Cashew Golden Milk Latte

Indulge in the warm, soothing comfort of a Cashew Golden Milk Latte. This vibrant, golden beverage is not only rich in flavor but also packed with anti-inflammatory and health-boosting properties thanks to its blend of turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon. The creamy base of cashew milk adds a delicious nuttiness, making it the perfect drink to enjoy any time of day – whether hot or iced.

Easy to prepare and delightful to sip, this latte is a wonderful way to nourish your body and soul. The natural sweetness from honey pairs beautifully with the warming spices, creating a balanced and flavorful drink. It’s the perfect addition to your morning routine, a relaxing afternoon treat, or a calming evening wind-down.

Full Recipe:

1 cup cashews (roasted or raw, unsoaked – straight out of the package)

6 cups water
2 teaspoons ground turmeric
2 teaspoons cinnamon

1 2-inch knob fresh peeled ginger (or 2 tablespoons ginger paste)
1/4 cup honey
Generous pinch of salt

Directions:

Blend the cashews and the water in a high-powered blender until very smooth (at least 1-2 minutes).
Add the turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, honey, and salt. Blend again until well combined. Taste and adjust flavors if needed.

Serve warm or cold! Shake well before serving if refrigerated.

Notes:

The golden milk latte may separate naturally, so store it in jars with lids to shake before drinking.

Keeps well in the fridge for about 5 days.
If your blender is small, blend with half the water, then add the remaining water once the mixture is smooth.
A “gritty” residue of cinnamon and ginger may settle at the bottom of the cup, which is normal.

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes
Kcal: Approx. 100 kcal per cup | Servings: About 6 servings

Origins & Inspiration

The Golden Milk Latte (also known as “Haldi Doodh” in India) has roots in Ayurvedic traditions, where turmeric milk has been used for centuries as a healing drink to boost immunity and promote overall well-being. This cashew-based twist on the classic golden milk latte maintains the warm, comforting flavors of turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon but adds a luxurious creaminess through blended cashews. It’s a modern take on an ancient beverage, perfect for anyone looking to enjoy the health benefits of turmeric in a new, plant-based way.

Health Benefits

This Cashew Golden Milk Latte is packed with ingredients that offer numerous health benefits:

Turmeric: The star ingredient, turmeric, contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It’s known to aid digestion, improve immunity, and reduce inflammation in the body.
Ginger: Fresh ginger gives a pleasant zing to the latte and has digestive benefits, promotes circulation, and boosts the immune system.
Cinnamon: Besides adding a cozy, sweet flavor, cinnamon is known to regulate blood sugar levels, improve metabolism, and support heart health.

Cashews: They contribute healthy fats, plant-based protein, and a creamy texture to the latte, making it filling and nutritious.
Honey: Natural honey not only sweetens the drink but also has antioxidant properties and adds a layer of immunity-boosting benefits.

Why Cashew Milk?

Cashew milk is an excellent choice for making a golden milk latte because of its creamy texture and neutral flavor. When blended, cashews transform into a smooth, rich liquid that carries the spices beautifully. Unlike some plant-based milks that can be watery or thin, cashew milk provides a velvety base that makes the latte feel indulgent while staying dairy-free.

Customizations & Tips

Sweetness Level: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey to suit your taste, or use a different sweetener like maple syrup, agave, or even a sugar-free alternative.
Single-Serve Option: If you’re making a single cup, you can reduce the quantities and blend just enough for one serving. This is a great way to enjoy the latte hot since it avoids reheating a larger batch.
Spice It Up: For an extra kick, add a pinch of black pepper or cardamom, which pairs well with the existing spices and can enhance the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric.

Serving Suggestions: The latte can be enjoyed both hot and cold. For a hot latte, warm up the mixture gently on the stove (but don’t let it boil, as it can thicken). For a refreshing iced version, pour it over ice and enjoy straight from the fridge.

How to Serve & Store

This latte is versatile and can be served in various ways. If you prefer a hot, comforting drink, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, but make sure to stir or shake it beforehand as it may separate slightly in the fridge. For a cold and refreshing option, serve it straight out of the refrigerator over ice. The latte keeps well in a sealed container for up to 5 days, making it perfect for meal prep or a quick, nourishing beverage on the go.

Pairings

The Cashew Golden Milk Latte pairs beautifully with light, subtly flavored snacks like:

Almond biscotti
Oatmeal cookies
Fresh fruit slices (apples, pears, or berries)

Granola bars

You can also use it as a base for smoothies – blend it with a banana, some oats, or a scoop of protein powder for a delicious, nutrient-packed breakfast smoothie.

Nutritional Information

While the calorie content per serving is about 100 kcal, the exact nutritional breakdown may vary based on serving size and the specific ingredients used. This drink is low in sugar, dairy-free, and full of healthy fats and protein from the cashews, making it a balanced and wholesome drink.

Cultural & Historical Context

Golden milk, or “Haldi Doodh,” has been a traditional drink in Indian households for centuries, often consumed before bed to promote relaxation and healing. Its resurgence in popularity in the West is part of a broader movement toward functional beverages — drinks that provide health benefits beyond just hydration. The combination of turmeric and milk has roots in Ayurvedic practices, where it is used as a remedy for colds, inflammation, digestive issues, and general immune support. This Cashew Golden Milk Latte is a modern twist that honors the roots of the traditional drink while making it accessible for vegan and dairy-free diets.

Functional & Holistic Health Benefits

The blend of spices in the Cashew Golden Milk Latte has holistic benefits that go beyond flavor:

Anti-Inflammatory Powerhouse: The combination of turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon creates a potent anti-inflammatory mix. Turmeric’s curcumin, activated by piperine (found in black pepper, which can be added optionally), has been studied for its effects on reducing inflammation in the body. This makes the latte perfect for those looking to support joint health or overall well-being.

Digestive Aid: Ginger and cinnamon are known for their digestive properties. Ginger can help with bloating and nausea, while cinnamon may support healthy metabolism and digestion.
Balancing and Grounding: The warm, earthy spices in the latte have a grounding effect, making this drink perfect for calming the mind and body. It’s a great addition to a wellness routine, such as yoga, meditation, or mindful moments throughout the day.

Cashew Milk as a Nutrient Boost

Cashews are a nutrient-dense food, providing:

Healthy Fats & Protein: Cashews are high in monounsaturated fats, similar to those found in olive oil, which are heart-healthy. They also contain a good amount of protein, making this latte a satisfying option that can curb hunger and provide energy.
Minerals & Vitamins: Cashews contain magnesium, which supports muscle function and sleep quality, as well as zinc and copper, which play roles in immune function and skin health.
Creaminess Without Dairy: Blending cashews with water creates a smooth, thick milk that is an ideal dairy substitute. It’s naturally slightly sweet and neutral in flavor, allowing the spices to shine without overpowering the drink.

Adapting the Recipe for Dietary Preferences

This recipe is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and refined-sugar-free, but here are some tweaks you can make based on dietary preferences:

Keto-Friendly Version: Replace honey with a low-carb sweetener like monk fruit or stevia to reduce carbs and make this latte suitable for a ketogenic diet.
Low-Sugar Option: You can reduce the amount of honey or leave it out entirely for a sugar-free option. The natural creaminess and flavor of the cashews make it delicious even without added sweetness.

Nut-Free Alternative: If cashews are not an option, the recipe can be adapted using other creamy plant-based milks, such as oat milk or coconut milk. Note that it will change the flavor and texture slightly, but it will still pair well with the turmeric and spices.

Flavor Variations to Try

You can switch up the flavor of the Cashew Golden Milk Latte by adding a few different spices or ingredients:

Vanilla & Cardamom: Add a splash of vanilla extract and a pinch of cardamom for a fragrant, chai-like twist.

Pumpkin Spice: Mix in a small amount of pumpkin pie spice for a cozy autumnal version.
Peppery Kick: Add a pinch of black pepper to enhance the absorption of curcumin from the turmeric, and give it a slightly spiced kick.

Creative Ways to Use the Latte

This versatile latte base can be used in many creative ways:

Smoothie Base: Blend the cold latte with fruits like banana, mango, or berries for a creamy, spiced smoothie.
Overnight Oats: Use the latte as a liquid base for soaking oats overnight, creating a delicious and nutritious breakfast.
Golden Milk Ice Pops: Freeze the latte mixture in ice pop molds to make refreshing turmeric popsicles — perfect for hot summer days!

Turmeric Hot Chocolate: For a cozy twist, add a spoonful of cacao or cocoa powder to the warm latte for a spiced golden milk hot chocolate.

Perfect Times to Enjoy the Latte

This Cashew Golden Milk Latte fits beautifully into any time of day:

Morning Ritual: Start your day with a warm mug of this golden latte to wake up your senses and provide a gentle energy boost.

Afternoon Pick-Me-Up: The caffeine-free blend makes it an ideal afternoon drink, giving you a boost of flavor and nourishment without the jitters from caffeine.
Evening Wind-Down: Sip it warm in the evening as a calming, bedtime drink to help relax and support a restful sleep.

How to Store and Prepare Ahead

Make-Ahead Convenience: Since the latte keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days, it’s a great drink to batch-prepare. You can store it in mason jars or any airtight container, shaking it up before each use to mix the spices and cashew milk.

On-the-Go Option: Store in a spill-proof bottle to take it with you for a nourishing drink on the way to work, yoga, or any daily activity.

Enhance Presentation

For a visually appealing touch when serving, consider adding a dusting of ground cinnamon or turmeric on top. You can also garnish with a few cashews or a thin slice of fresh ginger for a pretty presentation.

Interesting Fact

Did you know that turmeric, the main spice in the latte, has been studied for its potential to improve brain function and even help fight off depressive symptoms? A daily dose of this golden milk latte might just help lift your mood while nourishing your body.

Conclusion

The Cashew Golden Milk Latte is a versatile, nutritious, and delicious beverage that brings warmth and wellness to your daily routine. With its blend of anti-inflammatory spices, creamy cashew milk, and natural sweetness, it offers a comforting drink that’s both easy to prepare and customize. Whether enjoyed hot or cold, morning or night, this latte is perfect for anyone looking to add a nourishing, flavorful, and holistic treat to their diet. Give it a try, and experience the benefits and joy of this modern twist on a traditional Ayurvedic favorite!