This warm, coconut milk-based latte focuses on the incredible anti-inflammatory benefits of turmeric. By including black pepper and high-quality healthy fats (like MCT oil or grass-fed butter), it maximizes your body's ability to absorb the turmeric. Plus, a touch of cinnamon and ginger adds a wonderful flavor while giving your body an extra warming boost. It’s absolutely perfect for your relaxing wind-down time before bed, or for giving your liver a little extra TLC after the busy holiday season.

About this recipe

A turmeric latte is a caffeine-free drink that uses the power of spices to warm your body from the inside out. We first tried making it when we were feeling chilly and a bit fatigued from all the holiday drinking over the New Year. It turned out to be much easier to drink than we imagined, and we absolutely loved it! It’s perfect for anyone looking to support their liver and reduce inflammation, those who want to avoid caffeine before bed, or anyone who is lactose intolerant and looking for a dairy-free milk alternative. You can easily adjust the sweetness to your liking, making it a comforting cup to enjoy both in the morning and at night.

Ingredients (Serves 2)

  • 1 cup organic coconut milk (approx. 200-240ml)
  • 1/2 cup water (approx. 100-120ml)
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
  • 1 tsp ginger powder (or 1 tsp grated ginger)
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla powder (or a dash of vanilla extract)
  • A pinch of black pepper (to enhance the absorption of turmeric)
  • 1/2 tsp MCT oil (or coconut oil)
  • Grass-fed butter (or ghee) 1/2 tsp (optional for vegans)
  • 1 tsp gelatin (softened in 2-3 tsp water) *For vegans, see below
  • Sweetener (Lakanto, honey, maple syrup, etc.), to taste

Instructions

  1. Soak the gelatin in 2-3 teaspoons of water and set it aside to soften. (If you're vegan, you can substitute 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of agar powder for the gelatin, or simply leave it out.)
  2. Pour the coconut milk and water into a small saucepan, then add the turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, vanilla, and black pepper. Warm it slowly over medium-low heat (the key here is to make sure you don't let it boil).
  3. Once it's warm, turn down the heat, add the softened gelatin, and stir well to dissolve. Next, add the grass-fed butter and MCT oil, and mix with a wooden spoon until everything is completely melted.
  4. Once everything is well combined, turn off the heat and use a hand blender or a regular blender to blend for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until smooth. When I tried making it myself, I found that this blending step really enhanced the frothiness and aroma!
  5. Add sweetener to your liking, then pour it into a cup. Sprinkle with a little cinnamon to finish, and it's ready! It is also delicious chilled as an iced drink.

Nutrition & Health Benefits

Curcumin, found in turmeric, is well-known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It can be a wonderful aid in managing chronic inflammation and supporting healthy liver function. However, because curcumin on its own is quite difficult for our bodies to absorb, pairing it with piperine (found in black pepper) or healthy fats (like MCT oil or butter) will significantly boost its absorption rate. Cinnamon does a beautiful job of gently moderating sudden spikes in blood sugar, while ginger helps stimulate digestion and encourages a healthy sweat—making them both perfect natural remedies for winter chills and indigestion. Coconut milk is also a fantastic addition, as it is rich in medium-chain fatty acids and leaves you feeling wonderfully satisfied. Just a quick note of caution: if you are currently taking anticoagulant medications (blood thinners) or are pregnant, please be sure to consult with your doctor before consuming these ingredients.

Tips for Variations

  • For vegans: Instead of gelatin, you can make this using only agar powder and coconut milk, or by using a plant-based emulsifier (such as aquafaba).
  • **Protein Boost:** Add 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of vanilla protein powder to make it a breakfast substitute.
  • **Sweetener options:** We recommend Lakanto, honey (be careful not to let the temperature get too high), or maple syrup.
  • **Seasonal twist:** Add a dash of pumpkin spice for a cozy autumn and winter vibe. It's also delicious served iced, or poured over tapioca or oatmeal!
  • **Storage:** Keeps in the fridge for about 2 days. When reheating, warm it gently over low heat to prevent burning. Giving it another blend or stir will make it nice and smooth again.

Summary

A turmeric latte is a wonderful drink that lets you easily incorporate turmeric, which is known for its promising anti-inflammatory benefits. When we actually tried making it ourselves, we found it to be much milder and easier to drink than expected—making it the perfect cup for relaxing at night. Adding black pepper and healthy fats will help boost its effectiveness, but feel free to adjust the sweetness and ingredients to suit your own taste. It’s incredibly easy to make and warms you right up from the inside, so please give it a try!