Learn all about golden moon milk, how to make it, and why it may help you relax into a better night sleep!
With the cold season kicking in, there’s nothing better than sipping on a nourishing hot cup of golden milk to help me feel better, and it seems to help me sleep better too.
I've always struggled a bit with insomnia, but since becoming a mum last year, it has been pretty tough to get a good night rest.
So, I've started incorporating a comforting cup of moon milk into my night-time routine, and it has been working like a charm to relax and send me off to sleep.
Just before prepping my cup, I switch off from everything, turn off my phone, tv, and laptop, and I can barely keep my eyes open within minutes after drinking it!
If you have never tried this delicious drink, you have been missing out a LOT.
Despite gaining huge popularity on Instagram over the past year, golden milk has been around for centuries.
What is golden milk?
Also called moon milk or haldi ka doodh (which means Turmeric milk), is an ancient drink that comes from a branch of Indian medicine known as Ayurveda.
Ayurvedic medicine believes golden milk is a relaxing drink due to the combination of its spices, herbs and other ingredients.
Why this drink may help you sleep better
Other than its delicious taste, according to Ayurvedic medicine, the golden moon milk ingredients may play an important role in relaxation.
Indian ginseng or Ashwagandha is a root that is reported to encourage relaxation in some research studies.
Add in the delicious addition of honey, nutmeg, pepper, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon and milk, and you get a comforting, yet spicy combination.
Ingredients and preparation
You don’t need any special equipment or hard-to-find ingredients (they're mostly available in ethnic supermarkets and/or organic products stores) to make this concoction at home.
Ready in just 10 minutes, all it takes to make it at home is a milk pot and less than 10 ingredients:
- whole fresh milk
- turmeric
- coconut oil (or ghee)
- honey
- ashwagandha
- nutmeg
- pepper
- ginger
- cinnamon
I like to warm the coconut oil in a milk pot first, then add all the spices to help bring out all their amazing aroma.
Then finally pour in milk and honey, and slowly warm the concoction for 5 minutes.
To help the absorption of all the nutrients, I recommend you don't skip on coconut oil and fresh whole milk.
How to customize your turmeric milk
There are plenty of ways to customize this easy moon milk recipe:
Make it super special and stir in your favourite honey (I often like to add an organic black peppered honey).
You may also infuse a vanilla pod in, top with dried hibiscus flowers, swap cinnamon with cardamom, or add both!
If you’re having a hard time switching off your brain after a long day, give this hot drink a try! You won't be disappointed.
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?
Please let me know how you liked it! Leave a comment below and share a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #thepetitecook! Looking at your pictures makes me always happy *and super hungry*!
Recipe
Golden Moon Milk
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon organic coconut oil, or ghee
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- ½ teaspoon ground ashwagandha
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- Pinch of ground nutmeg
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 300 ml fresh whole milk
- 1 teaspoon honey, (optional)
Instructions
- Heat a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add in coconut oil, followed by cinnamon, turmeric, ashwagandha, ginger, nutmeg and a generous pinch of freshly ground black pepper. Whisk to combine all the ingredients, and allow to warm up for one minute.
- Pour the milk into the saucepan and reduce heat to low. Cook, gently whisking to avoid lumps, until warmed through, about 5 minutes.
- Add honey (if using), divide among two mugs and serve straight away.
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Melissa says
Hi Andrea,
What is the best brand of ashgawandha?
Thank you!
Steph says
First time making this and trying it. Unfortunately i didnt have any ginger but was still delicious. Hug in a mug!!
Rebecca says
I've been making this golden moon milk for a while now, and works like a charm, thank you
Jenni says
I love adding turmeric to warm drinks and I keep seeing ashwagandha pop up as a great thing to add as well. These look tasty and would certainly help me sleep!
Michele says
I'm loving everything about your golden milk recipe. My son and my husband always have trouble falling asleep. This looks yummy and perfect for a good night's sleep!
Heather says
This is exactly what I need with the holiday season coming into play ... looks super easy and comforting and a recipe everyone needs to have on hand
Emily says
I really like like turmeric milk. This sounds delicious with the extra spices.
Jessica (Swanky Recipes) says
I'm excited to try this as I struggle to sleep some nights! I have everything on hand to make it this week, too. I can't believe I never heard of this and can't wait to get a good sleep!
lauren says
My mom has had a lot of trouble sleeping lately, I'm going to make this for her! Beside relaxing, the flavors in this drink sound very pleasing!
Andrea says
What a lovely thing to do for your mum! I'm sure she's going to love this delicious concoction!
Natalie says
Golden milk was my nighttime routine for long time. Then I took little break during sommer. But now you remind me how good golden milk is. And so healthy. I'm gonna give your golden moon milk a try.
jessicamon5 says
I heard a lot about Golden Milk but I've never had the chance to try it. This recipe looks absolutely delicious, I can already smell all those spices in the warm milk. I didn't know that it would help sleep better, I'll definitely try it soon!
Andrea says
Thank you! Those spices easily bring this drink to the next level! I hope you give it a try soon 🙂
Daniela says
I LOVE golden milk tea. I have a cup anytime I feel a cold coming, and I immediately feel better. Great recipe!
Andrea says
YAY for golden milk!
Sherri says
I've never had golden moon milk before, but this came at the right time! I have been having so much trouble sleeping lately, I need something like this! It looks so pretty too! Can't wait to give it a try! 🙂
Celebrating Sweets says
I can't wait to try this! I love the idea of infusing it with a vanilla bean - I'm definitely doing that!
Andrea says
The vanilla makes it even more scrumptious!
Michele says
Ive never heard of moon milk, but everything about it sounds delicious! Now to find the ashgawandha for the calming effect! --- I love trying such new things to me recipes!
Andrea says
I hope you give it a try soon Michele! If you have a hard time finding the ashgawandha, look up on Amazon, I got it there 😉
mamabearscookbook says
Wow what an excellent recipe! I have never heard of golden moon milk and now am very excited to give it a shot on these nights I can't turn my engine off. I love those spices, I bet they would be delicious when combined!
Andrea says
Thank you so much! Hope you try it, it really works for me 🙂