Golden milk spice mix

Name: Golden Spice Mix (for Golden Milk and Lattes)
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons turmeric powder; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; ¼ teaspoon ground cloves; ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom

A small glass jar of golden spice mix on a round wooden dish with a spoon resting on the side.

About this recipe

This golden spice mix is the blend I always keep in my pantry for making golden milk, golden lattes and turmeric smoothies. It is made with turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, black pepper, cloves and cardamom. You mix everything together in 5 minutes and it stores in a jar for months. It is one of those things that once you make it, you wonder how you lived without it.

I use it almost every day, either in my morning latte or stirred into oatmeal. The smell alone makes it worth having around.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Ready in 5 minutes: Just measure, mix and store. That is it.
Lasts for months: Make one batch and use it daily for weeks.
Incredibly versatile: Golden milk, lattes, smoothies, oatmeal, rice, salad dressings and more.
Packed with benefits: Anti inflammatory, antioxidant rich and great for digestion.
Smells amazing: Your kitchen will smell incredible every time you open the jar.

What goes in the golden spice mix

Individual spices for golden milk mix: turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, black pepper and nutmeg in small white dishes.

Turmeric: The star of the blend. Loaded with curcumin, known for its anti inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Black pepper: Contains piperine, which boosts the absorption of curcumin by up to 2000%. This is essential.
Ginger: Warming and great for digestion and immune support.
Cinnamon: Naturally sweet and can help regulate blood sugar levels.
Cloves: Add warmth and depth to the blend.
Cardamom: Adds a subtle floral aroma that rounds everything out.

How to make golden spice mix

Measure the spices: Add all the ground spices to a small bowl.
Mix well: Stir until everything is evenly combined. You should see a golden color with specks of the other spices.
Store: Transfer to a small airtight jar. Keep in a cool, dark place for up to 3 months.

That is it. Use ½ to 1 teaspoon per serving depending on how strong you like it.

Golden spice mix in a glass jar on a wooden dish with a spoon.

How to use the golden spice mix

Classic golden milk: Warm a glass of almond milk or any plant milk, stir in 1 teaspoon of the mix and sweeten with maple syrup if you like.
Golden latte: Add 1 teaspoon to your coffee with plant milk and coconut oil. Blend for a frothy, creamy drink.
Smoothies: Add 1 teaspoon to your favorite smoothie. It pairs well with banana, mango, pineapple and spinach.
Oatmeal: Stir ½ to 1 teaspoon into hot oatmeal or porridge for a warming breakfast.
Rice and grains: Add 1 teaspoon to the cooking water when making rice, quinoa or couscous for a golden color and subtle flavor.
Salad dressing: Mix ½ teaspoon into olive oil and lemon juice for a simple vinaigrette with an anti inflammatory boost.

A white light bulb icon with rays radiating from it, symbolizing an idea or innovation—like the inspiration behind a delicious lentil mushroom ragu—is centered on a solid black circular background.

Home Cook Tips

Use ground spices, not whole. This mix works best with pre ground spices so everything blends evenly.
Do not skip the black pepper. Without it, your body cannot absorb the curcumin in turmeric properly. It makes a huge difference.
Make a big batch. Double or triple the recipe so you always have some ready. It stores perfectly for months.
Label the jar with the date. Even though it lasts 3 months, labeling helps you remember when you made it.
Turmeric stains. Be careful with countertops and light colored cloths. It stains everything yellow.

How to store

Keep the golden spice mix in an airtight glass jar in a cool, dark place (your spice cabinet works perfectly). It stays fresh for up to 3 months. Avoid storing it near heat or sunlight, which can reduce the potency of the turmeric over time.

Frequently asked questions

How long does golden spice mix last?

Stored in an airtight jar in a cool, dark place, it lasts up to 3 months. The flavor and potency will gradually decrease after that.

Can I use fresh turmeric instead of ground?

This recipe is designed for ground spices so they blend evenly. If you want to use fresh turmeric, grate it finely, but note that the mix will not store as long and you may need to keep it in the fridge.

Why is black pepper important?

Black pepper contains piperine, which helps your body absorb curcumin (the active compound in turmeric) up to 2000 times better. Without it, most of the curcumin passes through your system unused.

Can I add other spices?

Yes. Nutmeg, allspice or a pinch of cayenne pepper all work well. Start with small amounts and adjust to your taste.

Is this the same as curry powder?

No. Golden spice mix is milder and sweeter than curry powder. It is designed for drinks and sweet applications like oatmeal and smoothies, while curry powder is savory and meant for cooking.

Can I buy golden spice mix pre made?

Yes, some stores sell turmeric latte blends. However, making your own lets you control the quality and ratio of spices, and it is much cheaper.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

A small glass jar filled with a vibrant spice mix, possibly golden milk powder, sits on a round wooden dish. A spoon dusted with yellow spice rests on the edge. The plain gray background gives a simple and clean look.

Golden Spice Mix (for Golden Milk and Lattes)

Alejandra Graf

This golden spice mix is the blend I always have in my pantry for making golden milk, golden lattes and turmeric smoothies. It is made with turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, black pepper, cloves and cardamom. You mix everything together in 5 minutes and store it in a jar for months. Use it in warm milk, coffee, oatmeal, smoothies or even rice for a boost of flavor and anti inflammatory benefits.

No ratings yet

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 0

Total Time 5

Course ingredient

Cuisine indian inspired

Equipment

measuring spoons
Small airtight jar

Ingredients

2 teaspoons turmeric powder
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon ground cardamom

Instructions

Measure all the spices. Add the turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, black pepper, cloves and cardamom to a small bowl.
Mix well. Stir until everything is evenly combined. You should see a golden color with specks of the darker spices.
Transfer to a jar. Store in a small airtight glass jar in a cool, dark place.

Notes

Double or triple the recipe so you always have some ready. It stores perfectly for up to 3 months.
Use ½ to 1 teaspoon per serving depending on how strong you like it.
Do not skip the black pepper. It helps your body absorb curcumin up to 2000 times better.
Use ground spices (not whole) so everything blends evenly.
Be careful with turmeric. It stains countertops, cloths and fingers yellow.

Keyword golden spice milk

Save 2 SlickStream

information

Nutritional information of this recipe is only an estimate, the accuracy for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

Did you make this recipe?Tag @piloncilloyvainilla on Instagram and hashtag it #alecooks so we can all see your creations.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Alejandra Graf

Hi, I’m Ale Graf!

I’m a Mexican home cook based in Texas and the voice behind AleCooks and Piloncillo & Vainilla.

I create easy, family-friendly recipes with Mexican roots and a plant-forward mindset—always flexible and made to bring people together. I’m also the co-author of Yo Cocino Latino and love helping home cooks feel more confident in the kitchen.

Come say hi on Instagram—I’d love to hear what you’re cooking.