This Turmeric Golden Butter Latte is the perfect warm drink for those cold winter months. With anti-inflammatory turmeric, ginger and blood sugar stabilizing fats this drink can get you through your morning without the extra jolt of caffeine.
Being from Washington, I have an affinity for coffee that most people won’t fully understand. Some people truly enjoy coffee. Others need coffee to function. I brew my baths with coffee grounds so that I can steep myself in the aromatic goodness of a full-bodied dark roast.
I drink from vats of coffee the size of my head. Our fridge dispenses cold brew instead of water. In normal physiology, humans are close to 65% water. The water that makes up most of my being is definitely mixed with espresso to make a rich, smooth Americano. I was once turned away from donating blood for this reason. It’s a condition the medical community still doesn’t fully understand.
Exaggerating? I may have embellished a little bit here and there, but not by much.
Here in Texas, coffee shops are few and far between. This is particularly true where we live, a small town called The Middle of Nowhere. We have a Starbucks, so there’s that.
In truth, I am not a coffee snob by any means. I have been known to drink instant coffee, and gas station coffee, and to lap up coffee off the floor a few desperate times. Truth be told, I am more of a coffee purist. I like my coffee like I like my men - strong and not very sweet. My husband is living proof of that (only partly kidding).
Here people enjoy their sugar with a dash of coffee, over ice. In their defense, summer down here is hotter than Satan’s naughty bits which can make a hot cup of joe a little less appealing.
Reducing Caffeine Consumption
Longing for options and variety, I have found myself venturing away from my morning gallon of Joe as of late. You see, I am not particularly sensitive to caffeine. By that, I mean that I can mainline espresso at 9:45 PM and be in bed by 10:00 PM.
With the volume of coffee I have been drinking since my early 20’s, I decided taper down my caffeine consumption a bit. Although caffeine in moderation appears to be totally fine, even healthy, moderation has never really been my strong suit.
Lately, I have transitioned to drinking more matcha and taking L-theanine in the mornings, and feel pretty fantastic doing this. It allows me sustained energy and focus throughout my day, and helps to prevent my adrenal glands from shriveling up and sloughing off entirely.
My newest morning swap has been introducing a sweet and spicy golden latte. I generally don’t eat breakfast in the morning, and this golden butter latte is exactly what I need to stabilize my blood sugar and keep my hunger at bay until my first meal at noon.
Of course, I am all about intuitive eating and honoring hunger signals, so if I feel like having a meal in the AM or just want to post-up in front of some Parks and Rec with a jar of peanut butter to procrastinate initiating my work day, well, then that’s exactly what I do. But, on most days a creamy turmeric latte is all that I need to get me through those early hours.
Benefits Of This Turmeric Butter Latte
Curcumin
Curcumin is the compound that gives turmeric it's bright yellow color and potent antioxidant effect.
When I was running 40+ miles a week and my body was showing it's disdain for my poor life decisions by making my joints ache with a fiery fury, I would take several turmeric capsules to ease the pain without using NSAID's as a daily crutch.
Today I like knowing that I am aiding my body by incorporating a daily dose of curcumin to help reduce systemic inflammation that can occur from environmental and lifestyle stressors.
Curcumin is absorbed better when it is consumed with black pepper which is also in this recipe (1). It is also important to note that curcumin is fat soluble, making it an appropriate pair with a butter latte.
Grass-Fed Butter
The beauty of grass-fed butter is that it is extremely nutrient rich compared to most other fat sources. Grass-fed butter can add things like CLA, and vitamins D, E, A and K to your diet. This is all while helping to stabilize blood sugar and supply slow burning energy.
Additionally, grass fed butter has 26% more omega-3 fatty acids than regular butter (2). This can be another lever to reduce inflammation.
Ginger
We all know ginger as tried and true stomach soother, but it can help with digestion in many ways. Ginger cans stimulate both saliva and bile production to support digestion. This is particularly important in the morning in order to get your digestion back online after fasting. It also helps clear any gastric residuals (common with gastroparesis or delayed gastric emptying) before you begin a meal.
Antioxidants
Because this low carb golden milk latte is rich in spices it is also loaded with antioxidants.
Everyone knows antioxidants are beneficial, but most people don't understand that the body requires a certain balance between antioxidants and free radicals in order to prevent oxidative stress. Oxidative stress contributes to the development of most chronic disease. Spices are some of the best sources of antioxidants, and this beverage is packed full of them.
Equipment Needed
This recipe does not require a lot of equipment. You will need something a way to heat up the almond milk like a microwave or a sauce pan on the stove.
Additionally, you will need a bullet blender or an immersion blender. If using an immersion blender you will need to transfer the liquid into a larger container before blending to prevent it from splashing over.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Unsweetened Almond Milk - Any milk or milk alternative will work in this recipe.
- Grass-fed Butter - Coconut oil or MCT oil can be used but grass-fed butter is the preferred ingredient because it really makes this drink taste phenomenal.
- Liquid Stevia - You could use your favorite low carb sweetener here. If you are not low carb you could swap honey, maple syrup or coconut sugar. Adjust each sweetener to taste. Liquid sweeteners will blend better.
- Cayenne Pepper - If you are sensitive to spice you can omit this ingredient.
Related Recipes
📖 Recipe
Turmeric Golden Butter Latte
Equipment
- Bullet blender
Ingredients
- 2 cup Unsweetened almond milk Or coconut milk
- ½ - 1 tbsp Grass-fed butter
- ½ - 1 tsp Ground turmeric
- ½ tsp Ground ginger
- ¼ tsp Ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp Pure vanilla extract
- ½ tsp Liquid stevia (or to taste) Coconut sugar or maple syrup can be used instead
- 1 dash Black pepper
- 1 dash Pink Himalayan salt
- 1-2 dash Cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Begin by heating the almond milk on the stove or in the microwave. If using the stove heat to light a light boil. If microwaving, 3 minutes in a glass cup usually will do the trick but this may vary based on your microwave wattage.
- Once milk has been heated, pour into a bullet blender. Add butter, spices and vanilla. Pulse until it is frothy and butter is emulsified. Pulse a little longer to ensure spices are well distributed throughout the liquid.
Notes
Nutrition
Elaine Totlenben says
So creamy! Can I put it in the fridge after I blend everything and make it into an ice latte?
foodbornewellness.com says
You could do that but the butter will solidify.
Emily says
First golden latte recipe I found that doesnt need fancy equipment. Thanks!