some). Many of these spices are said to have anti-inflammatory properties, help with sleep, and more. I make these lattes a few times a week for just this reason. But what I really hope the nurses (and all of you) get out of this recipe is an excuse to enjoy the sensory process of making something for YOU. And when your latte is ready, I hope you sit down with a cozy blanket and a good book for at least 15 minutes. Sip…breathe…sip…breathe…
What are some variations of this Golden Milk Latte?
If you’re looking for a little caffeine kick, you can add a teaspoon of instant espresso or coffee powder. I mix it in at the same time as the rest of the spices. You can also use whatever milk you love. Just be sure to adjust the sweetener you’re using! Cow’s milk is naturally sweet already, so you may not need as much additional sweetener. Almond milk can sometimes taste a bit bitter, so you may want a bit more.
Our nurse friends were interested in hearing about how this could be transformed into a happy hour worthy cocktail. My suggestion is to add a splash of dark rum or bourbon! Add the liquor after the latte has been poured into your mug.
Golden Milk Latte Recipe
Makes enough spice mix for 2-3 lattes
Latte instructions are for a single serving.
2 teaspoons ground turmeric
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup milk of choice (stay away from sweetened nut or oat milks…unsweetened is easier when you are using it in a recipe like this so you can control the sweetness)
1 teaspoon maple syrup, honey, sugar, or brown sugar (start small- you can always add more!)
Optional add-ins: a touch of vanilla extract, a small spoonful of nut butter, collagen peptides, instant espresso/coffee, dark rum or bourbon)
Begin by mixing all the spices in a small jar. You can store this for a couple months, so feel free to make it in bulk so you always have it ready to go.
Heat 1 cup of milk in a small saucepan over medium low/low heat. Taking care not to let the milk come to a boil, heat the milk, whisking frequently. Once you start to see a layer of foam on top of the milk, you are ready to add your spices. Reduce the heat slightly at this point.
Whisk 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons of the spice mix into the milk. Heat, whisking constantly, for about 30 seconds. Add your sweetener of choice and heat again, still whisking, until dissolved. (If you are using vanilla, add it here as well).
Carefully pour your latte into your favorite mug. Top with additional frothed milk if you have a milk frother available to you, and enjoy! (This is also when you could add a splash of rum or bourbon).
